"You should read Fires now. These stories and poems...show the enormous talent of Raymond Carver beginning to take hold."
-- San Franci... read full description
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Mar 06, 2008
Steven
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In many ways, this selection of Raymond Carver’s essays, poems and stories is the perfect introduction to this iconic literary figure. Unlike other collections, where readers are only given his finely crafted fiction or poetry to decipher, here we are first presented with four essays in which Carver speaks about his development as a writer and the factors the drove him to create.
Next, we are given a sample of Carver’s poems, which although not too varied in style or trope, are nonethel More...
Next, we are given a sample of Carver’s poems, which although not too varied in style or trope, are nonethel More...
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Apr 25, 2009
Jennifer
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Fires is a mix of Carver's essays, poems and early versions of short stories, some published in "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love," pieces that aren't really tied together but don't really fit with his other work. It's a great read and offers some real insight on Carver and his writing.
I especially liked the essays, which are all about writing and his influences, and offer some great advice for other writers and even inspiration, given that Carver was struggling More...
I especially liked the essays, which are all about writing and his influences, and offer some great advice for other writers and even inspiration, given that Carver was struggling More...
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Jul 30, 2009
Daniel
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"Fires: Essays, Poems, Stories" is nearly flawless, and highly recommended to anyone either coming to Raymond Carver for the first time or already a fan of his work. My friend Jennifer (thanks for lending it to me, Jennifer!) has already written a fine review at http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/539... so I won't write a long review here. I do, however, want to call attention to "You Don't Know What Love Is (an evening with Charles Bukowski)," which, I'm assuming, is prett
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May 22, 2011
Thom
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I've read my fair share of Carver, this being the latest. What I loved most about this collection was the insight that it gave into Raymond Carver, the man. He's a gentle and affectionate soul who just happens to have been through some tough times. It's evident in his stories, sure, but here we get a much more direct and personal look at him.
I'm referring to his personal essays of course. My favourite of the essays was probably Fires, in which he talks about his influences as a write More...
I'm referring to his personal essays of course. My favourite of the essays was probably Fires, in which he talks about his influences as a write More...
Dec 16, 2010
Gene
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Raymond Carver remains one of my favorite authors. He's erudite about the everyday conflicts and relationships of regular people. Is it more gripping reading about a whistle blower trying to stop a major pharma company from selling tainted medicine or a single father struggling family, alcohol and job? I love thrillers, but this book resonates on a very emotional level.
All four essays are exceptional. "On Writing" and "John Gardner: The Writer as a Teacher" are More...
All four essays are exceptional. "On Writing" and "John Gardner: The Writer as a Teacher" are More...
Jan 30, 2012
David
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Made the mistake of waiting too long to review this one, but here's what I remember: four essays inside -- each one I read a minimum of four times. Required reading.
MY FATHER'S LIFE for some words on his father --
"Then he died. I was a long way off, in Iowa City, with things still to say to him. I didn't have the chance to tell him goodbye, or that I thought he was doing great at his new job. That I was proud of him for making a comeback. My mother said he came in from w More...
MY FATHER'S LIFE for some words on his father --
"Then he died. I was a long way off, in Iowa City, with things still to say to him. I didn't have the chance to tell him goodbye, or that I thought he was doing great at his new job. That I was proud of him for making a comeback. My mother said he came in from w More...
Jan 01, 2012
Alex
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According to the Afterword, Carver revised "So Much Water So Close to Home," and although I didn't know that while reading the version of the story in this book, I found myself much more engaged in (and disturbed by) the story this time around.
In Carver's interview with the Paris Review (included at the end of the book), he gives some thoughts on the purpose of fiction: "It doesn't have to do anything. It just has to be there for the fierce pleasure we take in doing it More...
In Carver's interview with the Paris Review (included at the end of the book), he gives some thoughts on the purpose of fiction: "It doesn't have to do anything. It just has to be there for the fierce pleasure we take in doing it More...
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Jun 18, 2011
Mbreaden
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I like a few sneak peaks at Carver's nonfiction. Oh, the one on his father is so heart-breaking, especially the description of this photo of his father. I find it really compelling and brave that Raymond Carver looked closely at that photo and responded almost objectively. The poems are not all that "visionary" and read more like his short stories. Actually, reading his poetry is an interesting way to attempt to understand how he looks at the world--it's as if he can't resist picking u
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Jul 24, 2011
Aaron
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I thoroughly enjoyed this little Carver compendium. Ranging from devastatingly frank and honest non-fiction and essays to his trademark short-story accounts, and then decorated some with Carver's unique verse - Fires is a volume that really introduces you to the breadth and depth of Carver's work. And to what depths does he plunge! Despite this being a very slim book with extremely short essays and tales, it took me a great while to read and absorb the pieces; Carver's writing, so pared down and
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Oct 15, 2010
James
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When I was in college, I took a couple of creative writing courses and Raymond Carver was considered perhaps the finest craftsmen of short stories. I, however, was not a fan. While stylistically I appreciated the sparseness of his writing, I found little to engage me in minimalism of the stories - little in the way of plot or character for me to find interesting or likable.
