I recently read the short story "Popular Mechanics".

I was really impressed by it. It's essentially a modern-day retelling of the Solomon story from the Bible.

The way it's told is quite ordinary, yet it still manages to be extremely powerful.

The story presents a situation that is both relatable and thought-provoking. It makes you think about human nature, relationships, and the choices we make.

Despite its simplicity, it has a profound impact on the reader.

It shows that even in the most ordinary of circumstances, there can be great drama and significance.

The author has done a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the original story and presenting it in a fresh and engaging way.

I would highly recommend this short story to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking literature.

He is a person who has no fear of discussing the ordinary.

In fact, most of the time, he is not afraid to express it in an ordinary manner.

However, what makes him special is that he always manages to find a way to make the ordinary sound remarkable.

Each and every story he tells is like a precious gem, shining with unique charm and value.

He has the ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and present it in a way that catches people's attention and makes them think.

Whether it's a simple daily event or a common experience, he can turn it into a captivating narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.

His way of looking at the world and his talent for storytelling make him a truly interesting and engaging individual.

I don't know how many ways there are to tell a story, but Raymond Carver's must be among the better ones.

He employs a simple and clear language that endows substance to just about anything he uncovers, whether it's a man or an animal, a street, a house, or an ashtray.

There's yet another aspect. His stories can gain momentum and move extremely fast. Before you even realize it, you find yourself in a different place.

He writes about ordinary people and their ordinary lives, sometimes with a slightly odd twist. You might think you wouldn't care, but in fact, you do. People grapple with their partners, with themselves, and occasionally with a sunset.

The dialogue is近乎完美. Completely unadorned and free of any pretensions. I have already read one of the three collections in this volume, but now, in this entirety, they seem even more special.

For Americans who are eager to track down this UK edition, there are a few aspects that I should mention.

It's not about every single breath the man took, but this collection is truly worthy of being tracked down.

The drawbacks are that the binding appears to be a bit flimsy (it seems that this is how many British books are bound??). Also, the book is rather difficult to navigate as the story titles are not listed at the top of each page, and there is no single table of contents at the beginning.

The pagination is more concise, which combines all three volumes into 450 pages.

It's really great to have all the essential content within one cover, and it's quite cool to be able to read shorter stories like "the father" and "popular mechanics" without having to turn a page. This UK edition has its pros and cons, but overall, it offers a unique reading experience for those who manage to get their hands on it.

You gotta love some depressed and alcoholic mid-century Americans.

These individuals lived in a time of great change and upheaval. The post-war era brought with it new challenges and opportunities, but for many, it also led to feelings of isolation and despair.

Depression and alcoholism were common among this group, as they struggled to come to terms with the new reality. Some turned to drink as a way to numb the pain, while others simply withdrew from society.

Despite their difficulties, however, these mid-century Americans also had a certain charm and appeal. Their stories are a reminder of the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Whether it's through art, literature, or music, their experiences have been immortalized and continue to resonate with audiences today.

So the next time you think about the mid-century era, don't forget to spare a thought for these depressed and alcoholic Americans. They may have had their demons, but they also had a lot to offer.

I watched the movie "Stuck in Love", and I was deeply impressed by the last sentence of Raymond Carver's one book.

The sentence is: "When we talk about love, Carver in the last lines of the book says, 'I could hear my heart beating'. 'I could hear everyone's heart' and I could hear the human noise we sat there making. When there is no light no one of us move..... I think that's called the writing."

This sentence really touched me. It makes me feel that love is such a profound and mysterious thing. It can make our hearts beat faster, and it can also make us feel the connection between each other.

That's what I wanna read the books of Raymond Carver. I believe that through his works, I can better understand the meaning of love and life. I am looking forward to exploring the world of his literature and experiencing the emotions and thoughts that he conveys.

California, often regarded as the land of promise, opportunity, and fame, can also have a darker side. It can be seen as the land of strip malls, sorrow, and failure. In Carver's work, we see these drinking, playing players dancing around with illusions of grandeur. However, they are completely unaware that they are actually alcoholics, living pathetic and lost lives.

One particular story that stands out is that of the drunk fishermen. They go on a weekend camping trip and stumble upon a dead body in a creek. Instead of taking immediate action, they decide to simply tie it to the bank so it won't float away and then continue fishing and drinking for a few more days. Only after they hike back do they finally tell people.

All of Carver's stories have a certain charm and impact. They are a great read, filled with complex characters and thought-provoking situations. I would highly recommend this collection to anyone looking for a deep and engaging literary experience. FIVE FABULOUS STARS.

Witty stories with hidden lessons are truly captivating.

These tales have the power to engage and entertain while also imparting valuable wisdom. However, to truly appreciate and enjoy them to the fullest, one must have a deep understanding of US culture.

The nuances, traditions, and social norms that are embedded within these stories can often be lost on those who are not familiar with the cultural context.

By delving into the rich tapestry of US culture, one can unlock the true meaning and significance behind these witty stories.

It allows for a more profound connection with the characters, the plot, and the underlying lessons.

Whether it's through literature, film, or oral traditions, these stories offer a unique window into the American way of life.

So, take the time to explore and learn about US culture, and discover the hidden treasures within these witty and insightful stories.

I have read Raymond Carver previously, yet I have never delved into a genuine collection of his short stories. "Collected Stories" is indeed a remarkable compilation!

Overall, I have a great affinity for these stories. However, I sense (as I often do) that there lies a deeper significance beneath many of them, which I am struggling to fully comprehend. So... I truly have no idea what this feeling amounts to... but let it be known that I have articulated it.

Anyway, I did enjoy these stories. Nevertheless, I discovered that the majority of them (at least in the beginning) were somewhat 'extremely sexual'...? I am a mature individual, and I have learned to handle (to some extent) books with sexual content in an appropriate manner; yet it still caught me off guard a little.

Three solid stars for Raymond Carver!

I truly wish that I could have the same level of love for this as my dear son does.

As I started reading, I had this strange sensation of myself being torn along the edges. It was an uncomfortable feeling, almost as if something inside me was being pulled apart.

Consequently, I proceeded with extreme gingerliness, just like someone who is小心翼翼 protecting a wound.

There is no doubt that there is power within these words. However, when it comes to love, it's not exactly there in the way I had hoped or expected.

Maybe it's because my perspective is different from that of my son's. Or perhaps there are aspects of this that I am still yet to fully understand.

Nonetheless, I will continue to explore and try to find that connection, that spark of love that I so desire to have for this.

I know Carver is supposed to be one of the great short story writers of the 20th century, but I'd never read him before. I didn't read all the stories in this collection; instead, I just sampled them. After reading, I can clearly see why he is so highly admired. He has the remarkable ability to convey a great deal of meaning in just a few plain and simple words. However, I also think that this minimalism has, in a way, become a kind of tyranny for writers. It seems as if heaven forbid you should ever use an adverb, or a single extraneous word! And, to be honest, by being so extremely terse, I believe he loses a lot in terms of voice. All his stories give the impression that they are being told by the exact same alienated, and somewhat cynical person. This lack of variety in voice makes it difficult for the reader to fully engage with the different characters and their unique perspectives.

Finito nel 15/mag/2010 00:00:00.

This date, 15th May 2010 at 00:00:00, holds a certain significance. It marks the end of something.

Perhaps it was the conclusion of a project, a chapter in a person's life, or the completion of a task.

The finality of this moment is emphasized by the specific time and date.

It's as if a curtain has been drawn, and a new stage is about to begin.

We can only wonder what lies ahead, what new opportunities and challenges will present themselves.

But for now, we must accept the fact that it is over, and look forward to what the future holds.