elharpwhy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
michellerenee30's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I loved the style of these short stories. So interesting and engaging. Moustakis is a treasure find and you won’t be sorry when you stumble upon her. I still linger on The Mannequin of Soldotna story…it’s brilliant!
ohlookanowl's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, wild, haunting short stories. They'll take an icepick to your heart if you're not careful.
kmccann3's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
micklesreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book is unreal. It took me a little while to get into it, but as the stories connected and wove together, I couldn't put it down. I am in awe of writers who can craft a good short story; it takes such skill and precision. There is a lot going on here, but for me, this is a book about strong, determined women swimming upstream. Moustakis' writing is painfully beautiful, profound, and magical. This reminds me a bit of Erdrich, but if I'm honest, I like it more.
I'm sad this is over. I want more Gracie and I want more Colleen.
I'm sad this is over. I want more Gracie and I want more Colleen.
lindsayb's review against another edition
5.0
Quite staggering, these stories. I loved how most of them connected to one another; I loved the Alaskan setting for all its grit and independence; and most of all, I loved the crazy strong women, for all their flaws. Perfect reading for an icy weekend.
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Read Harder: Collection of stories by a woman
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Read Harder: Collection of stories by a woman
timshel's review
5.0
Bear Down, Bear North is a masterfully written collection of stories. Melinda Moustakis shows off her prowess of voice and perspective. These stories, which are connected to one another in person and place, are written in first person (both singular and plural), third person, and even (thrice) second person. Moustakis is able to write in each of these and through the eyes of each of her characters with smooth precision. While some of the perspectives are jarring, as a reader, to step into, they are done with great skill. Moustakis understands the voice of these characters and does her best to deliver them in a way the reader will understand.
The overall feel of each story is poetic. The language is sparse and musical, but the book's poetic nature does not end there. There is a resonance that reminds the reader of poetry. These pieces are economical, with every word chosen carefully; they paint a picture, not so much a story, that leaves the reader with thoughts and emotions, but little plot to hold onto.
Despite the book's poeticism and Moustakis' smooth style, these stories are gritty. You'll walk away with a feeling that there is dirt grinding away at your teeth. You'll check your fingernails for grime. You'll want to trample on the carcass of a dead animal, strip naked, and pray that the rain will come and drench your miserable soul. Part of you may wish you were in Alaska, roughing it yourself, but what would be the need? Moustakis has already taken you there.
The overall feel of each story is poetic. The language is sparse and musical, but the book's poetic nature does not end there. There is a resonance that reminds the reader of poetry. These pieces are economical, with every word chosen carefully; they paint a picture, not so much a story, that leaves the reader with thoughts and emotions, but little plot to hold onto.
Despite the book's poeticism and Moustakis' smooth style, these stories are gritty. You'll walk away with a feeling that there is dirt grinding away at your teeth. You'll check your fingernails for grime. You'll want to trample on the carcass of a dead animal, strip naked, and pray that the rain will come and drench your miserable soul. Part of you may wish you were in Alaska, roughing it yourself, but what would be the need? Moustakis has already taken you there.
jamiereadthis's review
Alaska! I will always read about Alaska. I’m going to remember the doctor who decorates the mannequin in the lobby with all the flies she’s removed from her patients. And Jack. Lots of Jack.
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