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bobbyheddy's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
mbkarapcik's review against another edition
3.0
Sparse yet expressive writing with subtle surprising twists. A few stories didn't capture my interest. Many stories take place in Montana and deal in some way with horses. I'm not fond of the title. It's a quick read, though. If you like her other books, it's worth reading.
arielamandah's review against another edition
4.0
About half the stories were unremarkable. The other half.... just, wow. Not much in the way of pat resolution or narrative arc, but beautifully crafted visits into her various characters' lives..
jo_crescent's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
melissafirman's review
Really liked the first story ("Tome") but the next three left me feeling either confused or nothing at all. That's 21% of the collection that didn't resonate--sufficient enough, unfortunately, to call this a DNF.
cstefko's review against another edition
4.0
There were a few underwhelming stories, but overall I really enjoyed this collection. Meloy has a great range; not only does she write men and women equally well, she also does well with a variety of ages in her characters.
Standout stories, for me:
Four Lean Hounds, ca. 1976
Garrison Junction
Aqua Boulevard
Last of the White Slaves
She's just one of those authors whose writing leaves a lump in your throat.
I think I like her more recent collection, *Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It," better, but I definitely recommend this one too.
I wish you could do half stars for ratings on here, because I'd really give this 4.5. Alas.
Standout stories, for me:
Four Lean Hounds, ca. 1976
Garrison Junction
Aqua Boulevard
Last of the White Slaves
She's just one of those authors whose writing leaves a lump in your throat.
I think I like her more recent collection, *Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It," better, but I definitely recommend this one too.
I wish you could do half stars for ratings on here, because I'd really give this 4.5. Alas.
kweekwegg's review against another edition
4.0
I wouldn't say any one of these blew me away, but all of them stuck with me in a very real and visceral way. Super excited to see the Kelly Reichardt film that's based on a few of these stories!
delaneylp's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-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? N/A
4.0
Meloy writes with a delicacy and understanding of her characters which I think is this collection's greatest strength. Occasionally, the prose feels a little too sparse, but overall, this is a lovely read.
dycojams's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5