beyond_anna's review
- 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
3.75
astuenkel's review
4.0
I'm always amazed at how well you "know" characters from short stories. I liked this collection a lot. I would not want to read a whole novel about some of these people however.
lindsayb's review
5.0
This book seemed to take a really long time to read (for me anyway) since my schedule has become a bit more hectic recently, but I always enjoyed returning to it when I could grab a minute. It didn't evoke in me that rabid urge to rush through it, to devour it as soon as I could. It felt to me like an old friend. In fact, that's what the stories became for me--like listening to a close friend spill their guts. There was something very gratifying about this collection. None of the characters or situations were extraordinary. These were not wacky situations or wild instances where BAM! the character is forever changed. Instead, they all faced (mostly) everyday challenges and ordinary tragedies with varying degrees of success (or lack thereof), and their own revelations were perhaps just a subtle quarter-turn in a new direction...the way life usually happens. They all had their endearing aspects as well as those traits that made me cringe, also reminding me of when you start to see faults in a beaming new friendship or relationship...those moments that make you face up to the decision whether or not you wish to forge ahead. This was the "realest" writing I've read in a while and makes me feel at ease with the fact that life keeps on keepin' on. I was unaware of Nelson as a writer before now, but as I now see she's had a full career so far, I will absolutely be seeking out more of her work.
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