Reviews

Sorry Please Thank You by Charles Yu

alkatsi's review

3.0

A playfully serious collection of short stories. I didn't infer any earth-moving sentiments, but found most of the stories to be relatable on an emotionally modern level (i.e. one particular story is told from the perspective of a video game character as it exists in the context of the game -- though I'm not an avid game player, it wasn't difficult to understand or relate to artistic interpretation). Good selection for a "side-dish" type book if you're the type of reader who likes to read a variety of things concurrently.

robotswithpersonality's review against another edition

Yu's work continues to exhibit a distinct creative voice, occasionally happily absurd, some introspective rambling, good dash of sci fi tropes remixed, healthy portion of pathos. 
Faves: 
First Person Shooter: Big box store retail workers with speculative elements -I loved Finna, Defekt and Horrorstor - I love how well this subgenre works and that I keep finding stories in it. 
Hero Absorbs Major Damage: I know just enough about video games and DND to appreciate this take on the cliches.
Yeoman: A twist on that classic Star Trek 'red shirt' phenomenon, captain giving off definite 'randy Kirk' vibes
The Book of Categories: Enchanting storytelling format (at least to someone in info management/admin) and painful themes. 

⚠️ sexual harrassment in the workplace, child death(?), suicide

wynnepei's review against another edition

funny reflective 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

4.0

mauvenotebook's review against another edition

fast-paced

1.0

I have to say, I was kind of disappointed. I did enjoy many of his shorter stories(the one with the zombie, and Beginner Human), but a lot of the longer ones were a bit too meta for me. I also really disliked the final story. One one hand, I could relate to the main character's feelings of loneliness, but on the other hand there were major incel vibes. I also didn't like Hero Absorbs Major Damage. It was super predictable.

jaysen's review

3.0

Useful to anybody stuck in this simulated life, in this simulated universe, without access to the readme.

valli200's review against another edition

4.0

This was such a weird experience. It was a lot of awkward giggling and quiet what the fucks. 4 stars

huycantread's review

4.0

I enjoyed 80% (hence the rating) of the stories and his writing style made science fiction palpable for me. Standouts include "Standard Loneliness Package," "First Person Shooter," "Open," and "Designer Emotion 67." Additionally the ensemble cast for the audiobook did a great job differentiating between narrators.

jenniepicky's review

4.0

Charles Yu never disappoints. This collection of short stories was wonderfully filled with the type of humor and melancholy that I have come to expect from his writings. Recommended for anyone who enjoys sci-fi.

ja3m3's review

4.0

In Sorry Please Thank You Charles Yu has combined science fiction and philosophy to create a collection of stories that tackle the big questions. His take on Who Am I? What makes us human? is fresh and scientifically strange. If you are a fan of short stories, you need to read this book.

jemsizzleton's review

3.0

I found my self smitten with the guts, imagination, humor, and voice of the author. But I also found myself longing for the emotional current of character that comes in stories that stay with you long after.