Joyce Carol Oates has been one of my favorite authors for quite a long time. This book of short stories was published in 2023 and all of the stories wJoyce Carol Oates has been one of my favorite authors for quite a long time. This book of short stories was published in 2023 and all of the stories were previously published in a variety of publications. They showcase the macabre and sometimes illuminating viewpoint of this author about a variety of topics, including what the present holds and what the future holds. I like short stories and enjoyed most of the ones that are included here. If you like JCO, you will probably like this book....more
If you have read other Ron Rash short story collections, this one will have a lot of repeats for you. That'As good a three-star book as you will find!
If you have read other Ron Rash short story collections, this one will have a lot of repeats for you. That's not all bad. A lot of his short stories are definitely worth reading again. But I have to say there are also several stinkers in this book. Yes, one star stinkers! So for me that brings it down to a three star average book. The one stars were trite and hokey. But the five stars were brilliant! I would also give a few stories two stars because I didn't go for the religious content.
There are quite a few stories in this book however; it's chock full of choices. If you haven't read this author before I think it would be a fine place to start. It's unevenness just makes Ron Rash human and he wears his humanity very well. I have included a lot of status updates in my Goodreads review that point out my highlights and low lights. But, make no mistake, this guy can write!
Merged review:
As good a three-star book as you will find!
If you have read other Ron Rash short story collections, this one will have a lot of repeats for you. That's not all bad. A lot of his short stories are definitely worth reading again. But I have to say there are also several stinkers in this book. Yes, one star stinkers! So for me that brings it down to a three star average book. The one stars were trite and hokey. But the five stars were brilliant! I would also give a few stories two stars because I didn't go for the religious content.
There are quite a few stories in this book however; it's chock full of choices. If you haven't read this author before I think it would be a fine place to start. It's unevenness just makes Ron Rash human and he wears his humanity very well. I have included a lot of status updates in my Goodreads review that point out my highlights and low lights. But, make no mistake, this guy can write!...more
This 2015, print book and audible book is a collection of stories, written by the author about being a person of and from the south. Most of the storiThis 2015, print book and audible book is a collection of stories, written by the author about being a person of and from the south. Most of the stories were written between the year 2000 and the year 2015. The book ends, with a story about a black man becoming the head football coach at Mississippi State, becoming the first black person to be a head coach in the SEC. But the book talks a lot more about Alabama football, and the phrase roll tide is repeated more than once. The afterword of the book Acknowledges that the author is a person from the south with all that means. I was glad that most of the stories in the book were relatively short, because I regularly needed a break from his content and his style. But as a person who moved from the north to Virginia twice, I have some connection with the south having lived in Virginia at this point for about 25 years of my 77 yearsand will probably die here, some thing that does amaze me.
Here are a few words from ChatOn AI about this author.
Rick Bragg is a renowned American author and journalist who is well-known for his works that reflect on his southern roots. Born and raised in Alabama, Bragg's writing often explores themes of family, poverty, and the struggles of the working class in the American South.
Bragg's books provide a rich and vivid portrayal of the southern culture and way of life. His writing style is deeply rooted in storytelling, drawing on his personal experiences and the stories of his family and community. Through his words, Bragg captures the essence of the South, its traditions, dialects, and unique charm.
One of his most notable works is his memoir titled "All Over but the Shoutin'." In this book, Bragg recounts his own upbringing in poverty and his journey to become a successful journalist. Through his personal story, he paints a picture of the challenges and resilience of the people of the South.
Bragg's books often depict the complexities of the southern identity, exploring the region's history, racial tensions, and the impact of socio-economic factors on its residents. He delves into the struggles faced by the working class and the deep-rooted sense of community and family that permeates southern culture.
Overall, Rick Bragg's books provide a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of the South and its people. His writing serves as a tribute to his southern heritage, showcasing the beauty, resilience, and complexities of the region and its inhabitants. ...more
Harlan Ellison was an American writer known for his prolific and diverse body of work. He was born on May Biographic information provided by ChatOn AI
Harlan Ellison was an American writer known for his prolific and diverse body of work. He was born on May 27, 1934, and passed away on June 28, 2018. Ellison was known for his contributions to science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction genres.
