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ankysbookbubble's review against another edition
4.0
The New Order is a collection of stories about a variety of topics, from the way friendships change over time, to bombings and school shootings.
The stories are based on the contemporary American culture of today, especially the darker parts of it.
My favourite story was The Department of Happiness and Reimbursement, it was beautiful and chilling all at the same time.
I loved the author's way of writing, how even the gravest, scariest of things were portrayed in such a calm manner.
I'm not much of a short story reader, but I definitely enjoyed reading The New Order.
The stories are based on the contemporary American culture of today, especially the darker parts of it.
My favourite story was The Department of Happiness and Reimbursement, it was beautiful and chilling all at the same time.
I loved the author's way of writing, how even the gravest, scariest of things were portrayed in such a calm manner.
I'm not much of a short story reader, but I definitely enjoyed reading The New Order.
carmenere's review against another edition
5.0
Ms. Bender's prose immediately pulled me in. Her words are as comfortable as a soft, cozy sweater but it is a false sense of security for what is to be revealed about human nature in her short story collection.
The stories take place as far back as the 1970's and one even implies it takes place in the not too distant future. It seems what was, is and always will be.
Read this book and contemplate just what humans have done to each other over the past 50 years. It's thoroughly depressing. Each story implies characteristics which are uncomfortable to discuss. For instance, is it truly possible some humans exhibit pent up - senseless anger? Could it be Bender is saying we thrive when we hurt each other? Do we flaunt our righteousness only to be hypocrites at heart? Do we lack empathy?
It seems in the past half century, Bender is considering the world in which we live as one of distrust and fear of our species. We are lonely, we are struggling, we suffer from inner turmoil both imagined and real. We suffer loss, we lack empathy, good grief we are a mess!
The final story in this collection, "The Cell Phones", offers a bit of enlightenment and hope. It may all begin by just listening to the distress felt by our fellow humans.
An awesome collection of stories. Highly recommend!
The stories take place as far back as the 1970's and one even implies it takes place in the not too distant future. It seems what was, is and always will be.
Read this book and contemplate just what humans have done to each other over the past 50 years. It's thoroughly depressing. Each story implies characteristics which are uncomfortable to discuss. For instance, is it truly possible some humans exhibit pent up - senseless anger? Could it be Bender is saying we thrive when we hurt each other? Do we flaunt our righteousness only to be hypocrites at heart? Do we lack empathy?
It seems in the past half century, Bender is considering the world in which we live as one of distrust and fear of our species. We are lonely, we are struggling, we suffer from inner turmoil both imagined and real. We suffer loss, we lack empathy, good grief we are a mess!
The final story in this collection, "The Cell Phones", offers a bit of enlightenment and hope. It may all begin by just listening to the distress felt by our fellow humans.
An awesome collection of stories. Highly recommend!
ladynigelia's review against another edition
5.0
This review is specifically for "The Cell Phones" which was a separate entry when I read it, but has since been collected with the rest of the book.
I agree with LeVar, I am not the narrator, but I identify with so many of the things that she thinks. This is a beautifully told (and read) story that makes you think about community, and beginnings, and what we can do to make the world just a little better.
I agree with LeVar, I am not the narrator, but I identify with so many of the things that she thinks. This is a beautifully told (and read) story that makes you think about community, and beginnings, and what we can do to make the world just a little better.
sophiei's review against another edition
3.0
Not much of an impact compared to her earlier work. I enjoy politics and actually align myself with most of Bender's, but I dislike when they obviously affect someone's narrative like they did in this piece. Some stories stood out way more than others.... just felt like it was a rushed collection to be written and published during the Trump presidency. Still a great writer and looking forward to reading more of her work.
bookalong's review against another edition
5.0
Very compelling and beautifully written! Bender examines the changes in the US over the last 2 years through heavy subject matter of violence, bigotry, and sexual harassment.
I literally just finished this book and WOW! This was a powerful read! Bender's writing is exquisite and the themes she tackles are expertly crafted, each story in this collection packs a punch! I dont think I could pick a favorite. This one will definitely stick with me.
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I literally just finished this book and WOW! This was a powerful read! Bender's writing is exquisite and the themes she tackles are expertly crafted, each story in this collection packs a punch! I dont think I could pick a favorite. This one will definitely stick with me.
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
ashleyg101's review against another edition
4.0
This was pretty wholesome, overall. It has an important message.
saffyofthecakes's review against another edition
4.0
Really thoughtful stories. Especially enjoyed The Department of Happiness and Reimbursement.
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