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davidabrams's review
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This entry in the annual anthology series didn't hook me as much as other years of the Best American Short Stories. Sure, there were plenty of highlights and standout tales: Benjamin Percy's "Refresh, Refresh," Tobias Wolff's "Awaiting Orders" and Thomas McGuane's "Cowboy" were predictably good (and, frankly, I'd read those three before and it was pleasant to see how well they held up). But this BASS was also bogged down with some long stories (bordering on novellas) and experimental stories that didn't always hit the mark for me. Ann Beattie's concluding, 46-page "Mr. Nobody At All" was particularly grueling to get through. All in all, I liked this collection, but I didn't love it.
jonbrammer's review
4.0
My favorite stories: Tattooizm and Refresh, Refresh. I got back to the States a couple of months ago after two years in Eastern Europe and its this kind of stuff that I was craving to read, observational stories about the state of modern America.
karasmichelle's review
3.0
These compilations always have some interesting stories in them. I was particularly interested to read two of my fave authors, Donna Tartt and Ann Beattie. Tartt's story about childhood friends was cool. Beattie's story "mr. nobody at all" about self-involved people giving a eulogy was memorable. Not sure I even read anything else (it was due back at the library).
spiderfly's review
4.0
This one was much better than the one for 2005. In fact, it was one of my favorite years for this series. I liked almost every story in it.
arielx's review
2.0
Noteworthy/memorable:
Tattooizm rings true. What do people want from relationships, and how do they reconcile that with what they get? When is it over and how do you know? It also reminded me of people in the moments before having to make a tough decision. Like when we're faced with the fact that we can't continue our unsustainable consumer lifestyle any more. We're so satisfied and happy with ourselves right now, we can barely imagine giving up our way of life, even for something we know will be better in the long run. Is it better to willfully quit something than let it fall apart?
How We Avenged the Blums is a story of anti-semitic oppression and how to respond to it. I like that it uses a children's perspective to take a fresh look at the meaning of revenge.
Mr. Nobody at All is a unique story told from a unique perspective. Despite being unorthodox it still manages to have drama, conflict, and resolution. Definitely a memorable look at what other people think about you - what is public - and what is private.
Honorable mentions:
Cowboy, Today I'm Yours, Grandmother's Nose, The Casual Car Pool
Take-home message:
Most of the stories were similar to each other, describing childhood or the Iraq War, and I didn't connect with most of them. There are a few memorable ones but in general, not one of my favorites in the BASS series.
Tattooizm rings true. What do people want from relationships, and how do they reconcile that with what they get? When is it over and how do you know? It also reminded me of people in the moments before having to make a tough decision. Like when we're faced with the fact that we can't continue our unsustainable consumer lifestyle any more. We're so satisfied and happy with ourselves right now, we can barely imagine giving up our way of life, even for something we know will be better in the long run. Is it better to willfully quit something than let it fall apart?
How We Avenged the Blums is a story of anti-semitic oppression and how to respond to it. I like that it uses a children's perspective to take a fresh look at the meaning of revenge.
Mr. Nobody at All is a unique story told from a unique perspective. Despite being unorthodox it still manages to have drama, conflict, and resolution. Definitely a memorable look at what other people think about you - what is public - and what is private.
Honorable mentions:
Cowboy, Today I'm Yours, Grandmother's Nose, The Casual Car Pool
Take-home message:
Most of the stories were similar to each other, describing childhood or the Iraq War, and I didn't connect with most of them. There are a few memorable ones but in general, not one of my favorites in the BASS series.
naomistrange's review
5.0
I loved this book. A bunch of great wonderfully told stories. I always love this series, and this one was no different, it did not disappoint.