Love the forward by Toby Wolff.

Just recently, I had the opportunity to read Dorothy Allison's "River of Names." It was an incredibly haunting piece of work.

The moment I finished reading it, it immediately lodged itself in my mind and refused to leave.

Even the following morning, as I woke up and went about my daily routine, the story and its powerful themes continued to linger.

The way Allison weaves her words and constructs the narrative is truly masterful.

It draws the reader in and holds them captive until the very end.

I found myself completely immersed in the world she creates, feeling every emotion and experiencing every moment along with the characters.

"River of Names" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and wants to be taken on a journey that will stay with them long after they've turned the last page.

Fantastic stories!

They are much more dark and interesting than I had initially expected. I had anticipated more of a wholesome, folky vibe just by looking at the cover. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that some of the stories are downright grimy. It's a unique and captivating experience.

The darkness and grittiness add an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the tales. It makes them stand out and keeps me engaged from start to finish. I love how these stories deviate from the typical and offer something different.

Each story has its own charm and mystery, drawing me in and making me eager to uncover what lies ahead. The unexpected twists and turns keep me on the edge of my seat, and I can't wait to see what else this collection has in store.

All of these are extremely excellent writings, yet they do demand a certain degree of cognition.

Favorites among them include "Chopin In Winter" penned by Stuart Dybek. This piece likely weaves a beautiful and evocative tale around the music of Chopin and the wintry setting.

"Talk of Heroes" by Carol Bly is another remarkable work. It perhaps delves into the concept of heroes and the discussions that surround them.

"Aunt Granny Lith" by Chris Offutt offers a unique perspective, maybe exploring the character and story of Aunt Granny Lith in an engaging way.

"Moonwalk" by Susan Powers might take the reader on a journey related to the idea of a moonwalk, with its own set of emotions and experiences.

Finally, "Rules of the Game" by Amy Tan is a well-known piece that probably examines the rules and dynamics of a particular game or situation, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Together, these works form a diverse and captivating collection that enriches the literary landscape.

A great collection indeed!

I consider myself a connoisseur when it comes to collections. This particular one features many of the great works that I firmly believe are indispensable in any collection. Moreover, it also includes some others that I had never laid eyes on before.

The very first story, unfortunately, I can't recall its name at the moment, but it truly had a profound impact on me. And then there was a magnificent and simultaneously horrifying piece titled "Wickedness" located near the middle of the collection.

While the Scribner anthology remains my all-time favorite, this collection comes in a very close second. It offers a diverse range of literary gems that are sure to captivate and engage any reader with a penchant for fine literature.

Overall, it's a remarkable addition to the world of collections and one that I highly recommend to fellow enthusiasts.

This is an outstanding book for study purposes if you have the aspiration to enhance your skills in writing short stories.

Moreover, within its pages, there are several truly remarkable stories.

Virtually none of them bored me or gave me that exasperating feeling of "oh, so sorry you broke your fingernail - get a life."

On the contrary, these stories were excellent and full of surprises.

They had the power to engage my imagination and keep me hooked from the very beginning to the end.

The variety of themes and writing styles presented in this book is truly impressive.

It offers a wealth of inspiration and valuable lessons for anyone interested in the art of short story writing.

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced writer seeking new ideas and techniques, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It has the potential to take your writing to the next level and help you create stories that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

This book contains a plethora of truly outstanding short stories.

Each one is a gem, offering unique perspectives, engaging plots, and well-developed characters.

The stories range from heartwarming tales that tug at your emotions to thrilling adventures that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, or science fiction, there's something for everyone in this collection.

The writing is of a high caliber, with vivid descriptions and seamless storytelling that draw you in from the very first page.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good short story and wants to be entertained and inspired.

Pick it up today and discover the wonderful world of short fiction that awaits you within its pages.

The text book that I use for my Creative Writing class is an essential tool for my learning.

It provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, covering various aspects of creative writing such as fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

The book is well-structured, with clear explanations and examples that help me understand the concepts easily.

It also includes exercises and prompts that encourage me to practice my writing skills and explore my creativity.

One of the things I like most about the text book is that it offers different perspectives and voices, allowing me to learn from a diverse range of writers.

This exposure helps me to broaden my horizons and develop my own unique writing style.

Overall, the text book for my Creative Writing class is an invaluable resource that has helped me to grow as a writer and has inspired me to pursue my passion for writing.

