Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing: Stories

by Lydia Peelle

With its quick pace, modern society leaves scant time for us to pause and take a deep breath of fresh air, to watch the clouds move across the sky, or to appreciate the earth and its cycles of birth and death. Once out of the fray -- far from our cubicles and the relentless rat race -- and back into nature, we find time to ponder bigger questions.

Peelle has crafted eight stories that capture these moments: summers riding horses, life as a carnival worker, kidding season on a farm. Quiet and telling, her stories are filled alternately with supreme joy and with deep sorrow, desperation and longing, dreams born and broken -- set in landscapes where the clock ticks more slowly. Her landscapes are the kind of places you want to run away from, or to which you wish you could return, if time hadn't irrevocably changed them. A single thread runs through each of these stories, the unspoken quest to answer one of life's most primal questions: Who am I?

Peelle's writing is calm and smooth on the surface -- even soothing in its descriptions of daily life on a farm, for example -- but her words can hardly contain the depth of emotion that lies beneath them. So make some time and find a big tree to sit beneath, take a deep breath, and dive into this quietly impressive collection.

Mule Killers
Phantom Pain
Sweethearts of the Rodeo
The Still Point
Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing
This Is Not a Love Story
Kidding Season
Shadow on a Weary Land

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Book Club, Literary Fiction, Audiobook, Short Story Collection, Literature

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2009

About the author

Lydia Peelle is the Whiting Award- winning author of the novel The Midnight Cool and the story collection Reasons For and Advantages of Breathing, which was a New York Times Book Review Critics' Choice book and received an honorable mention for the PEN/Hemingway Award. She earned her MFA from the University of Virginia and has been a fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Ucross, Yaddo, and Ragdale. Peelle is a recipient of two Pushcart Prizes, an O. Henry Prize, the National Book Foundation's "5 Under 35" honor, and the Anahid Award for Armenian-American writers. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. The Midnight Cool is her first novel.

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I realize I give out a lot of 4 and 5 stars, but it's because I don't have time to read something I'm unsure of. I had read one of Peelle's stories in The Sun and loved it. It appears here, and the rest of her stories didn't disappoint, either. I'm not sure the collection is for everyone. You have to love reading about nature, the land, the environment, and characters that move around within this type of literary frame. I felt that place often dictated the characters' motivations and fates, more than the other way around. Peelle is an accomplished prose writer, and her greatest gift is in creating dead-on realistic characters, often from a male pov. With all this talent, though, and the eventual awards that came with it, wonder why the publisher gave her such a lousy cover. It's worse in person. Dull, blah. She deserved more effort.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of stories set primarily in the deep South and in rural areas where people are dependent to varying degrees on the land and what it gives and takes. There is a mark of desperation in many of the characters, young and old, male and female, searching for happiness, money, friendship.... Among my favorites are the titled story, "Mule Killers", and "Shadow of a Weary Land". But I recommend the entire collection as I believe there is something here for many readers and each story may speak differently to each.

Highly recommended.

[Sentimental Surrealist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first review in a while. Forgive the brevity and fragmented nature of this, I want to get it out there. Hoping to get back in the practice of the longer write-ups that have given me so much satisfaction in the past, but sometimes it's best to start slowly.

This was a great random find, one I only picked up because I found the title intriguing. Eight longish stories and basically all of them rock. Peelle favors a fragmented form, splintering things intensely on the memorable title story (about the simultaneous unwinding of a marriage and an affair), and it enables her powerful, succinct prose. I guess if one felt like criticizing this book, they could say that a few of the stories don't move as well as the others, favoring more of a whispy, character-sketch approach. Which is fine, but even these (and here I'm thinking "Mule Killers" and "Kidding Season") have this powerfully lived-in effect. The collection feels real, the characters breathe, the settings have those strange details that only a well-understood place can have. Indeed, it's Peelle's sense of place and her understanding of how characters interact with it that powers the unforgettable ending of "The Still Point," a tale of disillusioned carnival workers. I personally believe there's a big place in literature for vague character sketches that don't climax but do provide a collection with some of the old ambience, but I get how that might not be to all readers' tastes.