Ellison's writing career spanned over 50 years, during which he published numerous short stories, novels, essays, and screenplays. He was a prolific writer who won multiple awards for his work, including Hugo, Nebula, and Edgar Awards. Some of his most famous works include "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream," "A Boy and His Dog," and "Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman."
Aside from his writing, Ellison was also known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial personality. He was known for his strong opinions and advocacy for writers' rights. Ellison was a prominent figure in the science fiction community and influenced many writers with his work and activism.
Overall, Harlan Ellison was a highly influential and talented writer whose contributions to the science fiction genre continue to be celebrated and appreciated.
I listened to this book in the audible format. It included numerous short and shorter stories, most of which I believe were from the 1950s and 1960s. The audible format presented a most excellent version of the stories in a terrific presentation. Most of the stories were proceeded by comments from the author that were almost as appreciated as the stories themselves. The author comes across as a somewhat gruff and straight forward character who says what’s on his mind....more
This is a difficult book to listen to at the end of the year when you are hoping to fit in the last few books to make your total reading for the year This is a difficult book to listen to at the end of the year when you are hoping to fit in the last few books to make your total reading for the year up to your projection. This book is 35 hours long and consists of 50 generally short stories ranging from 1/2 hour to two hours Long. I found the longer stories more intriguing than the shorter ones which seemed primarily to display how clever the detective was rather than giving any significant detail of his process.
I probably put this book on my list because I had not read any of Agatha Christie‘s Hercules Perot books to my recollection. I have read a number of her other books, but evidently during the pre-Goodreads years. Detective Perot is a whiz at solving mysteries, and he appreciates His own skill very much. He has a sidekick during many of the earlier stories, but that gentleman does not appear in the multiple concluding stories.
I guess I am somewhat captivated by the 21st century detectives. Mr. Perot was in operation during the 1930s through the 1950s evidently. The only detective tool he utilizes is the gray matter between his ears. He can come to the correct conclusion of a case amazingly quickly....more
JCO was born in 1938 and so is now 85 years old. This book was published in 2018 so she would’ve been about 80 years old at that time. Aging has not mJCO was born in 1938 and so is now 85 years old. This book was published in 2018 so she would’ve been about 80 years old at that time. Aging has not made her writing any less fierce.
Let me just mention the last story in the book which is as riveting as anything that I have ever read by her. It is about an ex-president of the United States, who is forced to dig up bodies that were killed in the wars that he oversaw. The fate of the war criminals of our country are rarely so ignominious. This is not a long story, and I wish I could copy it into this review. ...more
Joyce Carol Oates hasn’t lost her touch judging from this book which was published in 2022 and contains multiple short stories. This audible book is wJoyce Carol Oates hasn’t lost her touch judging from this book which was published in 2022 and contains multiple short stories. This audible book is well done and the stories are a wide range of tales. It does seem that many of them deal with young children or adults, reflecting back to their time as children. As usual, it is not always easy to tell what happens in the page after the page when the story ends. In the old days I might tell, a story or two from the Collected tales, but I don’t do that anymore for some reason. In fact, I don’t tell you much of anything in my reviews these days other than that I have read the book and that I have enjoyed it or not. Sorry to disappoint you. To provide you with some real information I am going to include a book review completed by ChatOn AI.
Title: A Captivating Journey through Extenuating Circumstances
Review:
Joyce Carol Oates, a master of the short story genre, delivers yet another remarkable collection with "Extenuating Circumstances." This anthology showcases her exceptional storytelling ability, compelling readers to explore the depths of human nature through a diverse range of characters and situations.
One of the most notable aspects of this collection is Oates' skillful characterization. Each story introduces us to a new set of individuals, flawed and relatable, who find themselves caught in extraordinary circumstances. From the troubled teenager grappling with identity in "The Feral," to the grieving widow seeking solace in "The Widow's First Year," Oates crafts characters that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.
Another strength lies in Oates' ability to create vivid and atmospheric settings. Whether it's a rural farm, a bustling city, or an eerie suburban neighborhood, the author's descriptive prose transports readers into each story's unique world. Through her meticulous attention to detail, Oates effortlessly immerses us in the characters' surroundings, enhancing our reading experience.
