A collection of rich, powerfully human stories from the author of The Half-Life and the movies Old Joy (“one of the fine... read full description
reviews
Jan 11, 2009
Nathan
rated it: 
This book, basically, is why I love Oregon. Jon Raymond hits everything exactly right, from an entitled Lake Oswego subdivision to Lloyd Center to Newport in the middle of winter. Apart from the nail-on-the-head sense of place, the stories are also just good (the one about the artist and her boyfriend was forgettable, but "The Suckling Pig" makes up for that by being one of the most fascinating stories I've ever read.) My vote is for Jon Raymond as the next (next?) Great Oregon Writ
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Jun 03, 2010
Kilean
rated it: 
Superb. Although there's plenty of movement among the characters in these stories each one has a deep, ruminative quality to it. It was hard not to think about Will Oldham when reading "Old Joy" but that by no means overshadows the effect of that particular story. All of these are gems, through and through. And I didn't for once get the sense, as I've had of late whenever I pick up a new collection and skim it whilst standing in a bookstore, that these tales were scribed by some trusta
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Jan 05, 2012
Jim
rated it:
once in awhile, a book comes into your life. like connecting with a new friend or discovering a new cuisine or hearing a band that makes you feel grateful for being alive. Livability is that book for me. not since I read Rudy Rucker (my kind of humor) or Joseph Brodsky (my philosophy/outlook on things), has something spoken directly to my taste and sensibility so perfectly, that it made me cry.
stories like "Old Joy" and "Train Choir" are exactly everything I wa More...
stories like "Old Joy" and "Train Choir" are exactly everything I wa More...
Jun 12, 2009
Cody
rated it: 
What little strength this collection possesses stems from Raymond’s evocation of Oregon, and this is what kept me reading. Yet, the writing itself is wholly underwhelming. Throughout, I kept feeling that Raymond was forcing the uniqueness of Oregon into generic realist fiction writing, which, to me, undermines the singularity of the region. Additionally, Raymond’s attempt to utilize a diverse cast of characters is completely negated by the fact that each character is so flat that they are nothi
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Feb 28, 2011
Brian
rated it:
Most of Raymond's stories center around the Pacific northwest, and while there are times within this collection where Raymond is apt at fitting his story into the environmental framework, I was left repeatedly cold by his decisions concerning character and plot. Too often, the plots of these stories tend to involve issues that don't necessarily carry with them strong dramatic elements. A story like "Old Joy" centers around two single men trying to rekindle a friendship, a friendship
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Aug 22, 2009
Lawrence
rated it: 
A little like Miranda July, but less earnest and huggy.
This is the author behind the short stories that inspired the films Old Joy and Wendy and Lucy. These are quiet stories of people learning new things about themselves in unusual situations. Some of the stories are a little predictable and hew a little too closely to the world of the tragically hip thirtysomething looking for meaning within the creative class. (This might tell you something: Will Oldham appears in both Old Joy and More...
This is the author behind the short stories that inspired the films Old Joy and Wendy and Lucy. These are quiet stories of people learning new things about themselves in unusual situations. Some of the stories are a little predictable and hew a little too closely to the world of the tragically hip thirtysomething looking for meaning within the creative class. (This might tell you something: Will Oldham appears in both Old Joy and More...
Mar 29, 2010
Joe
rated it:
I was drawn to this book when I had to choose a book club title that related to "Portland, OR". Jon Raymond is a Portlander, and many of these stories take place in and around Portland and speak to some issues specific to the Rose City.
But I would have enjoyed this book no matter how well I knew Portland, the stories of childhood play in the woods, of old friends, and of the perils of life on the road, are each interesting and fun to read...also there have been two very More...
But I would have enjoyed this book no matter how well I knew Portland, the stories of childhood play in the woods, of old friends, and of the perils of life on the road, are each interesting and fun to read...also there have been two very More...