And when she really gets the old story arcs working, the results are pretty incredible. My favorite, "Phantom Pain," weaves apparently disparate threads about a coyote, a man's lost limb, and a divorce into a powerful and coherent whole with its strange and ambiguous climax. I almost groaned at this because it looked like a business-as-usual lit fic ending, but then Peelle decides it's time to twist the knife, you see. Kudos also to "Sweethearts of the Rodeo," a fresh take on the coming-of-age story. Peelle uses her setting excellently here, and I love the way she plays with the "reckless-one, shy-one" dynamic that so often defines these types of stories. You know how the shy one is usually the narrator? Well, I'm not sure how easy it is to pin that down here. Great, visceral ending, too. The symbolism is a bit see-through, I'll admit - this is true of the whole book, another potential criticism - but her symbolic devices are always so viscerally rent that it more than evens out. And isn't that the point of the symbol, that it functions as a real object within the story's world? Bonus hi-fives for "This is Not a Love Story," a nice blend of reflection and raw nerves.

I had never heard of Lydia Peelle before I picked this up. I know she's got a novel out now, and you'd best believe I'm reading that. This is why used bookstores are awesome, you know.

[Akshansh Mehra · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Se le perdió algo'

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I asked a book shop employee where the short story section was and instead she found this book and said it's the only one I need and wow do I sure owe her a thank you note. I got the full body tingles when I finished "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" but each story is haunting and masterful. Reminded me of Claire Keegan in its precision but with the warmth towards and respect of the midwest/south like Marilynne Robinson. Honest and moving and deserving of a much better cover!

[Evanston Public Library]

Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing, the debut short story collection from Lydia Peele is so clear, concise, direct, and beautiful that it will at times stop you dead in mid- sentence, your breath sucked in, your insides resonating like a bell that has been struck. Ostensibly another entry into the canon of Southern literature (Peelle lives in Nashville and most of the stories are set around the region), the book encapsulates much more than that somewhat weighted label implies. Walking a thin path between the rural America of yesterday, today, and days to come, Peelle explores the fluid and transitory nature of our land, our history, our memories, and ourselves. Along the way we meet a grandchild recounting borrowed memories of the days when tractors replaced mule power on a grandfather’s farm, a grown woman recalling the ponies she loved during the final fading days of her last summer of childhood innocence, a young man finding salvation he doesn’t know he needs amidst a broken-down goat farm, and three half-crazy, half-hearted has beens wandering the footsteps of the James Boys in search of buried treasure.

The stories paint a sadly recognizable portrait of the vanishing American countryside where hunters with GPS units tool around on ATVs, Wal-Mart is king, and the omnipresent sub-division creeps ever further outward, flattening whatever shared nature, culture, and history lies in its path. This deadening sense of an irreversible loss of place seeps from between Peele’s words, but that is not to say that the stories are suffused with dread and heaviness. The characters in these stories evince nothing so much as a sense of resignation to the inevitable march of time. It is not so much that the past has a hold on them, but more that they struggle with finding meaning in the present when the past is meaningless and obliterated. Peelle’s protagonists get through their days the same way most of us do, heads down, one foot in front of the other, attending to the tasks at hand. But what makes these characters and these stories so human, so personal, so relatable, is in the moments when they slip, and just simply getting by isn’t enough. A common thread among the stories is a search for a connection of some kind to something bigger than the everyday—something timeless and lasting, something that makes sense. All in all, the book can be a bit of a downer, but it is through its questioning and its searching for something still of meaning in our land and our lives that the barest shards of hope and belief (albeit shaken and staggered) break through its most overcast of days. (Andy R., Reader's Services)

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is it that the books I expect so little from are the ones that deliver the biggest impact? I am not really sure why I picked up this book, probably a favorable review I read online somewhere. Regardless, this was a brilliant collection of stories. In each of the eight stories, there are moments where I thought, "Yes, that is how it is." It is a remarkable feat because the narrators of the stories are so varied: a middle-aged divorced taxidermist, a tomboy reminiscing about a summer on a farm, a teenage boy working on a goat farm. Every story has truth to it and they are all suffused with a sense of loss.

[Diane Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The eight stories in this book are like little jewels that start out glittery and gleaming, but inside each one is a sharp edge that will break your heart. They are southern and rural in setting, each one pitting its character against progress and time unsuccessfully. They do what good stories should do, they make you think. The last story in the collection is "Shadow On a Weary Land", and will be one that stays with me for a while. Definitely recommended.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant literary genius.

[gwayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart broke eight times while reading this collection of eight stories, each deeply rooted in nature and landscape, often rural, with "civilization" swiftly encroaching ("A bobcat's den will be bulldozed away for a store that sells hair extensions and curling irons. The coyotes will root through Dumpsters for a few years before they are run off to the north, howling as they go."). This is gorgeous writing--blessedly subtle but assured. The indifferent animals in these stories--panthers, crippled kid goats, ponies, blind salamanders--embody last chances to the troubled men and women who encounter and are changed by them. Each story is beautifully crafted, and whole worlds hover like ghosts behind each character. I like this passage:

At night I like to do this, imagine the field once we've left it: the deer coming out of the woods, noses working over crumpled napkins, the foxes creeping out onto the trampled paths, sawdust scattering in the wind. It's usually a comfort, knowing the field will recover without a trace of us, just days after we're gone. But there's a danger to picturing a place without you in it. After a while you can start to feel like nothing at all.

P.S. What's with the half-assed cover design, Harper Perennial?

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of stories. I picked up the book in order to read the first story, "Mule Killers," and found that each story was strong and worthy.
Highly recommended.

[Nicholas Montemarano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fine work in this first collection. Sincere, well-crafted stories with just enough attention paid to the music of the sentences (enough to create ear-pleasure, but not so self-consciously to distract from the characters and events). Here's a favorite sentence about goats using hay as bed and meal simultaneously: "The goats slit their yellow eyes blissfully, grabbing mouthfuls of whatever was in reach, while at the other end, their puckered assholes winked turds into it." The word "winked" here tells me that this writer pays attention and waits patiently for just the right word. The strongest stories in the collection - fine prose, complex characters, surprising yet subtle turns, and wonderful endings -- are "Mule Killers," "The Still Point," and "Kidding Season."

[Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entirely unique and haunting. Peelle writes most of these stories from a masculine perspective, something I would normally find disingenuous, but she does so masterfully, and the result is a collection that is as sharp and addictive as Richard Ford's Rock Springs. Having never been to the south, I kept interchanging the scenery with that of the Northwest -- so much of the collection is fixated on the outdoors, on the strange flightly disconnect between man and nature, and for one story in particular, revolving around a ghostlike mountain lion, I perfectly envisioned the forests of Northern Idaho. Barely any moments exist indoors -- and yet the stories are still so internal to the characters. Fantastic.

[Lindsay Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so depressing that I wish it was bad so I could say not to read it. But you should read it. It's exquisite. And there are (a few) moments of hope. They feel like that moment when your head breaks water and you take the first gulp of breath after a deep dive

Then somebody pushes your head back under water.

I kid. But not really. These stories hurt. Oh they hurt so good.

[Gregory Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

For her story, "Mule Killers", alone Lydia Peelle's collection of stories is worth the price of admission. But the rest of this collection will stun you with the superbly captured interiority of its characters. A powerful, close-to-the-bone writer who deserves far more attention than she's received.

[Erynn]

Great short story collection about the South and humanity in general. Fell in love with the author's voice in 1 page and was continually mesmerized throughout the rest. I recommend taking 1 story at a time.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. A collection of short stories, each one packed full of emotion and character development. This is Peele's first book, which you would never believe considering the maturity of her writing. I can't wait to see what this author does next!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, superb craft, and absolutely devastating.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

People and places are on thresholds in these stories. Adolescent girls in “Sweethearts of the Rodeo” enjoy a final summer of freedom riding ponies while the weighty realities of adult life intrude. “Mule Killers” and “Kidding Season” both involve 18-year-old young men being impulsive and irresponsible—with dire consequences. In “Shadow on a Weary Land,” a treasure hunt is a poignant distraction for the disappearance of rural life in the face of advancing development.

“Kidding Season” centers both themes: an unnurtured, unschooled young man on a threshold of life makes a terrible choice at a threshold time—as one way of life (living close to the land) gives way to another (land and goods as neutral, meaningless commodities). It’s fitting that he gets a job building houses down in Florida. The perfect image of the relentless move from farms and animals to clustered-together faux communities. The “final crop” of Levittown.

Peelle threads environmental themes into these stories with subtle mastery. People and places shimmer with nostalgia for times past, regret for how the old places are being over-run, developed, homogenized. The old ways cast aside by young folks. The carelessness of youth. Mortality. Disconnection from the living world impoverishes us.

The language feels uncluttered and clean. Words chosen with care have surprising emotional heft. In “Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing,” a young woman confides in an older herpetologist: “I tried to kill myself once. When I was young. I jumped off a bridge into a half-frozen river.”

“The herpetologist is quiet for so long that I wonder if I shouldn’t have said it. Then wish I could take it back. Finally, he says, ‘And were you shivering when they pulled you out?’ ‘Of course I was shivering,’ I say, confused. He nods. ‘Trust the body, not the mind,’ he says, smiling. ‘The body loves itself.’”

