I really need to understand it in order to give it a proper judgment... It seems to me that I will have to read it again with the appropriate keys to reading, otherwise it will be one of those books that will quickly pass into oblivion ^^'.

This statement reflects the importance of a thorough understanding when evaluating a book. Merely skimming through it may not provide enough depth to form a meaningful opinion. By using the right reading keys, one can unlock the true essence and value of the book.

Without this careful consideration, the book may be forgotten among the countless others that we encounter. It is essential to take the time and effort to truly understand a book before passing judgment on it. This way, we can ensure that our assessment is fair and accurate, and that we do not miss out on the potential treasures that a book may hold.

He was a master of the short story, and his works were brought to my attention by a psychiatrist who later became a friend in the late stage of my life.

I discovered the new Library of America copy of his collected stories and read more than a dozen of them. "The Cathedral" appears to be the most renowned and enduring among Carver's stories. His stories vary in length, ranging from just a few pages to several dozens. Each of the stories I read utilized a concise sentence structure, typically offering short and incisive comments on the people, their thoughts, and actions, and presenting vivid imagery with clarity and superb writing within a relatively short format.

However, since I don't believe that short stories have as significant and lasting an impact on me as an excellent novel of a few hundred pages does, I'm not likely to actively seek out Carver's works again, although I would welcome the opportunity to come across them. I compare a fine short story to a fine novel of a few hundred pages, just as contrasting a fine string quartet playing chamber music by a master with a fine symphony by a master composer. The longer form of writing has greater plot depth, more character development, and more substance, leaving a deeper impression on me. As a result, I remember the writing of a novel much longer than that of a short story.

For the same reason I read a lot of Russian Literature, Carver writes about LIFE.

He has a remarkable ability to take the simple, every day things that we often overlook and transform them into works of art.

I truly loved each and every single story he wrote.

My only regret is that I didn't listen to my tutor at University when he was advising me to read Carver.

Oh well, that's the nature of reading, I guess.

We all discover our favorite authors in our own time.

So, I highly recommend that you READ THIS NOW, or if not, find the opportunity to read Carver in your own time.

Just make sure you remember his works and the unique way he portrays life.

You won't be disappointed.

Honestly, a review from the back of this edition describes it perfectly.

Just like Edward Hopper, whose landscapes his characters inhabit, Carver portrays a frozen world, with blue shadows, where time is the betrayer of lives. The men and women in these stories don't ask for much. They simply desire some common happiness - a life without surprises, with a touch of dignity. Sometimes they achieve it, but more often not.

In terse, harsh, and down-to-earth words, Carver writes about a world that is lethal in its ordinariness. We wouldn't want to live there, yet in a sense, we do.

This anthology is absolutely wonderful. It is filled to the brim with naturalistic and heartbreaking (and at times, very entertaining) tales. It will remain a favorite and a source of inspiration for me for a long time to come.

It truly offers a unique and captivating look into the human condition, presented in a way that is both powerful and thought-provoking.

When the master craftsman is weird, it often leads to some truly remarkable and unexpected outcomes.

He recognizes our own weirdness, which is a rare and precious thing. It's as if he has a special ability to see beyond the surface and understand the unique qualities within us.

And when he writes about weirdness, it becomes a form of art. His words bring to life the strange and wonderful aspects of our being, making us see ourselves and the world in a whole new light.

This process of recognition and expression through writing can have a profound impact on us. It validates our individuality and makes us feel understood.

It also allows us to embrace our weirdness without fear or shame, knowing that there is someone out there who not only accepts it but celebrates it.

In conclusion, when the master craftsman is weird and writes about weirdness, it creates a powerful and transformative experience that enriches our lives and helps us to discover the beauty and value in our own unique selves.

Carver is truly a remarkable writer.

There is not a great deal more that can be expounded upon regarding him. Suffice it to say, when you engage with a Carver story, it's not just ordinary reading. You are, in fact, peering into the world through his very eyes. You witness what he perceives and the manner in which he views it. He accomplishes this with such perfection that you don't even notice how significantly this man has altered your perspective towards certain characters. You simply experience whatever mundane situation he has plunged you into. And when one such situation concludes, it takes merely a few words to draw you into the subsequent story.