Jan 23, 2009
Art
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i was interested in this book due to the film adaptations of a few of the stories, that being "old joy" and "wendy and lucy" (in the book as "train choir"). the stories tend to be quiet, considered, and heavy in atmosphere and environment. the stories are really varied with a number of different types of characters and perspectives, and it also happens to be the first book in which i have found someone using the word "boosh". reading the book on the bus to
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Jun 22, 2009
Becky
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Very well written, realistic short stories set in the Pacific Northwest. They reminded me a little bit of Raymond Carver's writings in terms of style. Very touching and sad-not the book to read if you are looking for something fun and uplifting! I ended up teary-eyed after reading a few of them and I'm not a big crier. I read that two movies were made from two of the stories in the book ("Old Joy" and "Wendy and Lucy")...I'm curious as to how they were adapted. As always with
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Apr 26, 2010
Marco
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This is an amazing collection of stories. It should be required reading for anyone living in Portland, Oregon, my fringe city of the Pacific Northwest, but it's also about characters on the fringes of society, so really it's required reading for everyone interested.
I recommend reading this collection before watching "Old Joy" and "Wendy & Lucy," both adapted by Raymond from his own stories and directed by Kelly Reichardt. I made the mistake of watching the movies More...
I recommend reading this collection before watching "Old Joy" and "Wendy & Lucy," both adapted by Raymond from his own stories and directed by Kelly Reichardt. I made the mistake of watching the movies More...
Jun 14, 2011
Liza
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Kelly Reichardt's films Old Joy and Wendy and Lucy were based on this short story collection, which impacted my reading. I enjoyed those two stories (for this collection titled "Old Joy" and "The Train Choir") and one other ("The Coast"). The rest did not resonate with me much. One in particular completely fell flat, because it seemed as though the author had no idea how to write from the characters' perspectives, and thus the subjects fell off the page.
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Aug 01, 2009
Matt
rated it:
Readability: next to zero.
The author owns the characters in his stories, yet cannot work up the nerve to come anywhere close to tying a story together. For effect, and in a short story collection, you can do that once to a reader. You cannot do that in nearly every story and expect someone to want to read what you write in the future (or re-read this collection). I'm sure some of the stories were good, but when the last thought you have at the end of nearly every one is, "what t More...
The author owns the characters in his stories, yet cannot work up the nerve to come anywhere close to tying a story together. For effect, and in a short story collection, you can do that once to a reader. You cannot do that in nearly every story and expect someone to want to read what you write in the future (or re-read this collection). I'm sure some of the stories were good, but when the last thought you have at the end of nearly every one is, "what t More...
Nov 30, 2009
Marc
rated it:
I like short story collections and anthologies as I can read a story in those little gaps such as when waiting for the water to come to a boil on the stove.
Many of the stories were about missed opportunities in life and how small things can end up having a big affect. Many of the stories included drifters, temporary relationships, failed relationships, and life moves on.
I liked each story as the author seems to think much like I do. The characters are always thinking, mul More...
Many of the stories were about missed opportunities in life and how small things can end up having a big affect. Many of the stories included drifters, temporary relationships, failed relationships, and life moves on.
I liked each story as the author seems to think much like I do. The characters are always thinking, mul More...
Nov 13, 2010
Dawn
rated it: 
I had high hopes after reading the first in this collection of short stories. The first is about two hippie friends trying to reconnect who take an overnight hiking trip to some hot springs in Oregon. But the rest of the stories featured characters who had no business having stories written about them. There is one story called "The Suckling Pig" about an Asian guy who picks up 2 Hispanic workers, Diego and Javier, outside of a Home Depot and has them do some work on his property wh
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Nov 12, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
I learned about this book after watching the movie Old Joy, which is based on a story in this collection. I loved the movie, which was quietly powerful and so perfectly captured the way that small moments can blossom with meaning. I loved the collection just as much. Every story blew my socks off. These are the kind of stories I want to be writing. I'm now a huge Jon Raymond fan.
Oct 11, 2011
Jeannette
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I was really looking forward to reading this collection of short stories mainly because the author is the screenwriter of Old Joy and Wendy & Lucy - and this book contains the short stories on which those 2 films were based. Both of those short stories are the stand outs in this collection but there are other quiet gems as well here. Definitely a good read and the cover is just nice to look at too.
Sep 09, 2011
Schuyler
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I read this because it contained the basis for two films I rather enjoyed, Old Joy (titled Old Joy in the story collection) and Wendy & Lucy (titled Train Choir in the story collection). Overall the stories were kinda middle-of-the-road. Characters tended to be a bit flat and sometimes the stories felt a bit MFA-ish. There was just an overarching tone or voice that I feel I've been reading in contemporary American fiction and I don't like it.
