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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 against another edition
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
jenou05's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this creative and well-written book of short stories. The story about the animals in the zoo made me laugh out loud multiple times, but also really made me think long and hard at various moments throughout the story. I love a book that can bring both humor and be extremely thought provoking. James McBride has a talent unlike other authors I’ve read. Really enjoyed this one!
cocoaqueenk's review
4.0
"‘See, God favors the righteous. He favors us with words!…. Words, boy! Not a pistol or knife or cannon lingering in the whole bunch! Just words, passed from one ear to the next! Oh, yes, I wish I was lettered. Them.. words just lingers in my mind. They floats about me from day to day. Just… words they is. But powerful enough. Righteous, I’d say. Them… words got bone in ’em!….'”
-The Fish Man Angel
Many familiar with the work of National Book Award winning author James McBride, note that this ten-story collection dynamically strikes upon his “obsessions“: race, masculinity, and war. I, however, entered this collection unfamiliar with McBride’s work, though I had heard his name. I picked this book up from the shelf because I was intrigued by the title, and I purchased the book because of the dedication, To Sonny Rollins, who showed me the Big Picture.
So, I began the not knowing what expect. The stories are linked by the themes of race, masculinity, and war. But there is also a common thread on the power of words....
Read full review here
-The Fish Man Angel
Many familiar with the work of National Book Award winning author James McBride, note that this ten-story collection dynamically strikes upon his “obsessions“: race, masculinity, and war. I, however, entered this collection unfamiliar with McBride’s work, though I had heard his name. I picked this book up from the shelf because I was intrigued by the title, and I purchased the book because of the dedication, To Sonny Rollins, who showed me the Big Picture.
So, I began the not knowing what expect. The stories are linked by the themes of race, masculinity, and war. But there is also a common thread on the power of words....
Read full review here