Recently, thanks to a biography and a new collection of his works, there has been a bit of resurgence of int More...
Recently, thanks to a biography and a new collection of his works, there has been a bit of resurgence of int More...
Jan 29, 2009
Patrick
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A good mishmash of Carver's essays, poems, and stories. The quality of the stories varies: The Pheasant is excellent, some of the others (especially his earliest stories) aren't. One can see that even the masters weren't always masterful, which is encouraging for young writers. The poems and essays are all first-rate. Carver doesn't espouse much of a writing philosophy apart from two tenets: be honest and use precise language. I like this philosophy.
Nov 12, 2011
Rich
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This collection begins with a handful of Carver’s essays on writing that touch on how he refined his craft, influences, mentors etc and that leave no doubt he knew what he was doing with every word in every sentence. Next up are poems – while I’m not very well equipped to review these critically I definitely enjoyed them – covering a variety of topics from salmon to old photographs, even one as a sort of parody of contemporary Charles Bukowski (a highlight). The final pages comprise several of C
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Aug 05, 2011
J.thomas
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Not as poignant as "What We Talk About," but a great collection nonetheless. It's worth the purchase simply for the essay "On Writing." which offers some wonderful perspective to any storyteller or anyone interested in the thought processes of the author. The inclusion of poetry is a bonus, but I find Carver's short stories to be somehow more poetic.
Mar 17, 2009
Alohadudenyc
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i've recently become a huge fan of raymond carver's work. this was my first collection of his pieces. i love that it includes a sampling of his essays, poems and stories... a way to experience several of his "sides" in one volume. it started my carver obsession...
Feb 04, 2012
I enjoy Carver's straight ahead writing style. Somehow he speaks to me like no other writer, and I think its because he's lived a difficult life and speaks honestly. This book is notable for his poems as well as the short stories.
Jul 17, 2007
Jim
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Even if you're familiar with Carver's short fiction, you'll be surprised at these essays about his development as a writer. There's a great homage to his mentor, John Gardner, and his advice "On Writing."
My favorite (although probably not the best) essay is the one in which he tackles the usually self-aggrandizing account on what influenced him As A Writer. For Carver, it was his kids, and for him it was a negative influence: "I would always have them, and always find More...
My favorite (although probably not the best) essay is the one in which he tackles the usually self-aggrandizing account on what influenced him As A Writer. For Carver, it was his kids, and for him it was a negative influence: "I would always have them, and always find More...
Oct 29, 2010
Paul
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When Raymond Carver didn't have time to write a story, he'd write poems. His stark perception as awriter is pretty apparent even in his simple 10 line poems. They get both sides of your brain working for sure.
Oct 03, 2011
Celine
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loved the stories! and the first essai on kids and parenthood, got me thinking
Dec 16, 2009
Steven
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I discovered Raymond Carver about a decade ago and have borrowed some of his books from libraries. I recently purchased four of his books. I love his style of writing... the short stories, poems etc. The short story, "Where I'm Calling From" is one of my all time favorites. I think that I am going to make it a habit to read a Carver story or poem every day.
Nov 27, 2008
James
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The book that got me into literature. The book that made me feel like male writers were tough and cool, while being vulnerable and sensitive. It showed me that I could write, that anyone could write. It is possible.
PS-"The Pheasant" is my favorite story. No other collection has it.
PS-"The Pheasant" is my favorite story. No other collection has it.
Oct 09, 2008
Nicole
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A mix of novella, poems, short stories. I enjoyed the short stories most - subtle description and characterization done almost without my realizing what was happening. The subject material isn't my favorite - lots of alcoholism and promises of violence, but well written.
Dec 23, 2009
Rosa
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My fav part of the book was essays written by Carver. I was fascinated by the essay about John Gardner.
Mar 01, 2007
Ori
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Maybe the greatest collection of realist short fiction ever. But please Writer's Workshop kids, stop trying to by Carver. It's not happening.
Nov 05, 2011
Anthony
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If only your poems were as good as good as your stories and essays, Mr. Chandler.
