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elemomi's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tarajoy90's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
carmanj's review against another edition
3.0
Working through my list of Pulitzer winners! “Elbow Room” is a 1977 short story collection by James Alan McPherson. He was the first Black winner of the Pulitzer fiction prize and when the MacArthur “genius” grants were first handed out in 1981, he was one of the recipients.
Very interesting to read, although I’d probably appreciate it more if I were studying it in a university class. My fave stories include the charming “Why I Like Country Music” and “The Faithful” about a barber/preacher who can’t adapt to new styles.
Very interesting to read, although I’d probably appreciate it more if I were studying it in a university class. My fave stories include the charming “Why I Like Country Music” and “The Faithful” about a barber/preacher who can’t adapt to new styles.
drewmoody321's review against another edition
2.0
Read my full review here: http://thepulitzerblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/entry-45-elbow-room-by-james-alan-mcpherson-1978/
blazenaat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
graywild's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Each short story is well written. McPherson does a good job of starting the story, adding background and concluding to a satisfying point. The stories are all from an African American viewpoint but that does not limit the readers experience due to the story writing. Overall I found maybe 20% of the stories not that interesting (even though well written). Most I found engaging. Recommend for those who enjoy short stories.
booksbythecup's review against another edition
3.0
The story of a scar
"Water seeks its own level, and people do, too."
"Life is to be lived, not traded on like dollars!"
Widows and a Orphans
"So I want all of y'all to remember, it don't make no nevermind where you come from, just so you get somewheres."
A loaf of bread
"You know the average man ain't really a man. The average man is a bootlicker. In fact, the average man would run away if he found hisself standing alone facin down a adversary.
"Water seeks its own level, and people do, too."
"Life is to be lived, not traded on like dollars!"
Widows and a Orphans
"So I want all of y'all to remember, it don't make no nevermind where you come from, just so you get somewheres."
A loaf of bread
"You know the average man ain't really a man. The average man is a bootlicker. In fact, the average man would run away if he found hisself standing alone facin down a adversary.
jessicasummers123's review against another edition
4.0
A little weird, but kind of a cute flashback to his first love.
booksnroses_7's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5