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mcearl12's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoy Ann Packer's fiction and her short stories. Halfway through this book I realized that I had already read it, but I kept reading to the end -- make of that what you will.
teon22's review against another edition
4.0
Ann Packer can write a short story. This collection is an amazing feat of literary skill without any pretense. The writing is accessible but thought-provoking and may just be the best collection of American short stories that I have read this year. Highly recommended.
bethtmorris's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first audio book. I love Ann Packer. She nails that daily and subtle nuances of life in such a way that you wish you would have thought of it first. Good listen!
wonderwoman619's review against another edition
1.0
Okay, this book pissed me off! No where (at least that I saw) does it say this is a collection of short stories. So, I got really into the book and then the first story just ends. LAME! So not my kind of book. I read a ways into the second story but couldn't stop thinking about the first....so I just decided to be done with this book. The first story was very good and I am sure the rest are great but it't not my kind of read, especially because it doesn't stay "short stories" or "Walk for Mankind" (the first story) and other stories. Annoying!
kristinoffiler's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful short story collection. Couldn't put it down.
cara_j's review against another edition
4.0
I'm reading it now and so far enjoying it. The short story format should be appealing to those of you with limited free time...I know I'm always hesistant to get into lengthy books these days because they'll be due before I'm done.
judyward's review against another edition
3.0
I love the short story form and Ann Packr is a master. Having said that the first and last entries in this book are both novellas that focus on two separate periods in the life of Sasha Horowitz--first as a 14 year old trying to grow up as quickly as possible, and then as a 51 year old woman trying to play peacemaker in her family, especially between her estranged parents. Each of the stories in this collection deals with the complexity of human emotion and human interactions. Packer tackles topics such as overwhelming grief, personal demons that can't stay hidden, possibilities, our instinct to hide our true selves, and hopes for the future.
sandeestarlite's review against another edition
3.0
A decent round of stories, all centered around pain or loss.
christiek's review against another edition
2.0
It seems to me that short stories ought to be composed of excellent, lyrical writing. I didn't see that here, and I often ended a story wondering, "what was that about!" Short stories are not my thing, and I'll continue to stay away. I prefer to maintain my commitment to a set of characters for a longer period of time.
amberedrington's review against another edition
4.0
the namesake story is the second story in the book. very emotionally charged and heavy. really enjoyed the collection. I also loved the first story on the randomness of adolescent relationships.