https://www.newyorker.com/books/flash-fiction/the-wife-on-ambien
As someone who takes Ambien, I can attest to some unusual things that happen under the influence. Although usually it's Amazon orders that I remember considering but not ordering. For instance, I considered making my NYT subscription digital rather than print and apparently I did do that because no paper was here today but a change in billing email was. Also I sometimes find cracker crumbs on my chest in the morning. I also have had deliveries of clothing in the wrong size so I am not as careful under Ambien.
A bit worrisome. I have been advised to powder the hall in front of my door to make sure I don't leave the apartment at night. As a child I walked in my sleep so it may not be the Ambien at all.
Fun story anyway.
12 comments:
I could imagine that it could be odd, even unsettling, to find out the next morning that you've done things you don't remember, Patti. From what I know (I don't take Ambien myself), you're not the only one who's had those experiences.
Indeed, yikes. How does the powdering retard the unconscious behavior? Are alternatives to Ambien effective?
I have a variety of necessary tasks today, but hope to have a SSW entry finished soon. Koff.
Piet Nel has a good set of reviews up at this site/post: https://www.blackgate.com/2025/08/31/the-best-short-sf-the-magazine-of-fantasy-science-fiction
Ah...the powder more a detection device for possible night strolls. Still, yikes, indeed.
That's it, Todd.
I've heard other similar Ambien stories. I have always been a good sleeper, so never needed it.
Late today, as I had my right eye cataract done yesterday and had to be downtown this morning at 8:15 to have it checked. I'm OK, apparently, but need to go back in six weeks to get it checked and see if I need a new prescription, as I have astigmatism in the right eye.
Lee Goldberg's CROWN VIC consists of two novellas ("Ray Boyd Isn't Stupid" and "Occasional Risk") about tough ex-con Ray Boyd. Goldberg starts with a POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE scenario, throws in plenty of sex, then turns everything upside down. The second story features a femme fatale at a rundown motel in Arizona. Both are outrageous and sometimes crude, but fun page turners. Then Goldberg wrote CROWN VIC 2: IF I WERE A RICH MAN. I think he wrote it for his brother Tod's anthology, EIGHT VERY BAD NIGHTS, a collection of Hannukah Noir. This one involves jewels still outstanding from a previous robbery, with Ray trying to get his hands on them. If you like Goldberg - and who doesn't? - you should check these out.
I have one up this week. Didn't have a chance to pop in here this morning. https://casualdebris.blogspot.com/2025/09/invasion-of-robots-by-roger-elwood.html
Except for the new cat's bad influence, I am sleeping much better in the last few years than I ever had. I hope that continues. I have to go to bed late and wake up late though. And I always wake up groggy.
The story sounds good ... I will read it soon.
Nobody likely to be later in me in getting squared away, but mine's up, too, along with Frank and Tracy.
Todd, that is a good set of reviews, with links to read the stories. I wish I could remember to check out the Black Gate site more often.
Jeff, I am glad to hear that your cataract surgeries have both gone well.
Thanks, Tracy!
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