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j0rdan0fjupit3r's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tjb16d's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
justlily's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not usually big on short story anthologies because I never feel like I get what I need. The stories never last long enough for me to like any of the characters. And usually they're all written so...pretentiously. Like the author really has a point they want to cleverly get across but they're actually more interesting in being clever than ever getting to the point.
I didn't have any of those problems with this group of stories. The first three or four are all written from men's point of views and they all have women issues. Luckily not the kind where I get to write a review about what a misogynist the author is, although I do so love writing those. These are just...realistic. Honest. I was starting to think they would all be in the same vein but then the last couple stories had female POVs and they were just as good as the other ones. And each story was short but felt full and complete, the characters rounded out and like you knew them well by the end.
Just happened upon this book while needing something with a yellow cover and now I think I'll look into more of Wells Tower's work.
I didn't have any of those problems with this group of stories. The first three or four are all written from men's point of views and they all have women issues. Luckily not the kind where I get to write a review about what a misogynist the author is, although I do so love writing those. These are just...realistic. Honest. I was starting to think they would all be in the same vein but then the last couple stories had female POVs and they were just as good as the other ones. And each story was short but felt full and complete, the characters rounded out and like you knew them well by the end.
Just happened upon this book while needing something with a yellow cover and now I think I'll look into more of Wells Tower's work.
ericfheiman's review against another edition
5.0
Every so often there's a book that comes along that feels so fresh, is so well written, and inspires insane jealousy in anyone trying to write fiction themselves. This is one of those books. The hype over Wells Tower is 100% founded. His trick is not to use postmodern pyrotechnics, but to drop well-drawn characters that feel both alien and familiar into idiosyncratic scenarios that could happen right next door. It's a neat trick, and Tower makes it look easy.
bethtmorris's review against another edition
4.0
I've really come around about short stories in the past few years. It might speak to my increasing ADD but I'd like to think it's because I'm broadening my horizons. And I think my appreciation is higher because in some ways they are probably harder to write than a novel. These stories varied greatly and kept me on my toes. I especially enjoyed Wild America and Retreat. Would be curious to read what Wells Tower writes next.
hexagong's review against another edition
4.0
So well written. I wish there were more books from this author. Even though some of the characters and subject matter weren't what I usually go for, Wells Tower is immensely talented. Raw, descriptive, engaging stories.
rocketiza's review
5.0
A incredibly powerful writer, with a dark sense of humor. Highly recommend this collection of short stories.
craftyscene's review against another edition
1.0
No conclusions to any of the stories! Not one! Made me crazyyy good concepts and all the "makings" of a good fictional story were there, but that was it. He leaves the reader hanging, but not in a positive way.