MAC'S AUTO PARTS by Dreamspinner
Reviewed by MERZ
http://www.thevalkyrie.com/stories/1misc11/mac.txt

Dreamspinner tells a coming of age story and tells it most 
effectively.  The plot involves Johnny Smith, a draft-age youth 
working in the store of the title before going off to college in 
the late 1960's.  The owner introduces Johnny to a regular 
customer, a cantankerous older woman named Ethel.  Ethel is 
impatient, opinionated, foul-mouthed and independent.  Johnny 
also learns she has been captivated by the notion of 
bodybuilding since visiting Muscle Beach over twenty years 
before.  She tells Johnny she has two secrets: she has "big 
muscles" and she knows that is a turn-on for some boys Johnny's 
age. The story continues with the proving of both these secrets, 
to Johnny's discomfort, delight and benefit.

Dreamspinner relates his tale in the third person.  His story 
moves along at a deliberate pace, building interest as Johnny 
spends time with Ethel in the course of the day.  The story 
climaxes, literally, with an erotic weight lifting session.  The 
characters are nicely drawn, the events plausible within the 
universe of these stories, the writing clear, effective and 
descriptive.  There is nothing cartoonish or science-fictional 
in MAC'S AUTO PARTS.  Dreamspinner's fascination with the idea 
of strong older women is portrayed nowhere more effectively than 
here.  No violence, some sex, a little profanity.  

Find the story in Miscellaneous Eleven
Five out of five.