Cheevers’ clever use of swimming through a community’s swimming pools seems to mirror Neddy’s life journey. Starting out with youthful high expectatioCheevers’ clever use of swimming through a community’s swimming pools seems to mirror Neddy’s life journey. Starting out with youthful high expectations he discovers what has or could happen along the way. Then again, this story could be about Lucinda since Neddy has named his journey after his wife…”In the distance he heard thunder”. Or, since this was written in the 1960’s, Cheever could be commenting on the weak facade of suburban comforts and the crutch of alcohol.
I think that this story can mean different things to different readers, which is what makes a great story that stands the test of time....more
I admire Ms. Johnson’s creative plots that express herself in these short stories. The Control Negro and My Monticello are particularly clever and impI admire Ms. Johnson’s creative plots that express herself in these short stories. The Control Negro and My Monticello are particularly clever and impactful. The apocalypse in My Monticello smartly equates to our current race culture in the U.S., and the protagonist’s secret pregnancy somewhat parallels Thomas Jefferson’s quandary of biracial children.
At times, I found some stories to bog down and repeat certain situations, but overall author Jocelyn Nicole Johnson has a great perspective and I will be following her writing career....more
Insightful and funny essays by a master craftsman. I took my time reading these bits of perception that might go unnoticed by us when running through Insightful and funny essays by a master craftsman. I took my time reading these bits of perception that might go unnoticed by us when running through our days. Some of the essays were politically outdated but still retain pearls of wisdom about human behavior. The essays about White’s dog, Fred, his summertimes at the lake, and sailing his boat were my favorites. I chuckled throughout the book, but the best came last in his essay titled, “Mr. Forbush’s Friends”....more
Nine polished and meaningful stories that flow from one mother/daughter relationship to another. All 9 revolve around lifestyles black daughters have Nine polished and meaningful stories that flow from one mother/daughter relationship to another. All 9 revolve around lifestyles black daughters have that compromise their acceptance by society, their Church, and their mothers. The frustration these situations have created is strongly drawn by author Philyaw, and I can’t praise her skillful presentation of these complicated situations enough. The subject matter may not be for everyone but it would be a shame to miss Philyaw’s creativity because of that.
Capote’s storytelling is smooth and personal. He talks to the reader in a natural conversational tone and the reader is hooked with the easy and steadCapote’s storytelling is smooth and personal. He talks to the reader in a natural conversational tone and the reader is hooked with the easy and steady tempo of his words and the exposition of this complicated family. The three holiday stories in this book are heart warming and offer an inside look at 1930’s life in rural Alabama. ...more
There are a lot of life lessons packed in this little ditty about a fox that learns to read and speak in ‘Yuman’. As his journey takes him from his coThere are a lot of life lessons packed in this little ditty about a fox that learns to read and speak in ‘Yuman’. As his journey takes him from his cozy fox community, to the shopping mall, and then to a new den and life, he questions why Yumans can’t be nicer.
Creative, succinct, and a bit whimsical, George Saunders’ message is loud and clear. Thanks for reminding us! ...more
22 Vietnam War stories. 22 separate but linked stories that force you to experience before, during, and after the war. I’m amazed by the feelings thes22 Vietnam War stories. 22 separate but linked stories that force you to experience before, during, and after the war. I’m amazed by the feelings these combat stories illicit, and even admit these actually warrant a reread to absorb the metaphors and the symbolism, and not to be distracted by the brilliant, such brilliant, writing.
Bravo to Mr. O’Brien for his courageous truth in storytelling.
War stories are a hard sell, especially to women, but I can’t recommend these short stories highly enough. ...more
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