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ericfheiman's review against another edition
5.0
Every so often there's a book that comes along that feels so fresh, is so well written, and inspires insane jealousy in anyone trying to write fiction themselves. This is one of those books. The hype over Wells Tower is 100% founded. His trick is not to use postmodern pyrotechnics, but to drop well-drawn characters that feel both alien and familiar into idiosyncratic scenarios that could happen right next door. It's a neat trick, and Tower makes it look easy.
bethtmorris's review against another edition
4.0
I've really come around about short stories in the past few years. It might speak to my increasing ADD but I'd like to think it's because I'm broadening my horizons. And I think my appreciation is higher because in some ways they are probably harder to write than a novel. These stories varied greatly and kept me on my toes. I especially enjoyed Wild America and Retreat. Would be curious to read what Wells Tower writes next.
hexagong's review against another edition
4.0
So well written. I wish there were more books from this author. Even though some of the characters and subject matter weren't what I usually go for, Wells Tower is immensely talented. Raw, descriptive, engaging stories.
rocketiza's review
5.0
A incredibly powerful writer, with a dark sense of humor. Highly recommend this collection of short stories.
craftyscene's review against another edition
1.0
No conclusions to any of the stories! Not one! Made me crazyyy good concepts and all the "makings" of a good fictional story were there, but that was it. He leaves the reader hanging, but not in a positive way.
linzer712's review against another edition
4.0
Such great characters from such dissparate places. My only problem was some of the ending left me hanging, wanting more.
pearloz's review against another edition
5.0
Excruciatingly well-written. WT is a great writer, b/c the stories (short on "story") are full, the characters are always well developed, the settings are perfectly and efficiently evoked and the dialogue is always natural and believable. Just...all around great, what a craftsman.
labtracks's review against another edition
1.0
Remember when I wrote, probably not even two months ago, that I'm not a fan of short stories.... well that hasn't changed and this book is no exception to my "I don't like short stories" mantra.
Not much else to say here. Not one of these stories really moved me. No character gained my like, or dislike for that matter. The whole book was pretty much a pile of indifferent.
Not much else to say here. Not one of these stories really moved me. No character gained my like, or dislike for that matter. The whole book was pretty much a pile of indifferent.