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A review by me_alley
Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So I often forget how good of a writer Curtis Sittenfeld is; I know she is on my "auto-read" list and that I have rated several books 5 stars including the other short story collection. But this is a really wonderful collection- it is so incredible to read this form; it doesn't have to fall into any sort of beginning-middle-end pattern, there is enough time in each story to really appreciate the story arc and the characterization, and every single story is a variation on a theme of relationships and how we relate to each other. I don't know of any other writer, other than Raymond Carver, who writes short story so well. It is really difficult to publish a collection of short stories as they don't sell well, but it is so brilliant to pick up a book and have 20 minutes or so, and read an entire story arc.
Reading a story without anticipating reveals at specific segments or a definitive "Act 1, 2, 3" type format was so refreshing. Every story was just long enough to understand the main character, whether I liked them or not, and what the goal of the story is. I wish there were more short story writers like Curtis Sittenfeld.
The voice is a little more cynical than I typically like, but because each main character is not something you invest in for more than 20 minutes at a time, it worked. A lot of insecurity and mild anxiety in the MCs. Brilliant insights and inner dialogue.
12 short stories, and honestly they are all good.
Book to be published February 25, 2025. Thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the ARC.
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #ShowDontTell
Reading a story without anticipating reveals at specific segments or a definitive "Act 1, 2, 3" type format was so refreshing. Every story was just long enough to understand the main character, whether I liked them or not, and what the goal of the story is. I wish there were more short story writers like Curtis Sittenfeld.
The voice is a little more cynical than I typically like, but because each main character is not something you invest in for more than 20 minutes at a time, it worked. A lot of insecurity and mild anxiety in the MCs. Brilliant insights and inner dialogue.
12 short stories, and honestly they are all good.
Book to be published February 25, 2025. Thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the ARC.
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #ShowDontTell