But check out the two films directed by Ke More...
But check out the two films directed by Ke More...
Jan 31, 2012
Owain
rated it:
A good, solid collection of stories. I can see why people have compared him to Raymond Carver - the earthy realism and economy of style definitely has the ring of the Carveresqe - but this guy is certainly no mere imitator. There's something decidedly unfussy about the way he writes, a sort of downtempo style with the briefest of flourishes here and there. He also has some of the best open endings I've read for a while. Pre-ordering his second collection now.
Dec 03, 2009
Stephan
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After hearing about Jon Raymond winning the Oregon Book Prize (or something like that) and seeing his two adapted stories, "Train Choir" and "Old Joy" into the beautiful movies, "Wendy and Lucy" and "Old Joy" I picked this up.
His stories are really quiet and beautiful. But the writing is the best when it isn't followed by other justifying words. This is something the movies take care of - where there is silence or simply the quiet actions or no More...
His stories are really quiet and beautiful. But the writing is the best when it isn't followed by other justifying words. This is something the movies take care of - where there is silence or simply the quiet actions or no More...
Apr 18, 2009
Rachael
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This was a nice collection of stories, but the highlight was really the last story, "Train Choir," which is the basis for the new movie WENDY AND LUCY, was the best. I've already begun to forget most of the other stories, but the collection was worthwhile because of the last story.
Jan 28, 2012
Beatrice
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There's a curiosity and a distance to the characters in Rayomond's stories. They feel like the kids you knew in H.S. or the guy you heard about from your friends but never talked to yourself. Raymond is an observer of people, he takes notes and jots down sketches. In these stories he sets up scenarios and throws in characters to see what happens. There's the Russian thief, the son of Chinese immigrants and the epic story that served as a basis for Wendy and Lucy. Each trying to figure out their
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Sep 02, 2009
Hlry
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i was not expecting to like this book at all. first, i generally don't like to read a whole book of short stories, and second, i thought they'd be hipster portland stories. but actually they were pretty honest and only slightly hipster.
Feb 27, 2009
katie
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The last story is so sad. I cannot handle stories about humans and dogs being separated. I do not know if I would be able to watch the film adaptation "Wendy and Lucy." I loved reading all of these stories and couldn't put it down.
Apr 11, 2010
Steven
rated it:
A short story collection from the writer of the films "Old Joy" and "Wendy & Lucy" (original stories the films are based on are two of the nine stories included in this book) so if you enjoyed those films you'll likely enjoy this read.
The writing seems somewhat generic in spots, but the stories here are sad and heartfelt which makes up for the lack of profound literary prose.
The writing seems somewhat generic in spots, but the stories here are sad and heartfelt which makes up for the lack of profound literary prose.
Aug 29, 2009
Kearstin
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modern short fiction with a oregon bent. oh portland. some curious and entertaining bits - most memorable is the shocked deer int he back of a van. . . enjoyable, smooth reading, some nuggets but nothing much
Nov 07, 2010
Current
rated it:
Great book, especially for fans of the two movies inspired by two its stories.
Another great little book of short stories is "Love in an Expanding Universe" by Ronald Rindo.
Another great little book of short stories is "Love in an Expanding Universe" by Ronald Rindo.
Aug 04, 2010
Tara
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I'm really on the cusp as to whether to rate this as a three or four star. I really enjoyed the writing style, characters, themes—and the location especially as Oregon holds a special charm to me. The only irksome note that kept ringing out is that each story ended with the same ambiguous ending. I don't prefer for tales to be wrapped up with a bow, that's for certain, and I understand that it's part of a much larger theme—but at times, it made me disinterested in following through as a reader.
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Jul 10, 2009
amy
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Another white dude who can't write women or non-white dudes. I'll give this one another shot, though, a more patient and realistic one.
Dec 15, 2009
Eric
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There were some decent short stories. But the best ones just made me think, "I want to know what happens next!"
Jan 26, 2009
I just don't seem to have the attention span for anything other than short stories recently.