What struck me forcibly as I read was Carver's modesty. He never positions himself above his readers. Instead, he sits down among us and shares a story. It's almost as if a dear friend is relating to you what transpired to him during dinner the previous night. The thing is, he just so happens to convey it in a way that captivates you, regardless of the subject matter.

Being introduced to Carver is akin to making a new acquaintance. I earnestly encourage anyone to reach out and shake Carver's hand and listen intently to what he has to say. You will most assuredly not regret it.

Low key, this thing really slapped, not gonna lie.

I mean, it was just so unexpected. At first, I didn't think much of it. But then, as I delved deeper, I realized how truly amazing it was.

It had this certain charm that just pulled me in. Maybe it was the simplicity of it, or maybe it was the way it was executed.

Whatever it was, it worked. It made me look at things from a different perspective and opened my eyes to a whole new world.

I'm glad I took the time to check it out. It was definitely worth it.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for something a little different.

You never know, it might just slap you too.

He has written some of the short stories that I have loved throughout my life.

When I began to write creatively in English, he was one of the early sources of inspiration for me.

His works are filled with unique ideas and vivid descriptions that have always fascinated me.

I remember the first time I read his stories, I was immediately drawn into the wonderful worlds he created.

The characters in his stories are so real and lifelike that I can almost feel their emotions.

His writing style is also very distinctive, with a combination of simplicity and elegance.

Thanks to his influence, I have become more passionate about writing and have been constantly striving to improve my writing skills.

He will always be one of my favorite authors and a great inspiration for my writing journey.

I embarked on the journey of writing my MA thesis with great enthusiasm and dedication.

It was based on a collection of captivating stories that had intrigued me for a long time.

These stories served as the foundation upon which I built my entire research and analysis.

I delved deep into each story, exploring its themes, characters, and the underlying messages it conveyed.

Through careful examination and interpretation, I was able to identify patterns and connections that I incorporated into my thesis.

The process of writing was not without its challenges, but the stories continued to inspire me and keep me motivated.

I spent countless hours researching, writing, and revising, striving to present a comprehensive and well-written thesis.

In the end, I was proud of the work I had accomplished, knowing that it was a result of my hard work and passion for the stories that had inspired it.

Unique to my knowledge, this work is truly remarkable. I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially those with an interest in American culture. The incredibly short and terse descriptions have a captivating effect, making you slow down and really soak in the details. It is very human in nature, with great storytelling that feels refreshingly real. There is no bias towards romanticism, instead, it presents the harsh reality of human failing in a brutally honest way. It teeters on the verge of being gloomy but manages to maintain a certain balance.

I think Carver's precision, which gradually lessens as we move through anthologies 1, 2, and 3, makes him seem less human as a storyteller. These stories are so direct that they almost feel objective. A human narrator would likely use more words and a human perspective would not have that same clarity. The lens through which Carver has us look is precise and clear, almost surgical in its accuracy.

Just as clear are the plots. There is typically only one turning point, and the themes are often familiar: men cheat, couples divorce, children fight, and the unemployed despair. However, as we progress through the stories, there is a noticeable brightening. The stories are not always as dark, and the style becomes less curt. Eventually, Carver comes closer to the midline, presenting characters that we believe still have hope and the potential to change. This evolution gives the collection a sense of growth and development that is both engaging and satisfying.

I have seen many comparisons to the artwork of Edward Hopper, with terms like simplicity and 'K-mart realism' being bandied about by those examining this work. Indeed, there is a certain similarity in the way that both Carver and Hopper expose the banal and humdrum lives of ordinary people, laying them bare for all of us to see. It is this ability to capture the essence of the human experience in all its simplicity and complexity that makes Carver's work so enduring and powerful.

Carver's writing style is distinct and captivating.

He has the remarkable ability to convey profound emotions and complex ideas with a clarity that is truly admirable.

His prose is beautiful in its simplicity, lacking unnecessary ornamentation yet still managing to touch the hearts and minds of readers.

Each word seems carefully chosen, contributing to the overall impact of his work.

Carver's stories often explore the ordinary lives of ordinary people, finding the extraordinary within the mundane.

His clear style allows readers to easily immerse themselves in the narrative, experiencing the characters' joys and sorrows as if they were their own.

Whether it's a short story or a novel, Carver's writing always leaves a lasting impression, making him one of the most respected and influential authors of our time.