Over the course of reading these stories, I was struck by the emptiness in Lahiri's narratives. She is adept at exploring the voids that exist within...moreOver the course of reading these stories, I was struck by the emptiness in Lahiri's narratives. She is adept at exploring the voids that exist within and between people, which leaves the reader a little empty as well; that's not necessarily a bad thing. I appreciate anything that can provoke emotion, and this is the most provocative work of hers that I've experienced so far. (It seems that she is more effective in the short story format.) It's safe to say none of her characters end up Happily Ever After, which can be a bummer, but something I appreciate.
The last three stories in this collection are linked: one is told from the point of view of a woman, the second from a man, and the last is third-person. It is interesting to see how that structure unfolds and the certain element of suspense created -- you know to a certain extent what is going to happen, but not when, or how. (less)
One of the best short story collections I've read. This is my first time reading Shepard, and I was definitely impressed. His range of characters is s...moreOne of the best short story collections I've read. This is my first time reading Shepard, and I was definitely impressed. His range of characters is so diverse (well, not quite... I'll get to that in a minute) and so well-written -- from a high-school football player, to an SS yeti-seeker in Tibet, to Aeschylus (no joke), each time he shoots he hits his mark. Highly recommended for everyone -- it's just normal enough, just a little bit weird enough.
My only problem with it: So, it becomes pretty clear that the stories are pretty much all about men and their fathers, or brothers in a couple instances. But definitely about men. Which isn't the problem, because he does it really well and hey, write what you know. There is one story that is narrated by a female cosmonaut that annoyed the shit out of me despite finally having a female character (most of the other stories don't even have that, it's a definite sausage fest). It ends up coming off as a token-girl sort of and it's not that well done -- the story is written as if taken from her DIARY (c'mon!) and the broad ends up bungling her space mission because she's all mopey that her married cosmonaut-lover isn't paying attention to her! Enough femiladyism though (although I would argue my annoyance has nothing to do with my anatomy, it's an annoying story).
Book discussion next week with the author -- should be interesting. I'm hoping I have the guts to bring up the chick thing, and I might reread it before then to get more out of it. I really liked catching on to the father/brother/son thing and want to see if I can squeeze some more out of that connection. Which is interesting because although the characters and where they are in history and place are so diverse, but they're all having similar problems... hmm. (less)
This might be my favorite Eggers. It seems like he's easier to take in the smaller doses and he does well with that format. I liked the short story --...moreThis might be my favorite Eggers. It seems like he's easier to take in the smaller doses and he does well with that format. I liked the short story -- really short story -- short story, etc. format, too. I had read an earlier version of the one about the dog and really didn't like it but this version I love, though I'm not exactly sure what's different...(less)
It's about Catholicism, and the Northeast and once the South, and boys and girls and the things they do to each other. I will be reading more Dubus, f...moreIt's about Catholicism, and the Northeast and once the South, and boys and girls and the things they do to each other. I will be reading more Dubus, for sure.(less)
Good, and I really liked the story about the lesbians that ran away from home and tried to build a basement in their loft, but overall it's too precio...moreGood, and I really liked the story about the lesbians that ran away from home and tried to build a basement in their loft, but overall it's too precious for me. I think I would like the stories a lot more on their own instead of all smashed together in a collection, it got to be too much... Sorry.(less)
I read this book every year and listen to "Santaland Diaries" from This American Life. It's become a tradition. What's Christmas, after all, without D...moreI read this book every year and listen to "Santaland Diaries" from This American Life. It's become a tradition. What's Christmas, after all, without Dinah the Christmas Whore?(less)
me: im reading a good book of stories most of them are in michigan Alex: i love michigan me: David Means The Secret Goldfish i am only partway through b...moreme: im reading a good book of stories most of them are in michigan Alex: i love michigan me: David Means The Secret Goldfish i am only partway through but so far so good "The air of Northern Michigan never quite matches the freshness of Canada. There's usually a dull iron ore residue in it, or the smell of dead flies accumulating between the stones on shore." See. Michigan. Alex: mmm michigan
The story about Charlene reminded me of The Hold Steady.(less)
More like 3.5... Summer Blonde is a collection of fourt stories originally presented in Optic Nerve each about someone who is painfully uncomfortable...moreMore like 3.5... Summer Blonde is a collection of fourt stories originally presented in Optic Nerve each about someone who is painfully uncomfortable in their own skin. I could see how some people could find Tomine a little redundant, but I think if it's good, go with it.(less)
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