“Allison Amend is a gifted storyteller, whose view of contemporary life is often wonderfully acute, original, and surprising.”—Al...
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reviews
Dec 31, 2008
Matt
rated it: 
A really solid book of stories of quirky people.... If I spent nights (and I probably have) wishing that Lorrie Moore would write the kind of books she used to, this would be an answer to those wishes.
Really, I think these stories are a little more edgy (exhibit a would be the repeated references to gerbils in anal cavities), but the premise is similar-- mostly people in relationships with weird problems delivered in a tart and matter of fact voice. It doesn't break as much ground as More...
Really, I think these stories are a little more edgy (exhibit a would be the repeated references to gerbils in anal cavities), but the premise is similar-- mostly people in relationships with weird problems delivered in a tart and matter of fact voice. It doesn't break as much ground as More...
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Jan 11, 2009
Judith
rated it: 
I spend much of my reading time with books written by friends. Thank goodness I have very talented friends. Allison and I went to grad school together and I read some of these stories there. I later read the book in manuscript form and was so impressed. Finally, I read it again when it was published...although the word "finally" is probably incorrect, as I'm sure I'll read it again and again. And I suspect I'll be teaching it at some point in the future to make sure my students ge
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Jan 04, 2009
Audra
rated it:
I love short stories. I hadn't read a collection by a single author in a while that I really liked, so I was hoping for the best. I'm glad I read this. It's a strong group--each story has interesting though not always likable characters. Amend does a nice job removing the fluff and leaving us with compact writing that is very punchy and effective.
Nov 22, 2009
Sara
rated it:
i had that feeling after reading each story, the apprehension that the next one wouldn't be as good as the one before, but the next one would suck me in just as hard. weird and makes your brain feel funny. i liked it very much
May 16, 2009
Carolyn
rated it: 
This is a writer of clear talent who has written a book that hides from its own material. It is flippant where it ought to be grave, and "funny" when it ought to be real. This writer could do better.
Mar 30, 2009
Brian
rated it:
A great collection of quirky, dysfunctional characters and circumstances. The title is remarkably fitting as it looks at all of the ways we think we love.
Aug 10, 2009
Interview with Allison Amend forthcoming at http://www.fictionwritersreview.com!
Apr 08, 2009
Katie
rated it: 
If I could rate books with half-stars, I'd have given this book two and a half. Oh well.
Feb 25, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
i can scarcely believe all of these stories were written by the same person. i enjoyed this collection very, very much and am kicking myself for missing this author at the wisconsin book fest last october.
Jun 12, 2009
I do not rate books for which I was involved in publication, however...
My own description coming soon...
My own description coming soon...
Jun 10, 2009
Sandra
rated it:
Enjoyable reading - however the very best story is her first one. This story from my point of view could easily become a novel.
May 10, 2009
gwen
rated it:
Such creative work -- it's been a while since I loved a book of disconnected stories this much. Highly recommended.
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