Five

by Charlie Parr

196 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Danny Balister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is often referred to as an American Treasure, for good reason, even though he'd probably be slightly embarrassed by that lofty moniker. His writing, whether it be songs or short stories, is as idiosyncratic as it is timeless. His ability to build worlds in his writing is almost unparalleled. If you grew up in a medium or small sized midwestern town you know the places in these stories and characters that live there. They're as real as you or me. Even though you're dropped into the middle of these worlds, sometimes mid conversation or even mid thought, if you're like me you'll find it easy enough to relate, feel sorry for, and even root for most of these characters regardless of how untrustworthy the narrators may end up being. If you're wired the same way I am, you'll find so invested in these Carver-esque vignettes that you won't be putting this down until you're finished, regardless of what little (if any direction or resolution) there is. Compared to Charlie's previous book "The Last of the Better Days Ahead" these stories are even more far out, strange, and eerie. They still focus on those of us a decaying America has passed by and forgotten, but they show even more of his unique personal quirks and writing style. I love it and my favorite is "Cheap Wine".

[Sleonhardi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlie Parr is a masterful songwriter and performer and Cheap Wine is one of his top songs. After hearing him perform it live many times I had filled in my own backstory details, but when I read his written version, it didn’t match my version, so he got it wrong. That’s a sign of a great song, when the listener believes he knows more about what really happened than the songwriter knows.