A review by gohawks
Problems with People by David Guterson

3.0

Gutterson puts out a very brief volume of short stories, some of which are moving and noteworthy and some of which are quickly fortgottten. He continues his theme of humans experiencing and surviving nature. His first story of the collection is perhaps his strongest about two divorcees meeting for a fourth date at a wilderness lodge. The purpose seems to be sex, but they get to know each other in ways they did not expect. Gutterson's strength is usually the way he is able to observe nature and document it clearly in picturesque yet unfettered language. But "Paradise", his first story, displays an uncommon ability to see to the heart of his characters and lay bare their inner lives without overt fanfare. The rest of the lot is enjoyable enough without being anything special.