Some are better than others, as is the case with any anthology. However, this particular one is truly a great compendium of stories.

It offers wonderful tidbits that are perfect for those moments when you're on the train. Whether it's during the commute to work, when you need something to pass the time and keep your mind engaged, or on a slow ride to sleepy, as is often the case for me.

These stories have the power to transport you to different worlds, make you laugh, or perhaps even make you think. They are like little treasures waiting to be discovered, and I always look forward to delving into this anthology whenever I have the chance. :D

A must-read anthology awaits you. It is truly a remarkable collection. Story for story, it presents some of the most captivating tales. I firmly believe that it is the best one out there. Each story within this anthology has its own unique charm and allure. They transport you to different worlds, introduce you to a plethora of interesting characters, and take you on emotional rollercoasters. Whether you are a fan of adventure, romance, mystery, or any other genre, this anthology has something to offer. It is a literary treasure trove that will keep you engaged from the very first page to the last. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the wonderful world of stories within this must-read anthology.

"A Romantic Weekend" by Mary Gaitskill: 4 stars

This story has its moments, but it also fumbles on the goal line. Of course, saying "shoulda done this not that" is the lowest form of critique, but in this case, she really should have taken a different approach. She sees through a comic takedown of the BDSM mindset and the gendered incompatibility of master-slave mentalities, but then at the end, she blows another puff of hot air into the very balloon she's just deflated. The story is about a shitty weak dude who tries and fails to establish dom-status over a girl who tries and fails to like getting burnt with a lighter.

"Chopin in Winter" by Stuart Dybeck: 2 stars

This story is especially bad considering it's from the 90s, given the Bronx Tale postwar ethnic nostalgia. The story is a treacly and aloof depiction of a boy experiencing the aftermath of his dad's death in WWII, the arrival of a drifter grandfather, and a tense situation with a Czech neighbor girl upstairs who is pregnant with the child of a black man. The writing lacks depth and the characters feel one-dimensional.

I truly despise the paper and font.

The paper feels rough and uninviting, as if it is deliberately trying to make the reading experience unpleasant. Its texture is abrasive to the touch, and it lacks the smoothness and softness that I desire.

The font, on the other hand, is equally detestable. It is either too small and cramped, making it difficult to read without straining my eyes, or it is too large and garish, overwhelming the page and detracting from the content.

The style of the font may also be inappropriate for the subject matter, giving the whole piece a disjointed and unprofessional look.

Overall, the combination of the paper and font makes me reluctant to engage with the written material, and I often find myself avoiding it altogether.

I long for a more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly alternative that will enhance my reading experience and make me eager to explore the words within.

It’s truly astonishing to think that the beautifully persuasive introduction to The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories was penned by the same individual who chose the for the most part forcibly grim stories in the collection.

I feel compelled to applaud when editor Tobias Wolff makes this profound statement:

“Chekhov says of one of his characters, ‘he had a talent for humanity.’ It is this quality, above all, that puts these writers on common ground — the ability to breathe into their work distinct living presences beyond their own: imagined others fashioned from words who somehow take on flesh and blood and moral nature.”

However, few of the stories Wolff has selected actually live up to that assertion, and the “common ground” often seems to be simply a numbing sameness of tone and perception. Clearly, an introduction can be as misleading as a promotional blurb.

At one point, I became so exasperated with the collection that I closed it, went to the computer, searched for and found Stephen Crane’s enduring “The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky,” and read it through with a pleasure as deep as ever. Now that’s a story. Even its title is narrative.

Even writers I have admired in their own story collections are not represented with their best work in Wolff’s anthology. Carol Bly’s “Talk of Heroes” has some merit, but it lacks the narrative richness of her “The Dignity of Life” or “Chuck’s Money,” to name just two of this valuable writer’s stories that are infinitely more worthy of being anthologized.

Fortunately, there are exceptions, albeit few:

If you can reach page 141, you can anticipate a memorable experience with Stuart Dybek’s “Chopin in Winter.” Whether it’s a recollection like in a memoir or entirely fictional — or, as I suspect, a combination of the two — this is truly one of our finest contemporary American short stories, skillfully crafted and, yes, with that “talent for humanity.”

Ron Hansen’s “Wickedness,” an account of a legendary 18th Century Nebraska blizzard, is a bravura performance from start to finish, although I’m not entirely sure what Hansen intended with that title.

It was deeply moving once again to encounter Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried,” from his 1990 collection of the same name. The piece, which is about the experiences of soldiers during the Vietnam War, is a sequence of riffs, the second of which begins with: “The things they carried were largely determined by necessity.” What follows includes this simple yet devastatingly weighted sentence: “Ted Lavender, who was scared, carried tranquilizers until he was shot in the head just outside the village of Than Khe.” That stopped me when I first read it and stopped me again this time around. A subsequent riff concludes with this: “They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried.”

Robert Olmstead was new to me. His deftly executed “Cody’s Story” convinced me that I must explore more of his work.

I’ve often found John Edgar Wideman’s fiction cumbersome, but the story chosen by Wolff, “Daddy Garbage,” is engaging and moving.

