destined_333's review
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
seebrandyread's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Everyday People is an anthology of contemporary (published in 2018) short stories by people of color. The writers come from several different countries, though I don't believe any are translated meaning all of the writers at least write/speak English if it isn't their first language. The collection runs the gamut with some stories leaning into sci-fi and spiritual realms while others are mundane. They take place all over America and the world, but common threads can be found throughout.
One of the most common themes was that of liminality, being between spaces physically, emotionally, culturally, etc. A couple of stories involve characters returning the their countries of origin after long stints in America. They must (re)learn language and custom or reorient themselves with changes during their absence. There are also several characters coming to terms with their sexuality and learning what new spaces will include them along with old spaces that will exclude them.
Characters are faced with the issue of belonging--to places, others, and self. Sometimes they are given a choice sometimes not. At times it may be easier to belong to no one and nowhere or allow their selves to make a new connection or reconnect a lost one. Family and its many forms play a strong part as the source or lack of belonging.
This anthology was a bit short. Baker's introduction doesn't give much insight into the formation of the anthology other than to be by contemporary writers of color which feels exceptionally broad, especially given the list of works by other writers at the end that's over 35 pages long. The diversity of authors and stories is impressive given only the 14 included, but even the Best American series includes 20 and that's only stories written in a given year in America!
It's impossible to include every voice in a single volume, but I do think it succeeds in dismantling the monoliths a little more. It also succeeds at showing how voices can sound infinitely different but still speak a common message.
One of the most common themes was that of liminality, being between spaces physically, emotionally, culturally, etc. A couple of stories involve characters returning the their countries of origin after long stints in America. They must (re)learn language and custom or reorient themselves with changes during their absence. There are also several characters coming to terms with their sexuality and learning what new spaces will include them along with old spaces that will exclude them.
Characters are faced with the issue of belonging--to places, others, and self. Sometimes they are given a choice sometimes not. At times it may be easier to belong to no one and nowhere or allow their selves to make a new connection or reconnect a lost one. Family and its many forms play a strong part as the source or lack of belonging.
This anthology was a bit short. Baker's introduction doesn't give much insight into the formation of the anthology other than to be by contemporary writers of color which feels exceptionally broad, especially given the list of works by other writers at the end that's over 35 pages long. The diversity of authors and stories is impressive given only the 14 included, but even the Best American series includes 20 and that's only stories written in a given year in America!
It's impossible to include every voice in a single volume, but I do think it succeeds in dismantling the monoliths a little more. It also succeeds at showing how voices can sound infinitely different but still speak a common message.
jane_333's review
2.0
Kinda mediocre, I enjoyed most of the stories but they haven't really stuck with me a whole lot.
elentari7's review
4.0
This is a great collection of stories both realistic and slightly speculative, ranging from sweet to unsettling, and from a fantastic group of diverse (on multiple axes) authors. All the stories are good, but I think my favorites are "Mine" by Alexander Chee and "If a Bird Can Be a Ghost" by Allison Mills.
stacie_w_books's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this short story collection. A great mix of stories and cultures all written by very capable authors. There are a quite a few short stories in this collection that I absolutely loved.
Full Disclaimer: The last story is written by Junot Diaz. I did not read that story. Hard pass on that one.
Full Disclaimer: The last story is written by Junot Diaz. I did not read that story. Hard pass on that one.
wcsheffer's review
5.0
Beautiful and moving stories from renown and upcoming authors. Loved the stories from Alexander Chee, Brandon Taylor, and Dennis Norris II.
invertible_hulk's review
5.0
This is a great, solid collection featuring some beautiful, fantastic writing.
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