In honor of Mr. Baldwin’s 100th birthday, I decided to read this short-story collection. It was the only short fiction, that he had published, which iIn honor of Mr. Baldwin’s 100th birthday, I decided to read this short-story collection. It was the only short fiction, that he had published, which is a shame because he was a master of the form. Several of these stories take place in France, where Baldwin and many other blacks fled to in the 40s and 50s, to escape the racism in the US. I highly recommend this collection. ...more
The primary focus of this collection, deals with loss, due to cancer, suicide or divorce, but the author handles it with such deft kindness and love. The primary focus of this collection, deals with loss, due to cancer, suicide or divorce, but the author handles it with such deft kindness and love. The reader can’t help being immersed in these tales and cheering these grief-stricken people forward. I will be seeking out more of this author’s work. ...more
I love short stories and I love discovering new authors, so this story collection was an absolute treat. A nice mix, of horror, science fiction and dyI love short stories and I love discovering new authors, so this story collection was an absolute treat. A nice mix, of horror, science fiction and dystopia, with several stories set in and around Graceland, FL, a mysterious and magical place. I will be reading more of her work. ...more
You can tell Richard is a fan of southern gothic and that he has some Faulkner and Flannery O’ Connor blood coursing through his veins. This is pitch-You can tell Richard is a fan of southern gothic and that he has some Faulkner and Flannery O’ Connor blood coursing through his veins. This is pitch-black, hillbilly noir, presented in eleven twisted stories, focusing mainly on outcasts and the downtrodden. There are some stand out tales to be found here but my favorite has to be “The Birds For Christmas”, which feature 2 young boys stuck in a hospital for the holidays, begging the nurses to let them watch Hitchcock’s The Birds, on Christmas Eve. Of course, these stories and Richard’s style of writing my not be for everyone, but if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, give this one a shot....more
Towles has truly become one of my favorite authors and I was really looking forward to his first foray into short fiction. He did not disappoint. EachTowles has truly become one of my favorite authors and I was really looking forward to his first foray into short fiction. He did not disappoint. Each of the shorter, varied pieces hit their mark and the novella at the end, "Eve in Hollywood" was a perfect way to cap off this excellent collection. 4.5 stars. ...more
“...In any case I would rather suffer a slight discomfort than be complicit in the felling of old-growth trees in Canadian boreal forests merely in or“...In any case I would rather suffer a slight discomfort than be complicit in the felling of old-growth trees in Canadian boreal forests merely in order to enjoy virgin toilet paper that is softer and tears more neatly.”
I had not read Lydia Davis before but being a fan of short fiction, I wanted to give her a try. Her style is definitely not for everyone- most of the stories are just a few lines but her clever observations on everyday life, have an almost hypnotic draw to them. I think very few writers could pull this off and keep the reader engaged. That said, my interest began to flag in the final 3rd of the collection but I still came away satisfied. ...more
This collection of stories, takes a look at the lives of young women. Most of them are adrift, trying to find a foothold in the adult world and tryingThis collection of stories, takes a look at the lives of young women. Most of them are adrift, trying to find a foothold in the adult world and trying to shake off their youthful past. I really could not connect with most of these stories, possibly because I am a male reader or maybe it just wasn’t the right time to read this particular set of stories. ...more
I did not know what to expect from this collection of ten stories, because I was not familiar with this author. It turned out to be a nice surprise, sI did not know what to expect from this collection of ten stories, because I was not familiar with this author. It turned out to be a nice surprise, since Wideman is a strong and deeply introspective writer. He reminded me of James Baldwin. That said, he may not be for everyone. The stories, mainly set around his hometown of Pittsburgh, seem to be a reflection on his childhood and ancestry. Recommended. ...more
I have been a fan of TC Boyle for a number of years but had not read any of his short fiction. Now that I read this excellent collection, I can see whI have been a fan of TC Boyle for a number of years but had not read any of his short fiction. Now that I read this excellent collection, I can see what I have been missing. The guy kicks butt with the short fiction format. Many of the stories have environmental themes embedded in them and such a nice range too. 4.5 stars...more
I have been a fan of Ishiguro for many years and I had been curious how he would handle short fiction. Not surprising, he also does this well, but I tI have been a fan of Ishiguro for many years and I had been curious how he would handle short fiction. Not surprising, he also does this well, but I think the novel form is his best approach. These 5 loosely linked stories are mostly about individuals trying to find their place in the world and music plays a big part of these. Most of these main characters are musicians. Ishiguro seems to have deep understanding of music and how it is made. ...more
It is no surprise that I enjoy Native American literature and when I heard about this debut story collection, I knew I wanted to give it a try. It alsIt is no surprise that I enjoy Native American literature and when I heard about this debut story collection, I knew I wanted to give it a try. It also takes place in Maine, on a Penobscot reservation, a tribe I have not read much about. It is linked stories, following 2 different young characters, as they struggle with various challenges, living on the “rez”-abusive parents, drug and alcohol issues and joblessness. Not very pretty. This one didn’t quite reach the heights I expected but the writing is solid and Talty is an author to keep a close eye on. ...more
I have only read one collection by Millhauser, so it was nice to give this volume of selected stories a try. There are a few terrific gems in this colI have only read one collection by Millhauser, so it was nice to give this volume of selected stories a try. There are a few terrific gems in this collection, proving that Millhauser is one of the best at this form. Of course, there are a few that didn’t grab me but that is usually the case in such a lengthy book....more
I adore linked stories and this one is exceptional. These eleven stories follow Lucy O’Rourke, (Houston’s fictionalized alter-ego) as she travels acroI adore linked stories and this one is exceptional. These eleven stories follow Lucy O’Rourke, (Houston’s fictionalized alter-ego) as she travels across the county working as a photographer and finding her place in the world. She loves adventure and the outdoors- the river rafting story is exhilarating. There is also plenty of romance here, with plenty of ups and downs. I had bookmarked a couple of quotes and both fell out of my book, so take my word for it, she is a terrific writer. 4.5 stars...more
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I would stick with this story collection out, after the first 2 stories but I am glad I did. Several of them were incrediblHonestly, I wasn’t sure if I would stick with this story collection out, after the first 2 stories but I am glad I did. Several of them were incredible. What an incredibly deep and cerebral set of tales. Certainly not for every one but if you like challenging and rewarding stories, give this one a try. ...more