The authors are presented in alphabetical order, so that one of the finest stories in the book, Joy Williams’ “Train,” comes last.

Without those six stories, I would not have given this 552-page book three or even two stars.

All great, of course.

However, I'm not entirely certain that every single one of Wolff's choices truly merited a place in this "prestigious" volume.

Nearly all of the selections were indeed very enjoyable to peruse.

Each and every one boasted top-notch craftsmanship.

Again, considering the nature of the volume, this level of craftsmanship should perhaps be expected.

Nonetheless, there were a few that left me wondering if they were truly on par with the others in terms of deserving such a prominent placement within this esteemed collection.

Perhaps Wolff had his own unique criteria for inclusion that I am not fully privy to.

But overall, it is still a remarkable volume that offers a great deal of pleasure and insight for the discerning reader.

This is a truly perfect collection that is specifically designed for instructors who are teaching beginning or intermediate creative writers.

It offers a wealth of valuable resources and materials that can greatly assist in the teaching process.

The collection includes a diverse range of writing prompts, exercises, and examples that are carefully curated to激发 students' creativity and improve their writing skills.

Instructors can easily select and adapt the materials according to the needs and abilities of their students.

Whether it's teaching the basics of story structure, character development, or descriptive writing, this collection has it all.

It provides a comprehensive and engaging approach to teaching creative writing, making it an essential tool for any instructor in this field.

With this perfect collection, instructors can inspire and guide their students to reach their full creative potential and become confident and skilled writers.

Depressingly rubbish.

This simple phrase encapsulates a feeling of disappointment and dissatisfaction. It implies that something is of extremely poor quality or fails to meet expectations.

When we encounter something that is depressingly rubbish, it can have a significant impact on our mood and attitude. It might make us feel frustrated, angry, or even hopeless.

For example, we might purchase a product that is advertised as being of high quality, only to find that it is depressingly rubbish when we receive it. Or we might attend an event that is supposed to be exciting and engaging, but instead, it turns out to be a letdown.

In such situations, it is important to try to maintain a positive attitude and look for solutions. We can try to return the product, seek a refund, or find an alternative. Or we can try to salvage the situation by making the best of what we have.

Ultimately, while encountering something that is depressingly rubbish can be a negative experience, it can also serve as a learning opportunity. It can help us to become more discerning consumers and to set higher standards for ourselves and others.

This is my favorite short story anthology of all time.

It holds a special place in my heart and I simply cannot contain my enthusiasm for it.

Every time I pick it up, I am transported into a world of diverse and captivating stories.

The anthology features a wide range of authors, each with their unique writing style and perspective.

The stories are filled with rich characters, engaging plots, and thought-provoking themes.

Whether it's a heartwarming tale of love and friendship, a thrilling mystery, or a humorous anecdote, there is something for everyone in this anthology.

I find myself constantly coming back to it, eager to rediscover the magic within its pages.

It truly is a literary gem that I will cherish forever.

I highly recommend this anthology to anyone who loves a good story.

It is sure to leave you entertained, inspired, and longing for more.

A Good Anthology of Dirty Realists

Dirty realism is a literary movement that emerged in the United States in the late 20th century. It is characterized by its gritty, unflinching portrayal of the lives of working-class and marginalized people.

This anthology is a great collection of works by some of the most prominent dirty realist writers. It includes stories and poems that explore themes such as poverty, addiction, violence, and love in a raw and honest way.

The writing in this anthology is powerful and engaging, drawing the reader into the lives of the characters and making them feel as if they are right there with them. The stories are often short and to the point, but they pack a punch and leave a lasting impression.

Overall, this is a must-read anthology for anyone interested in contemporary American literature or in exploring the darker side of human experience. It offers a unique and valuable perspective on the lives of those who are often overlooked or forgotten in society.

What a gem of a collection!

I probably would not have read this without the recommendation of the short story group.

The reason is that short stories usually frustrate me.

I often find them too brief, lacking the depth and development that I渴望 in a longer work.

However, these short stories were so worth it.

Each one was a little masterpiece, packing a powerful punch in just a few pages.

The authors managed to create vivid characters, engaging plots, and thought-provoking themes, all within the constraints of the short story format.

I was truly impressed and found myself thoroughly enjoying every story in the collection.

This has definitely changed my perception of short stories, and I will be on the lookout for more great collections in the future.

So many different flavors of excellence.

This collection is truly a treasure trove that will lead me on an exciting journey to discover many contemporary authors. Each author brings their unique style and perspective, offering a diverse range of stories and ideas.

As I explore this collection, I anticipate countless good times ahead. I will be immersed in captivating narratives, thought-provoking concepts, and beautifully crafted prose. It's like opening a door to a world of literary wonders.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a profound exploration of the human condition, this collection has something for everyone. It has the power to transport me to different places, make me laugh, cry, and think deeply.

I can't wait to embark on this literary adventure and see where it takes me. It's going to be an unforgettable experience filled with many more good times and a deeper appreciation for the art of writing.