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bdfarber13's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful, beautiful collection of short stories. I like the connections between all of them. I liked Delia's stories best, probably because of the queer factor and that they weren't as heartbreaking as some of the others. Some were almost too sad. but I really liked the characters and the language. I felt very invested in their lives, which is cool for short stories. Johnson really gets into the internal workings of her characters. I felt the insecurities of the young characters, navigating their uncertainties and inexperience keenly. The grief and the alcoholism were a little disconcerting because it felt so real. The way these characters narrate is disorienting. I'd definitely read whatever she writes next.
charlotekerstenauthor's review against another edition
This is a placeholder to remind me to sit down and write something in-depth about this book when I actually have time to Do Things On Here, because this book was absolutely amazing. So painful, so beautiful, written with such perfect deliberation and restraint.
chloeblue's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
hayleecorser's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mothtimothy's review against another edition
5.0
“I thought we could put a happy face on things and just move on. That’s how I am, always thinking I can do things that are the opposite of how I feel. But sometimes you have to say yes before you feel yes. Sometimes you have to suck it up and be brave. But then again, sometimes you have to pay attention to how you feel. It’s never clear to me which moment I’m in when I’m in it.”
bookishcassie's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I've read all year. Two of the best stories I've ever read.
chaybyrd's review against another edition
5.0
Highly recommend this collection of stories. Olive Kitteridge won the Pulitzer but this book does what Olive Kitteridge tried to do TEN times better. The writing is beautiful, the stories fluid and the tone is exceptional. This is truly an amazing work.
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