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103rd out of 186 books
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58 voters
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Big Cats: Stories
Big Cats opens with "Charlotte," in which a young girl with a broken pelvis spies on her voluptuous neighbor during a long, hot summer night, setting the tone of irrepressible curiosity and yearning that is evident throughout the collection. In "Get Away from Me, David," a bank manager tries to overcome his haunted past as he deals with the afterma...more
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
November 1st 2007
by Free Press
(first published June 28th 2005)
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I'm not sure what to say about this collection of stories. It is a really fast read, and would do well for a person going on a plane trip, but directly after reading it, a lot of the book kind of coagulates together in your brain. For me, this was due to the fact that with the exception of a few stories, stylistically, they seem to have the same narrator (despite the fact that in actuality the narrators vary in age, location, and sex).
Most of the stories end in abrupt wasy tha...more
Most of the stories end in abrupt wasy tha...more
In this fast-paced short-story collection, Reinhorn lets you see both the façade a character presents and the woundedness beneath it, by showing the contrast between what people do and say, and what they’re secretly thinking and fearing. The stories have a confessional tone, giving the feeling of an actor in a movie speaking directly to the camera. Because there is little distance between narrator and reader, characters who are bewildered and deeply flawed also manage to become sympathetic.
First of all, SIEGFRIED AND ROY gave this book a blurb which is about the most amazing thing ever: "Big cats we know about. We also know about big imagination, bug talent, the ability to entertain. Holiday Reinhorn has all these things, plus a really big heart. We think her stories are magical."
Reinhorn's stories shine most when she uses this adult-child-discussing-parent's-past perspective - "Golden Pioneers," "The Heights" and "Good to Hear You."...more
Reinhorn's stories shine most when she uses this adult-child-discussing-parent's-past perspective - "Golden Pioneers," "The Heights" and "Good to Hear You."...more
I have to say I met this author in person and adored her. An interesting collection of well-fleshed out short stories. Very vivid and genuine characters.
Love it
I picked this up, half jealous of this pretty woman with the funky "writerly" name who's married to Dwight Schrute. By the time I finished it, all jealousy subsided and I wanted to read more. The 9/11 story was the only one that bored me. Reinhorn puts together original portraits; her writing is really poetic and artsy but modest, not showy like Diablo Cody. Her stories are about whacky, but very real people. This is the ideal short story collection.
These stories are quite impressive. They are definitely not life-changing, but they were full, powerful, and perceptive. Then again, I would read a lot of other stuff before reading these stories such as the work of George Saunders who should be read over and over again. Still, I think this writer should be watched as I think she might do some great things in the future.
I bought this collection after reading "Last Seen," which is absolutely incredible, chilling, and unique. The other stories kind of disappointed me, although there were some really great, wonderfully observed moments. On the whole, though, I felt like the hand of the writer was too evident.
Fun fact, though--she's married to Dwight from The Office! =)
Fun fact, though--she's married to Dwight from The Office! =)
Loved it. This book took me from laughter to shock to sadness.
Well written, fast paced and interesting.
I was extremely upset at the story about the young girl and the hot tub but other than that loved this book compilation.
Well written, fast paced and interesting.
I was extremely upset at the story about the young girl and the hot tub but other than that loved this book compilation.
Christy Stewart
rated it
This was a problem of high expectations. I thought it would be great and it wasn't even good.
If you want some time killer short stories, it isn't bad.
If you want some time killer short stories, it isn't bad.
Some insightful moments but overall slightly disappointing.
I'm gonna read these because the author is married to Rainn Wilson ("Dwight" on the Office). Yes, that is the only reason. SO WHAT.
Contrived. People don't talk like that. Act like that. Who do you think you are? Is this written about martians?
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Each story in this collection is unique but not strained. I especially love the final piece, "Last Seen."
Kinda a rough book for me. Plus it is short stories and I prefer novels.
disappointing. The first three stories are good, the rest...not so much.
Great descriptive language, strong female characters. Whimsical locations.
Great short stories.
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