book data
139 ratings, 4.09 average rating, 17 reviews
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published
December 1st 1997
(first published 1996)
by Bantam
binding
Paperback, 448 pages
isbn
0553378333
(isbn13: 9780553378337)
description
The late Shirley Jackson (1919-65) is the author of the classic short story, "The Lottery," a dark, unforgettable tale of the unthinking and...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 180)
Shirley Jackson in many ways has frequently been made a victim of her own brilliance and success. Nowhere is this more perfectly framed than in this gigantic tome of previous uncollected short stories, many of which are also previously unpublished . She had the ability to craft perfect gems... I mean, it has to be hard to sit down at the keyboard with charismatic and terrifying works such as The Lottery looming over you and say, "...and what now?" Shirley Jackson was a paradox i...more
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I love Shirley Jackson's stories and novels--she's one of my absolute favorite writers, and normally when I feel that way about a writer, I'd like the opportunity to have more books of their writing published, even posthumously, as this collections of stories was brought out long after her death. Unfortunately, this is all of Jackson's juvenile work, from when she was learning how to write stories. Many of them are quite badly done, overly sentimental, structurally awkward, conceptually unreal...more
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Read in August, 2008
Having just finished Jackson's mostly-autobiographical collections Raising Demons and Life Among The Savages, I was looking forward to more of her writing, specifically the spooky suspense fiction she is best known for.
This collection of stories provides the occasional chill, as well as the suburban satire and urban observations she does so well. The story settings a...more
This collection of stories provides the occasional chill, as well as the suburban satire and urban observations she does so well. The story settings a...more
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I picked this up after I read 'We Have Always Lived in this Castle' by her (although, 'The Haunting of Hill House' is considered her best book). This was published posthumously after the family went through various boxes of her work that she left behind. They picked out the stories they felt were complete/what their mother would approve of. A lot of the stories feel unfinished, but I think it's part of their charm. The short stories run the gamut of reflections on her family life, disturbing...more
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Read in January, 2005
This is one of my favorite books. Almost all of the stories are great, but a few of my best picks would be 'The Story We Used To Tell', 'Nightmare', 'About Two Nice People', and 'Come to the Fair'. This collection is bizarre, sweet,romantic, and sometimes little bit of macabre. Anyone who is afraid to read SJ because of her creepier, more well known work, (Haunting of Hill House, The Lottery) should give this book a try. I fell in love with Shirley Jackson after I read this book. Sorry that...more
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2 comments
Read in November, 2008
I didn't like these stories nearly as much as in Come Along With Me, however there were several gems among them. I recommend this book to every Shirley Jackson fan as her skill in weaving a chilling tale is remarkable and worth the read.
Read in May, 2005
recommends it for:
people who like roald dahl's and stephen king's short stories
The range of stories in this book is amazing - from cheerful to creepy and everything in between. My favorites are: Dinner for a Gentleman, The Story We Used to Tell, and Mrs. Melville Makes a Purchase. Awesome!
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Really enjpyed this collection - didn't realize Jackson had such a great sense of humor! Some of the more mystical/"scary" stories seemed a little forced, but otherwise all really good stories.
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Read in August, 2008
I was just paying a courtesy call to this author, on the strength of her
deserved reputation for the stoning story. I thought she might have
good surprises for me. She didn't.
deserved reputation for the stoning story. I thought she might have
good surprises for me. She didn't.
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Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
everyone
Shirley Jackson is my favorite short story writer. These are alternately charming and dark, with an amazing insight into human nature. My favorite is "The Possibility of Evil."
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Read in April, 2008
recommends it for:
aspiring authors, ghosthunters
My favorite book of all-time and one I return to again and again. Effortless and solid, chilling and funny from beginning to end. A book every aspiring author should study.
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recommends it for:
those who like short stories
"An Ordinary Day, With Peanuts" is probably my favorite short story ever. This fine lady's writing was of immeasurable assistance in getting me through high school.
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She can write a mean short story. Shirley Jackson has a way with words that few authors out there have. It's unfortunate she died so young.
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Read in January, 2006
every single story is amazing. shirley jackson is another third of my holy trinity...so, so, so, so good.
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Read in January, 2006
recommended to Jenifer by:
G. Smithrecommends it for: the weak hearted
Fucking brilliant! This book spawned so life of so many of my own short stories.
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Read in January, 2000
A must read for any lover of the short story, great writing and great story telling.
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fiction (on 7 people's shelves)
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short-stories (on 4 people's shelves)
books-i-own (on 2 people's shelves)
shortstories (on 2 people's shelves)
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classics (on 2 people's shelves)
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