penguin555's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
leahrglicker's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
dlberglund's review against another edition
2.0
Most of these stories did not appeal to me, though there were a few surprising (to me) gems. Most of the stories involved unhappy, introspective married straight people who were having emotional affairs or considering it. They had different variations of insecurities and quirks, some legitimate neuroses, but there were similar whiny qualities to them. Several stories felt like she wasn't sure how to navigate the short story form itself, and gave us pages of exposition on what happened after the action, in order to bring the character forward to a particular place in time.
There were three stories that had satisfying endings with characters I didn't loathe at the end. Bad Latch, The Prairie Wife, and Do Over are my favorites and were worth reading.
There were three stories that had satisfying endings with characters I didn't loathe at the end. Bad Latch, The Prairie Wife, and Do Over are my favorites and were worth reading.
findyourgoldenhour's review against another edition
5.0
Solid collection of short stories! I normally don't read short story collections, for the usual reasons: just as I start to get into a story and identify with the characters, I hear an abrupt *record scratch* and I'm jolted out of it, only to start all over again. Rinse and repeat. Not my favorite reading experience.
However. They say that a truly good short story won't leave you wanting more, because it will have done its job within the short format. I think Sittenfeld sticks the landing here. These stories felt cohesive without feeling repetitive, and each one is a mini-masterpiece. Enjoy
However. They say that a truly good short story won't leave you wanting more, because it will have done its job within the short format. I think Sittenfeld sticks the landing here. These stories felt cohesive without feeling repetitive, and each one is a mini-masterpiece. Enjoy
saralynnburnett's review against another edition
5.0
Loved these short stories! I read this book in a single day because I couldn't wait to see what new situation Sittenfeld would bring forward next. You're going to be able to recognize yourself in each of these, sometimes that's a good thing and it's sometimes it's really uncomfortable!
melissakuzma's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I am not a short story person. I don't get them and I never find them satisfying. However, I thoroughly enjoyed every single story in this collection. (Confession: Curtis Sittenfeld has been one of my favorite authors since Prep and I would probably enjoy a book of her collected grocery lists.)
I am not a short story person. I don't get them and I never find them satisfying. However, I thoroughly enjoyed every single story in this collection. (Confession: Curtis Sittenfeld has been one of my favorite authors since Prep and I would probably enjoy a book of her collected grocery lists.)
mdeck24's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
cwalsh's review
4.0
A smart, witty collection of short stories that encapsulate the modern era to a T.
While I don't think everyone is as reprehensible as the characters in these stories (or at least I hope they're not), I do believe that their actions are completely appropriate to the given situation they find themselves in. Nothing in this collection felt far fetched yet each story was so entertaining and engaging. This was the first book I read by Sittenfeld and I'm looking forward to reading her back list!
While I don't think everyone is as reprehensible as the characters in these stories (or at least I hope they're not), I do believe that their actions are completely appropriate to the given situation they find themselves in. Nothing in this collection felt far fetched yet each story was so entertaining and engaging. This was the first book I read by Sittenfeld and I'm looking forward to reading her back list!
alisarae's review against another edition
5.0
The best way I know how to describe this collection of short stories is: Miranda July’s quirky charm meets Murakami’s sense of the ordinary.
The problem with Miranda July stories is that the characters are so... icky. Like, they are charming and then you discover they are deeply disturbed people and then they are just icky. You want to help them become healthy again, but you can’t because they are fake. And the problem with Murakami’s characters is that the majority of them are simply boring. Beautifully composed, but boring people.
So this book is like the best of both: quirky people living ordinary lives, but their quirkiness is actually pretty normal as far as internal monologues go (I found them relatable, I hope that doesn’t make you think I am a weirdo), and all the stories end on a nice note.
The problem with Miranda July stories is that the characters are so... icky. Like, they are charming and then you discover they are deeply disturbed people and then they are just icky. You want to help them become healthy again, but you can’t because they are fake. And the problem with Murakami’s characters is that the majority of them are simply boring. Beautifully composed, but boring people.
So this book is like the best of both: quirky people living ordinary lives, but their quirkiness is actually pretty normal as far as internal monologues go (I found them relatable, I hope that doesn’t make you think I am a weirdo), and all the stories end on a nice note.
booksrockcal's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoy Curtis Sittenfeld’s novels so when the Read Harder Challenge called for a short story collection, Sittenfeld’s book was the obvious choice. The stories did not disappoint. Sittenfeld is skilled in her novels at exploring the complexities of character and multi layered of upper middle class privileged college graduates making their way in the world. The short stories are no different- they reminded me of a GenX Millennial John Cheever. My only complaint is that I wish some of the stories had turned into the novel.