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tmaltman's review against another edition
5.0
This is a volume that every writer (and especially every teacher of writing) should read. It's as much about great Russian stories as it is about the art of the story and what stories do and why they matter. Who could possibly pass up a "master class" with one of the great writers of our own time?
“There’s a vast underground network for goodness at work in this world—a web of people who’ve put reading at the center of their lives because they know from experience that reading makes them more expansive, generous people…”
“There’s a vast underground network for goodness at work in this world—a web of people who’ve put reading at the center of their lives because they know from experience that reading makes them more expansive, generous people…”
larry_williamson's review against another edition
5.0
I forget who recommended this book to me but I am forever in their debt. A wonderful book that has provided excellent insight into the short story style and into Russian literature all at once. I highly recommend this book.
tonytrlin's review against another edition
5.0
What do professors mean when they say they “teach an essay/story/book”? This book tells you what it’s like to learn from one of the best. Writing is hard. Writing good stories is harder. This book shows you what goes into the crafting of a story
sarkany's review against another edition
5.0
I think that just maybe a "little" change occurred in my mind while reading this book. ;)
I come from a similar background as the author in regards to the world of engineering and yet yearning for the consumption and creation of art. This book is an analysis into absolutely everything I adore about reading. As a dialogue between the author and the reader(us) - an act intimacy that is unique specifically to this medium, I think. This intimacy and vulnerability of human nature allows us to become more empathetic and understanding of one another.
I come from a similar background as the author in regards to the world of engineering and yet yearning for the consumption and creation of art. This book is an analysis into absolutely everything I adore about reading. As a dialogue between the author and the reader(us) - an act intimacy that is unique specifically to this medium, I think. This intimacy and vulnerability of human nature allows us to become more empathetic and understanding of one another.
sueivany's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book slowly, savouring every page of it. It was thoughtful, brilliantly written, and unlike anything I’d read before. I’ve already started my second reading of this book. Highly recommend.
wordcommando's review against another edition
5.0
No better book for a short story writer to read. Masterful, instructional, entertaining and thoughtful. Not just about writing but about appreciating short stories.