Established early in the last century as a memorial to O. Henry, throughout its history this annual collection has consistently offered a remarkabl...
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reviews
Feb 05, 2009
Chris
rated it: 
I read this in college and I could almost give it 5 stars just for introducing me to George Saunders. "Pastoralia" is to this day one of my favorite pieces of writing. I recommend that story and the collection of short stories that has the same name to everyone.
I was reading a lot of short stories at the time and the fact that the names of the short stories in this collection, ring a bell, must be a testament to something. I think this is a solid collection and you sho More...
I was reading a lot of short stories at the time and the fact that the names of the short stories in this collection, ring a bell, must be a testament to something. I think this is a solid collection and you sho More...
May 08, 2009
Kristin
rated it:
This book was quite a good selection of short stories but, unfortunately, it reminded me why I don't read short stories very often--it's too hit and miss, even when talking about the work of just one author, and I'm finally getting into the story when it, to me, abruptly ends. My favorite story would have to be the winner of this collection, the Deep. It's very lyrical and poetic, haunting and intriguing. The preponderance of cancer stories were not the most enjoyable or even that insightful, wh
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Feb 18, 2011
Eveline
rated it: 
A few snoozers, but overall the stories in here were interesting. Not sure how necessary it is for this book to exist though, as pretty much all the stories I liked were by writers I already knew about because they frequently publish in outlets like The New Yorker.
Apr 25, 2008
Idyllwilde
rated it: 
Dreadful. The first few were alright, but after that they degenerated into simple shock-value and complete boredom. Somewhere along the way irony must have either lost its meaning, or taken on an entirely new one. I don't think O. Henry would have been impressed.
Jun 29, 2008
Alice
rated it:
I never thought I would read short stories, but I did enjoy these. I didn't read all of them, but the the few that I did read proved to me that I can pick up a book of short stories if I don't feel like delving into a novel.
May 05, 2011
I'm not sure I'm on board with "The Deep" winning 1st prize. But oh, I love short fiction.
Oh, and Joyce Carol Oates is officially the most depressing author ever.
Oh, and Joyce Carol Oates is officially the most depressing author ever.
Dec 11, 2011
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