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stephaknee 's review for:
How to Breathe Underwater: Stories
by Julie Orringer
In addition to the book I am currently reading, I thought I would keep this one on my nightstand and read a couple of stories each night before bed. So much for that...I finished it in a day and a half. I don't usually think of myself as a "short story" person, but I really enjoyed these stories. As others have mentioned they are quite dark and often come at you like a reality sucker punch to the face. Still, I've been reading a lot of fluff and chic lit this summer so it was nice to indulge in something a little meaty. My favorite story was "Note to Sixth Grade Self." I was quite an oddball in sixth grade and really didn't know myself (but really...did anyone?). So, I found the protagonist very easy to relate to. I also loved the commanding voice the narrator used as she spat out warnings and advice to her younger self. If only we could all go back and guide ourselves through those awkward years! In short, I greatly enjoyed Orringer's writing and I can't wait for future publications!