It’s a tender moment and a beautiful thought.

“Mule Killers” is such a sad story that I avoided reading it till the end. It reminded me of a piece I wrote years ago about Chesapeake watermen cutting up their skipjacks to install engines, rather than rely on sail power alone. “Mule Killers” is infinitely sadder because the mules are sentient, knowing beings. They have relationships and histories with the people.

I loved the image of the field hands under mule power being able to sleep till the end of the row, then wake up to turn the rig back down the next row, then doze off again. A true partnership! And how they know it’s time for lunch when the mules start braying at five till twelve.

Compared to this, the tractors are an offensive intrusion. In one scene, a tractor tips over on a hill and nearly kills the man. Technology is dangerous, literally life-threatening.

The stories have themes of longing, poignancy, and loss. Characters need love and intimacy, but they’re blocked by fear or disillusionment. There is the sense of life slipping away, the realism that meaning and purpose are elusive. Things don’t tend to work out the way we’d hoped. All we can do is keep going and try our best.

[Yelizaveta Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

a collection of short stories centered around the deep south is exactly what you would expect it to be: a bummer.

i bought this cute lil book for $0.99 at a coffee shop, and it was a solid dollar spent. i really did like some of the stories — like the story the collection gets its name from. however, i felt that the read was shocking slow for a bunch of /short/ stories. the stories also had a monotonous feel. that being said, the stories are incredibly well written and the imagery is fantastic.

also, i like taking short stories with me on flights because they usually move quick and make it feel like time flies by (haha see what i did there?) and this collection… didn’t do that. but seriously, i know i sound negative but it’s a solid 3 star. average. not super not bad.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

i opted out halfway through, which maybe i shouldnt paint a tiny star on my fuselage for this one, but i have thoughts to share: these (or half of this) are patient, pretty, gifted pieces of writing capturing lives constellated vaguely around ruralness, southernness, sadness, soured american life. they are also completely inert as art and feel more like really nice pieces ornamental pottery that isn't food safe because of the glaze or whatever. i would not judge you if you severely dig this book, but i will not be in the ditch with you. come join me in the light, art is allowed to be fun and not just a instragram filter called COMPLEX ADULT VIBES

[Momruns5 · Rating 2 out of 5]

First short story collection I actually liked well enough....for short stories. Really liked the one about the friends who worked at the horse barn for a summer. Some were really really depressing. Some people have such hard lives and situations, family wise and money wise. Made me feel very lucky. Also lots of sadness about getting old and lonely. Made me sad and scared for the future. But all were written very well.

[Jacob Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthology that genuinely touched me. These stories will stick with me as a native southerner. I don't think I have ever read a story that described the feeling of the south in such a way. I found myself in tears with emotions as she describes things I have merely chalked up as the way the world is, without ever thinking how unique the south is to an outsider. It was a lovely inside look into my own world I had never considered to be more or less important than a trip to the grocery store.

[Justin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Oliver meets Dolly Parton. A wonderful short story collection. If one were to read only a single story, I'd say go for "Kidding Season." I can't quite recall exactly how I came to have this book on my shelf nor what prompted me to save it from a recent, massive culling of unreads to make room for other, more urgent books. I am so glad I did; instead of passing it along after reading—as was the plan—I am keeping it close to revisit again and again.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each story had a common thread to the others in the collection. Each one left me wanting to know what happens to the characters down the road…. Each one left me feeling very blue at the end. If the mark of a good author is their ability to conjure strong emotions in their readers and make them connect with the characters, then she has done her job. I just wish the emotion she conjured for me was either hope or joy rather than melancholy….

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on Powell's "The Short List 2014" without having heard of Lydia Peelle. This is a pretty good collection of short stories. Not really happy stories, mind you, but good. Peelle's style reminds me a little bit of Wallace Stegner.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are superb. The only one that didn't work for me was "This Is Not a Love Story." Compared to the subtlety and depth of feeling of the others, this one seemed sentimental and underdeveloped. Still, a fabulous collection.

[Bree Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely engaging and fresh set of stories. Each totally unique and authentic and with an honesty about the world, and how it has changed, that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Wonderful with character and detail; can't recommend it highly enough.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like short story collections and was delighted to discover this author. Several revolve around an animal and reactions to their death in different and surprising ways. I found her narrators very relatable

[SM Zalokar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m saying easily 4.5-5 ⭐️s. Her writing reminds me of Raymond Carver or another favorite - Willy Vlautin. Her characters are not just believable - they are familiar. Her details make fiction come to life - grim as it might be.