reviews
Dec 17, 2009
lauren
rated it: 
not only is this book full of some of the most compelling, original short stories that i've read, but the book itself is beautiful. the texture and color of the covers, the paper that the pages are printed on...
this book is a pure joy and i giggle out of delight everytime someone asks what i'm reading.
this book is a pure joy and i giggle out of delight everytime someone asks what i'm reading.
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Dec 16, 2009
Karen
rated it:
Joey Comeau's writing is raw and rough around the edges and gorgeous, like the people in his stories, who are often broken and still beautiful. Great stuff from a new writer -- and check out his webcomic, A Softer World [http://asofterworld.com/]
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Oct 23, 2011
Mina
rated it: 
A collection of short stories, each of them has something that moves you, a piece of human nature that you maybe would like to not remember exists, or a piece of human nature that makes you wish you had called your grandma -or, like me, wish you were downstairs listening to your dad tell stories while you still have a chance, except he's mocking gays and feminists and that's why you aren't downstairs in the first place- but either way, it's gonna be something in each story that touches you, a wi
More...
Dec 17, 2009
Barrett
rated it: 
a quick, lovely little collection of short stories about loss and regret. particularly liked "red delicious" and "where are you off to now". some of the others ventured into sci-fi, which i didn't find as interesting, but they were all creative, well-written pieces.
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Feb 04, 2008
phoenix
rated it:
Joey Comeau is deeply deeply odd and disturbing. He is also a great writer. These stories are a bit like hitting yourself with a misshapen hammer and enjoying it.
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Sep 23, 2011
Kyle
rated it:
I've owned this book since it came out. I remember the package I received from Joey containing the book and a small zine with six of his dirty stories. I was fourteen or fifteen at the time.
Just last week I was laying in bed reading this book out loud to a girl I'm simply crazy about. It was my fifth or sixth time through these short stories, but they always read fresh. There are so many sides of Joey's writing in this collection. The personal, the horror, the comedic, the sexual. It's More...
Just last week I was laying in bed reading this book out loud to a girl I'm simply crazy about. It was my fifth or sixth time through these short stories, but they always read fresh. There are so many sides of Joey's writing in this collection. The personal, the horror, the comedic, the sexual. It's More...
Sep 02, 2011
Matthew
rated it:
The early works of Mister Joey Comeau! What I like about Joey, and this book, is his unconventionality. He's capable of something mainstream, and maybe one day he will do that. But, for now, he lurks on the fringe with diverse tales, some sexy, some horror-ified, some sweet, some weird. He dares to be different, but it's a talented different.
Not all of these stories are for everyone. They're not clear-cut and there seems to be gallons of unexplained subtext. That's OK for me. Finally, More...
Not all of these stories are for everyone. They're not clear-cut and there seems to be gallons of unexplained subtext. That's OK for me. Finally, More...
Jul 18, 2009
Matt
rated it:
I am fortunate enough to know Mike, the owner of Loose Tooth, and he shared this with me after I let him know of my like for Robert Heinlein. The subtle science fiction/alternate present/future of these stories definitely hits on my interest and the stories themselves are both interesting, haunting and beautiful in ways I didn't think I would be drawn to. They are heavy at times, and light at others, and I really enjoyed this book. Thanks Mike, and excellent writing Joey.
Nov 15, 2011
Alex
rated it:
Joey Comeau's collection is strange to read. The short stories are not connected, though sometimes they seem like they are. My favorite story is "The Birthday Girl" about a girl whose Grandmother kills her whole family on her birthday. The ending of this story is my favorite, because of the twist. I can't tell you what that is, but I'd like to surprise my readers in the same way this story surprised me.
Oct 24, 2011
Rowena
rated it:
hit or miss stories. "red delicious" is still my favorite. "1e4" is good, "this is math". "the machine" and "cry me a river" were interesting. the rest weren't very compelling, or something. i don't think i like his style as much as i used to.
Dec 17, 2008
Stuart
rated it:
My brother lent this to me recently. It's light and fun and varied and short. I hear it's also available online for free. From kinky math sex to centarian zombie grandmothers and beyond, it was a nice distraction from things I probably should have actually been doing.
May 21, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
Second half was stronger than first. Loved "the birthday girl" and my favorite was "where are you off to now?"
Dec 04, 2008
Brooke
rated it:
Like a short story version of his comic strip writing with Emily's photos on www.asofterworld.com. So if you like the dark, twisted humor of Softer World, you may like this.
Feb 28, 2008
Cubby
rated it:
I adore A Softer World, Overqualified, Math Porn, and even (especially) Joey's e-mail updates; so know that I adore him already.
This book is far from perfect. It lacks the easy grace that he has achieved in other endevors, but is just as potent and raw as said projects. I fould myself on the verge of tears and/or laughter in public readign this book.
I look forward to readign everythign i can find of his, and watching him grow into the powerhouse he is sure to be.
This book is far from perfect. It lacks the easy grace that he has achieved in other endevors, but is just as potent and raw as said projects. I fould myself on the verge of tears and/or laughter in public readign this book.
I look forward to readign everythign i can find of his, and watching him grow into the powerhouse he is sure to be.
Mar 13, 2008
Erin
rated it: 
Meh. I bought this book because I love Joey Comeau's web comic and Overqualified webzine but I only liked about two of the stories in here. The most redeeming thing about the book though is the way it is bound...you can tell it was published by a small press and I like that little D.I.Y. pizzazz.
Aug 15, 2010
Christy
rated it:
Most of the pieces I felt little to nothing for but there were a few that stuck out. Not so much to save the book, per se, but enough that I would be interested in seeing some of Comeau's other work if I hadn't already.
Any other book by him is amazing, just skip this one.
Any other book by him is amazing, just skip this one.
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Dec 02, 2007
Lori
rated it:
I enjoyed this book, but some of the short stories were too short. I felt gypped. Like I went on a really good date with someone who never called again.
The longer stories, especially the ones that delved into horror, were excellent.
The longer stories, especially the ones that delved into horror, were excellent.
Mar 20, 2011
L a n c e
rated it:
i loved lockpick pornography, and wished that these stories, even one of them, were good. i love short stories, but i just wasnt into these. the production of the book is nice though.
Aug 31, 2011
Chris
rated it:
A collection of short stories (some of them very short), all of them very unique. Often disturbing, always very human and honest--refreshingly so.
Nov 12, 2011
Ani
rated it:
I am a huge fan of Comeau, but this work seemed to be quite early and less evolved than his more recent work.
Aug 30, 2007
Underwater
rated it:
This book is beautiful. It is a collectino of short stories and you will love it. Buy this book from Joey Comeau.
Oct 02, 2007
Sean
rated it:
Eh. Some good ideas and fun stories, but ultimately very young and overly pretentious. Don't bother.
Jun 13, 2008
Desirée
rated it:
Feb 06, 2012
Feb 01, 2012
Feb 01, 2012
