bkish's review against another edition
2.0
I was not impressed with this book of short stories. He is a good writer and he can work w various diverse themes. Yet it is all to me shallow.
marinaruben's review against another edition
4.0
Not for everyone due to the graphic and troubling content of the stories, but they're unique and well-crafted, with protagonists at times representing backgrounds/qualities that could be considered "underdog" and/or "deviant." The stories also explore the tension between the lasting impact of human flaws/behavior and the redemptive efforts of individuals.
librarian_lisa_22's review against another edition
4.0
Johnson is an astoundingly good writer. These short stories are very unique, and each such a separate voice from each other. "Interesting facts" is perhaps one of the most moving stories I've read.
floribunda52's review against another edition
5.0
This was a provocative set of six long stories; the audiobook version was terrific, with each story read by a different person. I didn't always enjoy/appreciate them while I was in the middle, but they "blossomed" as I thought about them afterwards. Each story is unique, but they all fit together somehow.
spiderfelt's review against another edition
4.0
Most of this collection was fantastic: original ideas that kept me completely engaged, until I made it to the sixth story. #triggerwarning: child porn. It was like watching a train wreck. At first I could not tear myself away, and then suddenly I couldn't bear to listen to it anymore. I decided not to give up on the book, and skipped ahead to the last story. Critics rave about almost all of the stories, but no mentions Dark Meadow. Beware. Stars refer to the stories I loved. The fact that the 6th story exists keeps it from getting five stars.
tonitoul's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pharmdad2007's review against another edition
5.0
Adam Johnson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The short stories in this collection are vastly different from one another, but they all have one thing in common: a fresh, real voice that grabs you and doesn't let go.
justquil's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
oddly's review against another edition
4.0
I haven't read his Pulitzer winner yet, but I tend to not put a lot of stock in awards. What I do put a lot of stock in is short stories. A writer that can write compelling and brilliant short stories with fully realized character and strong plots is a true writer. And this collection proves that.
Several of the stories take on characters that are not only different, but are on the wrong side of the fringe of society. While all the stories are strong, I really enjoyed reading those pieces. Without giving away the characters themselves, it is an interesting juxtaposition to see what goes on in the heads of characters most people would find despicable and how Johnson really humanizes them by their private thoughts and actions.
The stories contemplate the past, with a former Stasi agent who stands behind his actions, the present, with a mother with cancer and North Korean defectors, and the not-too-distant future, with programmed holographic presidents and computer experts who track people who download child pornography.
A great writer and a great collection of stories that is thinking about the past, present, and future.
Several of the stories take on characters that are not only different, but are on the wrong side of the fringe of society. While all the stories are strong, I really enjoyed reading those pieces. Without giving away the characters themselves, it is an interesting juxtaposition to see what goes on in the heads of characters most people would find despicable and how Johnson really humanizes them by their private thoughts and actions.
The stories contemplate the past, with a former Stasi agent who stands behind his actions, the present, with a mother with cancer and North Korean defectors, and the not-too-distant future, with programmed holographic presidents and computer experts who track people who download child pornography.
A great writer and a great collection of stories that is thinking about the past, present, and future.
jolynne's review against another edition
3.0
I love to read, I read for pleasure, I read to step out of my comfort zone and I read because some people just put words together so darn well. These short stories fit the bill. One story in particular was a bit intense, I’m surprised I got through it. But like I said, some people just put words together so darn well.