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nickdouglas's review against another edition
5.0
Rachel's galley. I'm waiting til closer to pub date to quote multiple paragraphs on Tumblr.
micaela_ru's review against another edition
2.0
A bit hard to get into sometimes, but this collection of short stories was definitely worth reading. Realistic, but with a hint of contemporary fantasy (not talking magic here) and very poignant for anyone who is living in their post-college (or at least post high-school) days. A bit out there at times, but I found myself not wanting to stop at just one story in one reading. Beautiful writing style; that one experimental story was hard to get into (second person is tricky).
All told, talented writer, I think.
All told, talented writer, I think.
beckylej's review against another edition
2.0
People young and old face all kinds of choices. Decisions that will affect their lives not only immediately but just as much further down the line. Friends newly graduated and deciding what to do next; a couple about to get married and facing down secrets from their past; a divorced father spending an evening with his grown children... these are just a few examples of the stories in Justin Taylor's new collection.
I think there's a certain amount of discomfort I felt in reading these stories. Most of the characters are drifting, much in the way I imagine a lot of older twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings are. It's being faced with the very truth of today's post-college reality that's unsettling to someone like me and so with that in mind I can't say that I enjoyed these stories.
In terms of being realistic, well written, and effective, however, Justin Taylor most certainly has accomplished that. All of the people are well drawn and real. There's a depth to them that is intriguing. It makes you wonder - is the sign twirler on the corner skimming off the top? Is the person next to you on the airplane making a run for it from his longtime love? And what about that happy family in the corner booth of the restaurant - is there some dark tragedy that mars their past?
I think there's a certain amount of discomfort I felt in reading these stories. Most of the characters are drifting, much in the way I imagine a lot of older twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings are. It's being faced with the very truth of today's post-college reality that's unsettling to someone like me and so with that in mind I can't say that I enjoyed these stories.
In terms of being realistic, well written, and effective, however, Justin Taylor most certainly has accomplished that. All of the people are well drawn and real. There's a depth to them that is intriguing. It makes you wonder - is the sign twirler on the corner skimming off the top? Is the person next to you on the airplane making a run for it from his longtime love? And what about that happy family in the corner booth of the restaurant - is there some dark tragedy that mars their past?
grumpwizard's review against another edition
3.0
This loosely connected collection of short stories by Justin Taylor showcases a spectrum of characters and scenes, all interesting. I am usually torn about short story collections, but the loose narrative pervasive here showcased Taylor’s ability to build a structure around the perspectives of it.
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