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A review by munchkin0702
Both Ways Is The Only Way I Want It by Maile Meloy
4.0
Bought used a few months ago because I liked the title. Baby shoes never worn might be shorter, but A.R. Ammons poem that inspired this books is more depressing imo: “one can’t have it both ways, and both ways is the only way I want it.” Could fit into a punnet square with DFW “everything I’ve ever let go of has claw marks on it” and Joana wanting everything from Near To The Wild Heart.
Plucked off bookshelf because it was either this of Kafka and ego didn’t need a boost. Coincidentally, most of these short stories take place across Montana (and some others in the Mountain West), and I read them in the days preceding and during Montana visit. I’m sure it boosted score somewhat.
After the first 5 or so short stories, I really thought this was a lock for 5 stars. Few words are wasted, but everything is still written simply and each story is approachable. But Meloy does all of this without sacrificing a really impressive wit and character command. I didn’t like the short stories in the back half as much (characters felt more 2-dimensional, relied more on the explicit trade off/opportunity costs), but only in comparison to how much I loved the first bit.
Individuality complex getting boost every time I mention this as one of my favorites.
Plucked off bookshelf because it was either this of Kafka and ego didn’t need a boost. Coincidentally, most of these short stories take place across Montana (and some others in the Mountain West), and I read them in the days preceding and during Montana visit. I’m sure it boosted score somewhat.
After the first 5 or so short stories, I really thought this was a lock for 5 stars. Few words are wasted, but everything is still written simply and each story is approachable. But Meloy does all of this without sacrificing a really impressive wit and character command. I didn’t like the short stories in the back half as much (characters felt more 2-dimensional, relied more on the explicit trade off/opportunity costs), but only in comparison to how much I loved the first bit.
Individuality complex getting boost every time I mention this as one of my favorites.