Critically acclaimed novelist and short-story writer Mary Gaitskill continues the tradition of identifying the best young writers on the cusp of th...
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Nov 05, 2008
Mary
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This is a collection of 14 short stories culled from college writing workshops around the US. They vary extensively in theme, storyline, and tone. Most of the authors are working on short stories or novels, so it's a great way to be introduced to new names, which is essentially why I picked it up. My favorite story is "Wintering" by Anastasia Kolendo. The others struck me as sad to downright depressing in tone, so I didn't like them as much. I know that won't bother every reader, but I
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Sep 10, 2009
Joe
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When one sees the title "Best New American Voices" of a series of short stories from emerging authors, one would then have to next ponder what the collection of stories says about the state of "American Literature" in writing programs. I've read 2008 & 2009 and they echo each other in content and style, where most of the stories seem to be satire of confessional literature, where people give up their secrets, have painful episodes, and generally feel betrayed, lose hope, etc.
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Aug 19, 2010
Andy
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This is a collection of short stories written my new authors, mainly culled from different university writing programs. As in any collection of different authors there are going to be a couple of stories that aren't going to appeal, but all in all the collection was great.
My favorite was "Mules" about a middle aged couple who try to smuggle medical supplies/drugs to a friend's medical clinic in an unnamed African country controlled by a military oligarchy. The suspense of th More...
My favorite was "Mules" about a middle aged couple who try to smuggle medical supplies/drugs to a friend's medical clinic in an unnamed African country controlled by a military oligarchy. The suspense of th More...
Aug 03, 2009
Caleb
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I read this book in order to get a better understanding of what is expected/revered at MFA programs, from which all the stories in the collection are derived. Upon finishing the last page, I was struck with hope from this book, although, if you read only the ending story, you might not feel the same. Some of these stories, especially "Salvation Army" and "Love and Honor and Pity and Pride and Compassion and Sacrifice," were especially astounding. After reading these stories,
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Sep 03, 2011
Marc
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I have only read LOOK MA, I'M BREATHING, that's what the 3 stars are for. I began with this one since the author was a Stegner Fellow, but I wasn't that impressed. Maybe I was expecting more given the Stegner fact. I did think the description of the "Look Ma, I'm Breathing" genre was funny, but the story didn't connect with me. It didn't leave a lasting impression. I hope the other stories from this year are stronger because I've encountered some really strong stories through the years
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Mar 28, 2010
Tara
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Not really sure whether to give this collection 3 or 4 stars. The series in general is phenomenal--I always enjoy them--but there were a few stories in this collection I couldn't get into. However, I was delighted to see Lydia Peele, who writes wonderful short fictions, included in this volume, along with the amazing "Wintering" by Anastasia Kolendo. I also loved "Love for Miss Dottie" and "Little Stones, Little Pistols, Little Clash." Unusual, funny, moving narrati
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Mar 30, 2009
Katy
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Some of these MFA students really make me think after reading their stories... others I am just like "what!? moving on!" Oh well, I trust Mary Gaitskill to know what good writing is.
May 12, 2009
Lindsay
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It's hard to rate an anthology. Some stories were stronger than others. On a whole, I'd recommend checking it out.
Jun 13, 2008
Lisa
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Only a few of these really knocked me over the head. Made me feel a bit better about the fact that I will probably never graduate from an MFA writing program...
Feb 10, 2009
I don't really like Mary Gaitskill. I am just freaking floundering as hell since finishing that Cheever bio. DAMMIT SOMETHING STICK I CAN'T TAKE IT!!
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