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Sweet Talk
Stephanie Vaughn is a writer’s writer, one whose debut collection of stories, Sweet Talk, was published more than two decades ago to critical acclaim. Readers have come to these stories over the years through word of mouth, posting glowing reviews to their Goodreads pages and on their blogs—unanimously agreeing that this collection is a modern classic that deserves to be i...more
Paperback, 208 pages
Published
February 28th 2012
by Other Press
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In Sweet Talk, Stephanie Vaughn explores authentic relationships and every day lives, delving into deep, realistic intertwinings and connections. Each short story among this wonderful collection is unique, but carries Stepahnie Vaughn's signature style that expresses vulnerable, honest perspective of life and it's joys and hardships so raw they could be firsthand accounts.
Sweet Talk depicts scenes, unraveling moments most wouldn't bring up in everyday conversation, but Vaughn fleshes out these...more
Sweet Talk depicts scenes, unraveling moments most wouldn't bring up in everyday conversation, but Vaughn fleshes out these...more
I was first turned onto this by the New Yorker podcast that Tobias Wolff did featuring Vaughn's story 'Dog Heaven' from this, her first and only book. Granted, Wolff's voice could make a telephone book sound like an enticing read but he didn't steer me wrong here. It's an utterly winning book and, unlike many short story collections, there's not a dud in the bunch. Each one feels necessary and right. She comes from the same school of realistic, minimalist fiction as Carver and Hempel but she man...more
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I get the impression that Vaughn is "a writer's writer," and I think she lives up to that: there's very little here that's obviously flashy, but instead, there's a collection of funny, warm, and ultimately bruised stories, brought over with a sense of modesty and conviction.
A lot of stories involve triangles-- we've got a couple instances of mother-father-grandmother, and a couple with husband-wife-best friend, and there are a couple here that deal with parents getting older, or sick and dying....more
A lot of stories involve triangles-- we've got a couple instances of mother-father-grandmother, and a couple with husband-wife-best friend, and there are a couple here that deal with parents getting older, or sick and dying....more
Noreen recommended this collection which indicates that it requires a sophisticated reader. She said it was a one-hit-wonder and that Ms. Vaughn's skill became quite the model for short story artists and creators since its 1980s publication. Ms. Vaughn has remained elusive ever since.
Definite mastery here. While a short collection, it is obvious Ms. Vaughn labored over every sentence; as a reader I felt I had to return the favor, and ponder each sentence too, and what she was trying to share. T...more
Definite mastery here. While a short collection, it is obvious Ms. Vaughn labored over every sentence; as a reader I felt I had to return the favor, and ponder each sentence too, and what she was trying to share. T...more
This is one of the best short story collections I've read in a long time! Vaughn has a terrific voice and an amazing way with a story. I was turned on to her work through a recent New Yorker fiction podcast in which Tea Obreht (?) reads Vaughn's short story, "Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog." If at all interested, check out the podcast not only for the story itself but the conversation afterwards. And by golly read this book!
I liked this collection, particularly the final story, "Dog Heaven." I thought all these stories have held up extremely well considering they were written in the early 70s. My main complaint is that many of the narrators sound the same, which wouldn't be so much a problem, but they are all in first-person narration, which all ends up blending together. A good, realistic look at women, though, I thought, with some hints of female rivalries and also kind of the absurdities of the mind.
I adored this book. Many of the stories seemed somehow perfect to me. They had a clear and clean structure that I really admire, not to mention compelling characters that both made me laugh and broke my heart. I don't know why Vaughn isn't taught more, or why she's not had a story published since Sweet Talk (at least, none that I could find), but I'm so glad I found this collection.
I can’t say enough good things about this collection. The most memorable stories recount the childhood of Gemma as she navigates the internal struggles of her family and the external challenges of growing up with other Army brats like herself as well as civilian friends and teachers. The standout is “Dog Heaven,” but all the stories in this slim volume, are fantastic.
I wish I could choose 31/2 stars! I really liked this collection, but would have enjoyed a little more variety. I kept thinking she should have published a collection made up entirely of Gemma stories, as that seems to be her forte. I enjoyed the non-Gemma stories the most and, in the end, there weren't enough of them for me. That being said, the writing is exceptional, instructive and, as Mr. Voelker says, thrilling. Thanks, buddy, for the book.
Bought this after hearing--and loving --two of the stories on the New Yorker podcast. Those two stories open and close this collection and there are definitely stories worth reading in between, but I enjoyed the stories centred around the military family the most.
this book is very, very, very close to totally perfect. i skipped a story, but i feel okay about it -- the others each exist in this kind of crystalline, perfectly constructed way. here is a sentence: "Tonight for supper they had fish sticks, which had been out of the ocean too long and tasted like small punishments."
it is difficult to say any more about it, but i recommend it totally.
it is difficult to say any more about it, but i recommend it totally.
Vaughn writes perfect sentences. I find myself stopping while I'm reading just to look at one for a while. Very tight stories. Vivid, living characters. Full of emotion and contemplation. Still, Vaughn writes in a relaxed style. Great reading, I just sat down and read from one end of the book to the other.
Delightful. I really liked this collection of short stories - it reminded me a lot of Lorrie Moore's short fiction. Why hasn't Stephanie Vaughn written more books?
My favorite stories in this collection are the ones with the character Gemma, especially “Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog,” “Dog Heaven,” “Kid MacArthur,” and “The Battle of Fallen Timbers.” I also really liked the story “Snow Angel.” People with kids will relate.
Short stories. Well written. Will really resound with anyone who grew up an Army brat. Lovely writing.
A fantastic set of short stories by Stephanie Vaughn. They deal with all aspects of family and what society's families face. It's raw and real and absolutely wonderful.
Found inside: a 4x6 glossy photograph of a cat, and a library hold slip dated 9/25/08.
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Good short stories -- Dog Heaven is what made me read this one.
Amazing collection. One of my favourites. I loved Dog Heaven!!!
Find this and read it and then talk to me.
She is a master.
A book to reread often, I think.
Loved "Dog Heaven"
EW
I came to this author via the New Yorker Fiction Podcast (which I so recommend). I adored Tea Obrecht reading Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog, but Tobias Wolff makes Dog Heaven into a masterpiece - as I reread the story in print, it was his voice in my head. I was thrilled when a month or two after I started hunting for this title it became available as a Kindle download in Australia. First published in 1990, the collection feels fresh and contemporary. Can't recommend this more highly.
Thrillingly good, creates little storms in the imagination.
Completely wonderful! I first heard the story "Dog Heaven " as read by Tobias Wolff on the New Yorker Fiction NPR Program. That story, in particular, is completely wonderful and many (nearly all, really) stories in this collection are just as lovely. I don't know what happened to Stephanie Vaughn or why she hasn't written much since this collection, but she is truly gifted!
Don't tell anyone, but my 13-year-old Sarah is getting this book for her birthday next week and we can start reading this book then! She requested it after we all got carried away with Dog Heaven read by Tobias Wolf and Abel, Baker, Charlie, Dog read by Tea Obreht on the New Yorker fiction podcast. We can't wait to read Stephanie Vaughan first hand!
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