Flight And Other Stories

by José Skinner

In this rich group of stories about Latinos in the American Southwest, Skinner explores many themes. "Archangela's Place" features a wonderful Mexican character who weaves herself permanently into the lives of an Anglo family with enduring results. "Flight" tackles racial misunderstanding between an urban African-American and a rural Chicano woodcutter. Coming-of-age stories, "Eloy" and "Every Head's A World," illustrate in various degrees of tragedy and comedy the complexities faced by Hispanic-American youth. "Careful" is an ironic and humorous story of an encounter between two gay teenagers, one Hispanic and one Anglo, that is admirably honest and compelling in its sensuality. Among the rest are two pure romances, "Pickup," which is like a tormented country-western song, and "Spring," a witty story of love unrequited for forty years until, finally, the elderly lovers can openly and tenderly embrace in a passionate and charming conclusion. The stories in this collection show a wide range of compassion and understanding of the often confusing rules of love in a multicultural world.

Genres: Short Stories

200 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jose Skinner]

What can I say? He has a great name. He came to UNR for a speaking engagement. I had family congratulating me for getting my name in the paper, asking me how it went.

[E.d. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skinner's short stories are surprisingly different from each other. The only aspect his stories have in common is that he has a great deal of compassion for his characters. He creates a very believable world and sets his characters in it. He explores the Mexican-American experience in New Mexico and Texas through his sympathetic main characters. His writing was so good that now I feel compelled to read the rest of his works.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very satisfying story collection, set throughout the southwest. The tales are of racial and cultural misunderstandings, unrequited or unexpressed desires, and inaccurate perceptions. The characters are well drawn and fascinating, without being overly quirky. The stories were masterfully written as well. I loved this!

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of short stories. Engaging characters and circumstances, clean writing.

[Wendy Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the author as my Intro to Lit prof. It was interesting to contrast his easy going personality with the very vivid descriptions he creates in his writing.

[Melynda Nuss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving, carefully crafted stories about the intersection of worlds that you'd never expect to intersect.