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nualasiobhan333's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
such amazing stories.
i starred
cry, cry, cry, the toughest Indian in the world, war dances, this is what it means to say, Phoenix, Arizona, midnight basketball, whatever happened to Frank snake church?, Because my father always said he was the only Indian who saw Jimi Hendrix play the Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock, breaking and entering, do you know where I am?,, Growth, salt, the search engine, basic training
i starred
cry, cry, cry, the toughest Indian in the world, war dances, this is what it means to say, Phoenix, Arizona, midnight basketball, whatever happened to Frank snake church?, Because my father always said he was the only Indian who saw Jimi Hendrix play the Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock, breaking and entering, do you know where I am?,, Growth, salt, the search engine, basic training
trevoryan's review against another edition
I fell in love with Sherman Alexie's writing when I finally read The Absolutely True Diary of A Part-Time Indian. And when I first started this collection I was enjoying. But I got tired of the similarity of subject. When I read a short story collection, I want the subject matter (or at least the setting) to change from one story to the next. I just got tired of reading about the awful lives of Native Americans on reservations. I'm sure I'll go back to Alexie at some point, though. Do you have a favorite Alexie book?
danamcg's review against another edition
4.0
As the first collection of short stories I read in its entirety, I definitely chose a good one. Sherman Alexie has taught me much about the lives of modern American Indians with magnificent prose and an incredible sense of humor. Though most of his stories revolve around race and ethnicity - specifically the American Indian identity - they also touch on other themes like family, poverty, education, love, etc. A wide range of stories, each of them with its nuggets of wisdom. Great read!
theseventhl's review against another edition
4.0
Not an easy book to read but a great book nonetheless. Many of these stories carry Alexie's signature emotional right-hook. I can't imagine reading this whole book in one sitting; a lot of the stories caught me right in the chest and had me taking breaks between them. Naturally, some stories worked better than other. I prefer his longer pieces to the 1-2 page micro stories, although for micro fiction they were still good. Very much recommended for fans of short stories and fiction in general.
dobbydoo22's review against another edition
5.0
This is possibly one of the best short story collections that I've read. Often with short stories, I'm left feeling like I still have only an abstract view of the characters. Alexie does a fantastic job of creating moving, deep, thought-provoking situations and characters. The stories in this book center around the lives of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest, and the diversity of characters still dealing with common themes is extremely interesting and leaves you wanting more. I especially liked his portrayal of the couples in this book, many of them are supportive and loving but still realistic, and he does a good job of exploring the many different ways two people can become intertwined.
I have to admit I'm often skeptical when a successful novelist puts out a volume of short stories, not sure how well they handle both forms of literature and fearing that it's a collection of leavings that their editor swept up for a guaranteed best seller based on the author's name alone. This is NOT one of those books, and I actually think I enjoyed Alexie's stories more than his full length books.
I have to admit I'm often skeptical when a successful novelist puts out a volume of short stories, not sure how well they handle both forms of literature and fearing that it's a collection of leavings that their editor swept up for a guaranteed best seller based on the author's name alone. This is NOT one of those books, and I actually think I enjoyed Alexie's stories more than his full length books.
esshgee's review
3.0
Some beautiful writing in these, I really enjoyed the story of Corliss and the poet. But as with most short story collections, there were a few that I didn't like
lconrad15's review against another edition
3.0
I initially enjoyed these short stories, but then realized that it’s 460 something pages of basically the same thing.
lgmaxwell722's review against another edition
5.0
I love Sherman Alexie, and this book was no exception. I was not sure if I should laugh or cry at the stories which unfolded. I found myself chuckling and wincing when reading words on the same page. Although I had read some of his stories before, they were worth re-reading. A wonderful book. Each line could stand alone as it's own poetry. A must read.
katzreads's review against another edition
5.0
OMG--Sherman Alexie is such a genius! These stories are amazing. I had read the final story in the book before, but it brought me to tears once again. Just excellent writing, colorful characters, and wonderful story telling.
ja3m3's review against another edition
4.0
Alexie's collection of short stories are honest, witty and uncomfortable. Every "American" should read it.