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sarah_k14's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
acton's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
It's not often that I read short story collections, and that is my bad. Since I'm very taken with this author, of course I read this one, and enjoyed it immensely. Every story was intriguing, and I especially enjoyed The Under Graham Railroad Box Car Set, which seems to be a fascinating adaptation of a story called The Foster Portfolio, by Kurt Vonnegut.
These are excellent stories, and I would recommend them to anyone.
These are excellent stories, and I would recommend them to anyone.
ossington's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ortizzyy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
The first book I've read by this author, but it will not be the last! I was extremely satisfied with these short stories. They were so varied and they all felt very complete. I recommend this book if you're looking for some entertaining short stories that will leave you feeling a wide range of emotions. One story was a bit fantastical for my liking, but even still-- I enjoyed it for what it was.
alhelton's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
minniepauline's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
The first third of the stories were masterpieces. The others were a little more … obvious, perhaps? Still multi-layered, tackling important themes in interesting and origal ways. It’s just that those first stories are so good.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
Clearly I'm going to have to change my opinion about short stories... because I really liked the whole collection in James McBride's upcoming (September) book. The voices in the stories are varied and unexpected - a Jewish antique toy salesman, five impoverished young boys, Abe Lincoln and his young son's ghost, a bunch of animals at a zoo, a soldier from WWII. Some of the stories are singles and some have several chapters. Some are almost spiritual in nature. All are very human. McBride is a gifted teller of tales.
smalefowles's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Excellent range of stories.
jmyodafriend's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
My favorite stories in this collection were "The Christmas Dance" (which centers on two old WWII veterans) and "The Fish Man Angel" but I found something to appreciate or enjoy in all of the stories. McBride really creates vivid characters, dia ogue, and settings, and they all seem entirely authentic. I'm interested to read more of his work now.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Child abuse, Animal death, Racial slurs, Slavery, and War