jlworley's review against another edition
4.0
I don't typically read short stories but enjoyed the author's style. Stories are from the perspective of a variety of dysfunctional woman but I found myself liking these characters anyway - or at least sympathizing with them. Frequent profanity and sexual reference, so reader beware.
gavmor's review against another edition
3.0
A sometimes-engrossing series of horrifically banal slices into the lives of several depressed women, this book at first feels almost like a white trash If On A Winter's Night A Traveler, but the only thing connecting one story to another is each protagonist's unwillingness to speak their true feelings to anyone around them. This is no surprise, since each is surrounded by a pantheon of stiffly patriarchal normies.
I believe that this book is realistic, and that makes me sad.
I believe that this book is realistic, and that makes me sad.
sarahhehrer's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I cannot read anymore books from the perspective of grumpy, privileged, cruel, disaffected white women.
bananas_books's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
kecordell's review against another edition
3.0
"I have so many old boyfriends now, spread out all over, and so many things remind me of them. I'll pass a Wendy's and remember the one who would only eat plain hamburgers. There we are, sitting under the yellow lights with our trays in front of us as I eat one french fry at a time. Nearly every movie, every song and TV show and item of food reminds me of someone and it is a horrible way to live." p. 78
"It won't be long before people start introducing themselves to him again and again ad he knows what it's like to be completely forgettable." p.128
"It won't be long before people start introducing themselves to him again and again ad he knows what it's like to be completely forgettable." p.128
honeydewfelon's review against another edition
5.0
These stories felt like talking on the phone with that one friend who always has a new lover or a new ex to tell you about. None of these stories is uplifting, really. They communicate a sense of unease, dissatisfaction, a waiting for the other shoe to drop. Nevertheless, the narrators felt real. They didn't hold back. I also liked this collection as a portrait of The South. The places and people were familiar, recognizable. I'm excited to read more of Mary Miller's work.
krismarley's review against another edition
3.0
I thought the last several stories were the best ones so I'm glad I stuck it out... I share the same observation as other GR readers... the main character in each story each blurred with other main characters in other stories...
My vote for Best Cover 2017 so far.
My vote for Best Cover 2017 so far.
marisaxx's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
kaitlinmcnabb's review against another edition
3.0
Hmm, this book was okay. I found that most of the stories and characters really didn't grab me and I was struggling to find connections, themes and narratives throughout save for a few.
"Big Bad Love" and the character of Diamond and the connection with the main protagonist.
"Where all the beautiful people go" and "First Class" were such odd little stories and I liked them a lot. Those three stories held my attention and I really enjoyed them.
At one point I convinced myself that all the men were actually the same person and it was just how each different woman perceives the man, based on experience, circumstance, etc, that created this new, different story. I felt so fucking smart until I realized that is completely wrong.
But, they're all so fuckin terrible I thought it was just the same guy. Ah, but no. Most men are just terrible.
Then I convinced myself that the main woman was the same throughout all the stories. That was also completely false. It's a neat idea tho, if I do say so myself.
Anyways, I'd be interested to read others opinions on this collection because I feel like I missed something, especially an overarching theme, and would like to know. The author is clearly a talented writer and puts a lot of thought into her stories, but they just didn't do it for me.
"Big Bad Love" and the character of Diamond and the connection with the main protagonist.
"Where all the beautiful people go" and "First Class" were such odd little stories and I liked them a lot. Those three stories held my attention and I really enjoyed them.
At one point I convinced myself that all the men were actually the same person and it was just how each different woman perceives the man, based on experience, circumstance, etc, that created this new, different story. I felt so fucking smart until I realized that is completely wrong.
But, they're all so fuckin terrible I thought it was just the same guy. Ah, but no. Most men are just terrible.
Then I convinced myself that the main woman was the same throughout all the stories. That was also completely false. It's a neat idea tho, if I do say so myself.
Anyways, I'd be interested to read others opinions on this collection because I feel like I missed something, especially an overarching theme, and would like to know. The author is clearly a talented writer and puts a lot of thought into her stories, but they just didn't do it for me.