Initial Discussion: More of This World or Maybe Another, by Barb Johnson - November 2024

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Here is where we begin our discussion of this book. No spoilers please. These are interconnected short stories, so general comments only about each one.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I'll be reading this on Kindle. 5 stars from Howard and a Kindle bargain are a great combination.

[Connie]

I'm planning on reading the book. I've found that you can't go wrong with Howard's recommendations.

[Howard]

I mistakenly posted the comment below on the final impressions page. I intended to post it here on the Initial Impressions page.

Here is the comment:

"It is one of the best short story collections that I have ever read. Since the stories are linked it reads more like a novel than short stories."

[Howard]

Diane and Connie,

Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I have to give credit to my friend Teresa for she introduced me to the book. And after you read the collection I recommend that you read her insightful review, if you haven't already done so.

There is violence and/or tragedy in some of these stories, but to quote Teresa, "Barb Johnson's people are survivors." I also liked this quotation from one of the stories that she included in her review:: "There's real trouble in the world. The kind that can't be fixed. The kind we lie awake keeping vigil against. Love is not trouble. It's all we have to light our days, to bring music to the time we've been given."

Finally, I quote Donald Ray Pollock, author of "Knockenstiff" and other books:

"Barb Johnson's beautiful and touching stories stirred up emotions in me that few books ever have .... I hate to admit it, [but] I actually cried over a pig in one story, and I used to work in a meatpacking plant."

The pig story was one of Teresa's (and my) favorite stories.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I read the first story yesterday and can already tell these will be special. Love that quote.

[Connie]

I read the first seven stories, and the story about the Dooley and the pig broke my heart too. The story about Dooley and the baby also tore at the emotions. Barb Johnson also injects humor into the stories, especially those about children finding out about the harsh world. Fortunately, there are also caring people in the world, although they are not always the children's parents.

I also read the author's note in the back of the book, and Barb Johnson seems to be a survivor, just as much as her characters.

[Lisa (NY)]

I read the first story today and loved it. Looking forward to reading the rest one per day at most.

[Howard]

Lisa (NY) wrote: "I read the first story today and loved it. Looking forward to reading the rest one per day at most."

That's the way I read short stories, Lisa. That way they don't all run together in my mind.

[Sue]

I have had this on my kindle for several years and am very happy that it’s on the schedule for this month. I hope to begin this weekend.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Dooley has now broken my heart in 2 of the stories, and Pudge as well. I like Delia's clear way of looking at things.

[Howard]

Diane wrote: "Dooley has now broken my heart in 2 of the stories, and Pudge as well. I like Delia's clear way of looking at things."

Dooley and Pudge are two of Johnson's survivors. They deserved more than they received from life.

Delia and the laundromat are the glue that connects these stories. There are times in which she is the main subject and other times when she only makes a cameo appearance or is just mentioned by name. But in a way the collection is Delia's coming of age story.

When I was reading the stories I was grateful for Calvin. I couldn't help liking him because he added some humor when it was necessary to lighten things up.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Calvin is a likable guy, but Delia made different choices. I still have 2 stories to go, I'm hoping he will show up in them.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

I just read the first story and agree with all of the above. I loved the quote, but I also loved the bit about things that can change and still look exactly the same.

[Jayne]

I’m two-thirds through, and I am glad that I am reading along. This isn’t an author that I had heard of before this group read. Rather than a collection of connected short stories, it reads to me like a novel with a non-linear timeline.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Brilliant title when you think about it a bit. I agree Jayne, it seemed more of a novel to me as well.

[Terry]

I’m not sire when I can work this in but you’ve all convinced me to do it.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

You'll be glad you did Terry. It lends itself to a slow read if that's what you need, since the stories build on each other instead of being dependent on the whole, if that makes any sense.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

It's one of my favourite books this year,Terry. Diane is right in that it's a perfect slow read.