I had the distinct impression that this collection of short stories truly went to great lengths to assemble renowned writers and (merely one of) their finest tales. It meshed splendidly with my very first fiction class during my college days, and I have cherished it ever since.

Now, returning to these stories at a slightly more mature age, I have most definitely gained an even deeper appreciation for each and every one of them. It compelled me to delve into the works of authors whom I truly adored, and as a consequence, I have ultimately read a great deal more of their writings.

Undoubtedly, it is an essential book that should grace everyone's bookshelf!

He has an amazing talent.

Not only can he write with great skill and creativity, but he can also pick out the best among various options.

His writing ability allows him to express his thoughts and ideas vividly, captivating the readers.

Whether it's a story, an article, or a poem, he can bring the words to life.

And when it comes to picking, he has a sharp eye and a discerning mind.

He can quickly assess the quality and suitability of different things, making the right choices every time.

His combined skills of writing and picking make him stand out from the crowd.

People admire his work and seek his advice.

He is truly a remarkable individual with unique abilities.

I bought this book when I was 14.

At that time, I was not particularly interested in short stories. However, after reading this book from beginning to end a couple of times in a row, my attitude towards short stories completely changed.

This book contains some of my all-time favorite short stories, such as "Cathedral", "The Fat Girl", "Rock Springs", and others whose names I can't recall at the moment.

Moreover, it introduced me to Tobias Wolff, and I still have a deep affection for his works.

Even now, I could still read this book cover to cover with great enthusiasm.

The stories in this book have left a profound impression on me and have had a significant impact on my literary taste.

I am truly grateful for having discovered this wonderful book at such a young age.

There are a plethora of truly excellent stories within this anthology.

Here are some of my personal favorites.

“River of Names” by Dorothy Allison is a captivating tale that draws the reader in with its richly detailed characters and complex plot.

“All the Way in Flagstaff Arizona” by Richard Bausch offers a unique perspective on human relationships and the challenges we face.

Raymond Carver's “Cathedral” is a classic that explores themes of perception and connection.

Stuart Dybek's “Chopin in Winter” is a beautifully written piece that evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia.

Richard Ford's “Rock Springs” delves into the lives of ordinary people in a small town, revealing their hopes, dreams, and disappointments.

Allan Gurganus' “Minor Heroism” is a powerful story about courage and sacrifice.

Barry Hannah's “Testimony of a Pilot” is a thrilling account of a pilot's experiences during a war.

Ron Hansen's “Wickedness” is a dark and disturbing tale that examines the nature of evil.

Denis Johnson's “Emergency” is a fast-paced story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Jamaica Kincaid's “Girl” is a short but impactful piece that offers a glimpse into the life of a young girl growing up in a strict household.

John L’Heureux's “Departures” is a poignant story about loss and the importance of moving on.

Ralph Lombreglia's “Men Under Water” is a thought-provoking piece that explores the psychological effects of war.

Joyce Carol Oates' “Where are You Going, Where Have You Been?” is a chilling story that examines the power dynamics between men and women.

Robert Olmstead's “Cody’s Story” is a gritty and realistic tale about a young man's journey through life.

Jane Anne Phillips' “Home” is a heartwarming story about family and the meaning of home.

Susan Powers' “Moonwalk” is a unique and imaginative piece that takes the reader on a journey to a different world.

Mona Wilson's “Lawns” is a charming story about the simple pleasures of life.

Amy Tan's “Rules of the Game” is a classic that explores the cultural differences between a mother and daughter.

Stephanie Vaughn's “Dog Heaven” is a touching story about the bond between a dog and its owner.

Each of these stories offers something unique and值得一读 (worth reading). They are all masterpieces in their own right and are sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

So, I didn't read the whole thing.

However, you've got to admire a book that is filled with stories.

These stories are arranged alphabetically by the author's name.

It allows you to read straight through and never be let down.

This kind of book is truly remarkable.

It offers a unique reading experience, as you can explore different stories and authors in an organized manner.

Each story has its own charm and can transport you to different worlds and emotions.

Whether you're looking for adventure, romance, mystery, or inspiration, this book has something for everyone.

It's a great choice for those who enjoy reading and want to discover new voices and perspectives.

So, even if you don't read the entire book at once, you can dip in and out and always find something interesting to read.

It's a book that will keep you entertained and engaged for hours on end.