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lovesresqdogs's review against another edition
The first couple of stories I feel were cut short, it left me hanging thinking what's wrong with his arm or that's it? I read this book in one day so it's a good quick read.
bethtmorris's review against another edition
3.0
Fun and interesting stories. I wish a few of them would turn into novels.
jjordankc's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book! Each story pulled me in quickly and was fully engaging. I'm generally not a huge fan of short stories, but every story in this collection was a gem!
alishaabrahamsreads's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
took me so long to finish but so glad i took the time -- each story is a slice of life, REAL life, everything and everyone feels so human - so good
jmeighan's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
chelseamartinez's review against another edition
3.0
Liked these stories best:
Earth Fiancee - sister visits brother and her exacting hippie sister-in-law
Home - pom pom girl audition failure, basketball player and mom support her nevertheless
The Glass House - woman who let herself get saved by a dashing gentleman who rescues her and her baby
My Mother's Yellow Dress - memories of a passed mother who felt trapped but conspiratorial with her gay son
Earth Fiancee - sister visits brother and her exacting hippie sister-in-law
Home - pom pom girl audition failure, basketball player and mom support her nevertheless
The Glass House - woman who let herself get saved by a dashing gentleman who rescues her and her baby
My Mother's Yellow Dress - memories of a passed mother who felt trapped but conspiratorial with her gay son
bgg616's review against another edition
4.0
This is the year of the short story on the podcast Books on the Nightstand. I decided to read a few collections, and this is my second (I think) this year. Packer's stories are set mostly in northern California where she lives and have a stong sense of place. I was not disappointed in this collection which was poignant at times, and occasionally funny.
hyzenthlay76's review against another edition
3.0
Packer has a way of grasping and worrying over the most subtle emotions and interactions. These stories were wholly human and satisfying. My favorites were the title story and "Tillman and I."
njmiller04's review
4.0
The short stories in this book are phenomenal! I only wish each story ended on a stronger note, however maybe this was intentional. For each story, you're plopped into a day in the life of different relationship dynamics. The book feels like a close friend telling you the drama she's been having with her boyfriend; your mom recounting her intricate relationship with her family; or a friend telling you her sorrow for her father's death. It's tangible and relatable. It's sad and realistic. Packer has a conversational wit in her writing as if you're speaking with your clever sister. The book was purchased on a whim and I'm glad I stumbled upon it!
pussreboots's review against another edition
4.0
Mendocino (and other stories) has ten stories that take place in different cities and on different subjects but they are all connected by the theme of family. My favorite three in the set are the title story, "Babies" and "Lightning". "Mendocino" follows an ex girlfriend as she visits her boyfriend and his new girlfriend. Clearly he has met his soul mate and she must decide how best to maintain the friendship with him that she wants which means including the new girlfriend. The other two favorites deal with the ups and downs of pregnancy.