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wordcommando 's review for:
The Evil B.B. Chow and Other Stories
by Steve Almond
This book sat in my reading queue for a couple of years. Finally got to it and--holy shit. One of the most hilarious short story collections ever written. Almond isn't just funny--he's a fine literary talent. This is probably the funniest short story collection about sex ever published. "The Soul Molecule," "Appropriate Sex" (officially one of my fave short stories of all time), "Larsen's Novel"--so many minor masterpieces here. "Lincoln, Arisen" was my least favorite in the collection, but good comedy requires that sometimes the creator falls on his/her face. Points for bold ambition on that one--but it doesn't age well.
Almond cares deeply about words and takes huge chances in his writing. Some might dismiss this book as jejune or sophomoric. I think they're off the mark. Yes, Almond in certain ways recalls the antic, young-male targeted stories of the 70s and 80s found in Playboy, Esquire, GQ. But hey--that's where Thomas McGuane and a lot of other hugely-important literary heroes got their start. And he tempers the hijinks with some amazing language and reflection.
This book wouldn't stand a chance in today's hyper-PC publishing world. That's a shame. That's why you should acquire it and read it. I promise you'll be entertained and satisfied. And if not? Pass The Evil B.B. Chow along to someone who might appreciate it. I know Steve Almond would thank you.
Almond cares deeply about words and takes huge chances in his writing. Some might dismiss this book as jejune or sophomoric. I think they're off the mark. Yes, Almond in certain ways recalls the antic, young-male targeted stories of the 70s and 80s found in Playboy, Esquire, GQ. But hey--that's where Thomas McGuane and a lot of other hugely-important literary heroes got their start. And he tempers the hijinks with some amazing language and reflection.
This book wouldn't stand a chance in today's hyper-PC publishing world. That's a shame. That's why you should acquire it and read it. I promise you'll be entertained and satisfied. And if not? Pass The Evil B.B. Chow along to someone who might appreciate it. I know Steve Almond would thank you.