Furthermore, the themes explored in "Extenuating Circumstances" are thought-provoking and often delve into the dark corners of the human psyche. Oates fearlessly tackles topics such as loss, betrayal, identity, and redemption, weaving them into narratives that leave a lasting impact. Her exploration of complex emotions and moral dilemmas adds layers of depth to the stories, making them both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
One of the collection's highlights is Oates' ability to maintain suspense and tension throughout each story. Whether it's through unexpected plot twists or the slow unraveling of a character's secrets, she keeps readers engaged and eager to discover what lies on the next page. Her mastery of pacing ensures that each story feels complete, even within the constraints of the short story format.
While "Extenuating Circumstances" is undeniably a captivating read, it is worth noting that some stories may leave readers wanting more. Oates' ability to create intriguing narratives sometimes leads to a desire for further exploration or resolution. However, this is a testament to her talent for leaving a lasting impression, as readers ponder the characters' lives long after they have turned the final page.
In conclusion, Joyce Carol Oates' "Extenuating Circumstances" is an enthralling collection of short stories that showcases her mastery of the genre. With her rich characterizations, atmospheric settings, thought-provoking themes, and expertly crafted suspense, Oates takes readers on a journey that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Whether you are a fan of her work or new to her writing, this collection is sure to leave an indelible mark on your literary journey.
As the title indicates this book includes a number of short stories, as well as a novella. This book was published in 2020 and I experienced it in theAs the title indicates this book includes a number of short stories, as well as a novella. This book was published in 2020 and I experienced it in the audible format, while following along somewhat with the e-book. It has been a while since I have read, and a Ron Rash. he still seems to be as good as I recall from my past experience with him.
The story is mostly focus on an earlier time in life dating back to the Civil War days but the early half of the 20th century is also included. I thought that all of the stories were good or better at the very least. it was not hard for me to give this book 5 stars, and to say that Ron Rash is holding up quite well.
I am not going to repeat any of the stories. And will only add that if you have read and liked Ron Rash, previously, you will probably like this book. It is not a long book, and all of the stories are relatively brief, even the novella that concludes the book ....more
This audible book has stories that originated in the middle of the 20th century, and can barely be considered as science-fiction in my opinion. There This audible book has stories that originated in the middle of the 20th century, and can barely be considered as science-fiction in my opinion. There is a definite conservative leaning, which is also not of my persuasion. And there is a whole lot of emphasis on the use and abuse of nuclear weapons....more
I am a fan of Joyce Carol Oates. And I remember listening to shows on the radio when I was growing up. But I don’t think that JCO translates well to rI am a fan of Joyce Carol Oates. And I remember listening to shows on the radio when I was growing up. But I don’t think that JCO translates well to radio drama. This was performed before a live audience.
JCO always contains a modicum of weirdness. These several presentations had a little more humor than I normally think of being associated with her. Maybe it was because of the audience laughter reacting to her satire....more
You usually can’t do better as far as I am concerned, than with a book of short stories by JCO! Sure, nothing is ever or hardly ever going to turn outYou usually can’t do better as far as I am concerned, than with a book of short stories by JCO! Sure, nothing is ever or hardly ever going to turn out as it should, or as you think it might. Or if you are familiar with JCO maybe you are always thinking that there is about to be some major twist.
This author has been writing this kind of story for so long that she almost seems like she could do it in her sleep. This book is from around 2010, so is among the more recent of her continuing and continuous production. ...more
I may have slightly overrated this book in deference to the author. I actually think that it is somewhat hard to read a book filled with so much maudlI may have slightly overrated this book in deference to the author. I actually think that it is somewhat hard to read a book filled with so much maudlin horror story after story. But if you are looking for a well presented story or two, in honor of Halloween, you can probably not find a better book than this one. But to go through from beginning to end, I think it was just too much dead death.
I generally love short stories, but I think I like a bit more variety. Many of these stories were clever and well thought out. But I am not quite so much a Halloween guy as reading through this book from beginning to end without stopping required.
I think there was only one story in the book with a happy ending. It was the story of the man with wings who was temporarily grounded, and then happily found himself alive again, and happy during the March season of kite flying with his children, who were happily born without wings....more
How could the author of the handmaid‘s tale possibly have written this short story? It’s the story about a girl and her mother who is a witch. No kiddHow could the author of the handmaid‘s tale possibly have written this short story? It’s the story about a girl and her mother who is a witch. No kidding! It was supposedly written for audible in 2022. Maybe she just needed the money! I gave it three stars because it has the benefit of being quite short, about an hour. The woman with the which mother ends up with a couple of daughters, her self, and the story ends with her interactions with her 15-year-old who has a bit of a potty mouth. That would make this book a little PG, possibly....more
This is a marvelous collection of short stories from early in the career of Ursula K Le Guin. They were written in the 1960s up through 1974. Many of This is a marvelous collection of short stories from early in the career of Ursula K Le Guin. They were written in the 1960s up through 1974. Many of them are based on a pretty specific single notion or concept, and are almost all extraordinarily well written. I don’t think they are as deep or as complicated as some of her later and longer works and novels. That actually made them more enjoyable to me, because you could simply relax with the storytelling. Each story had a brief preface from the author about the origin, or some aspect of the story, which was a very humanizing part of the book. I listened to this book in the audible format, which was done quite well. The author was born in 1929 and died in 2018....more
I have enjoyed a number of books by Russell Banks, and he writes over a fairly wide range of topics and styles. This is a book of short stories. I havI have enjoyed a number of books by Russell Banks, and he writes over a fairly wide range of topics and styles. This is a book of short stories. I have a particular enjoyment of short stories. Sometimes a collection of short stories can seem quite unconnected with each other, however in this book, the short stories, all relate to people in a small Milltown in Central New Hampshire. Even more specifically, most of the stories relate to people who live in a particular trailer park.
The people are unique and desperate/disparate! The stories are almost universally interesting although it would be hard to say whether they are deep or shallow....more
This is a book of 41 supposedly short stories by William Faulkner, written mostly in the 1930s, but some evidently in the 1940s. I almost always like This is a book of 41 supposedly short stories by William Faulkner, written mostly in the 1930s, but some evidently in the 1940s. I almost always like books of short stories and I expect that there will be a few that I especially like and a few that I might not like at all. This book was the exception to that rule as I must admit, there were only a few of these stories that I really like. Maybe it would be better to say that there were only a few of these stories that I really understood. Faulkner’s short stories kind of seem like edited novels. If you are familiar with his work, you will find some familiar names and places. That might help you understand some of the stories.
I think a short story should be able to stand by itself with the standard, beginning, middle, and end. But Faulkner is just a tad too complicated for me to come to terms with his stories, with big ideas pared down to, less than the necessary number of pages to help me to understand.
My summary is that this is a guy whose ideas were just a little too big to slim down into a short story....more
I love short stories generally, but this is the first time I can recall, finding a book of short stories by John Steinbeck. I found almost all of the I love short stories generally, but this is the first time I can recall, finding a book of short stories by John Steinbeck. I found almost all of the stories in this book, quite engrossing and enjoyed all of them. Some of them reminded me strangely of Joyce Carol Oates with her strangeness. I did not expect that kind of comparison between these two particular authors. But some of the Steinbeck stories were indeed startling and about, notably, strange characters and incidents. I cannot remember, ever having read even the red pony previously. In all of the stories, I found the writing to be superb, and the characterizations fascinating. At the end of the e-book, there are some notes about specific stories and details in the stories....more
I have never read very much, Ernest Hemingway, but I am very fond of short stories, and I thought these were a fairly fascinating group of short storiI have never read very much, Ernest Hemingway, but I am very fond of short stories, and I thought these were a fairly fascinating group of short stories. Some are very short and others are simply short. They include some of Hemingway’s, typical topics of bullfighting and world war one....more
This must be one of Joyce Carol Oates most recent collections of short stories, since it was copyrighted in 2021. I have been a somewhat avid reader oThis must be one of Joyce Carol Oates most recent collections of short stories, since it was copyrighted in 2021. I have been a somewhat avid reader of JCO for a while and read quite a few of her collections of short stories. Invariably in her short story collections I find many that I enjoy, and a few not so much so this book was quite surprising to me in that I did not really find a connection to very many if any of the stories in this book. The overview is that it seemed to be an effort to look at alternatives in peoples lives, that they might have found themselves that had they not gone on their actual journey in life. The ever present question of what if you had gone down the left trail instead of the right way back went and found yourself in a completely different place. Although this notion and concept seems interesting on the face of it, I simply did not find anything in this book that significantly captivated me....more