Most of the stories are just okay.

Perhaps around a third of them are actually good.

Interestingly, the ones that stand out as good are predominately the ones written by Southerners.

It seems that there is something unique in the Southern perspective or writing style that gives their stories an extra edge.

Their tales might be filled with rich local color, vivid descriptions of the Southern landscape and culture, and characters that are brought to life in a way that engages the reader on a deeper level.

While the other stories are not bad, they lack that certain something that makes the Southern-written ones truly shine.

It would be interesting to explore further what it is about the Southern writers and their stories that make them so appealing and worthy of recognition.

Maybe it's the sense of tradition, the strong sense of community, or the way they handle themes such as love, loss, and hope.

Whatever it is, it's clear that the Southern-written stories have a special charm that sets them apart from the rest.

After listening to a New Yorker Fiction podcast reading of "Dog Heaven," I was deeply intrigued.

So, I promptly picked up the relevant collection from the library. This specific story about the military child really appealed to me, as most stories regarding the military typically focus on the service member.

The tone of the story is lightly nostalgic, which adds a charming touch. The author skillfully teases out funny little anecdotes, gradually leading us to the bittersweet conclusion that marks the end of youth and innocence.

Everything about this little story is just perfect. It's truly a delight to read.

Besides "Dog Heaven," there are many other favorites in the collection. "Cathedral" is a captivating piece that explores human relationships in a profound way. "The Things They Carried" delves into the experiences and emotions of soldiers. "The Fat Girl" offers a unique perspective on body image and self-acceptance. "The Testimony of Pilot" presents an interesting narrative about a pilot's experiences. "Rules of the Game" is a thought-provoking story about competition and family.

This collection is filled with so many wonderful stories that it's impossible to list them all. Each one has its own charm and offers something different to the reader.

I have only read a few stories so far.

However, to be honest, it has been good up until now.

The stories I have read have been engaging and interesting, capturing my attention from the very beginning.

The characters are well-developed, and the plots are unique and full of twists and turns.

I am looking forward to reading more stories and seeing what else this collection has to offer.

Overall, my initial impression is quite positive, and I have high hopes for the rest of the stories.

I believe that they will continue to entertain and delight me, just like the ones I have already read.

So far, so good, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

A Tasty Literary Buffet of Styles and Plots

Here, we are presented with a literary feast that is truly remarkable. It is a buffet of styles and plots that not only cross borders but also reach far beyond our expectations. There are some of the great contemporary writers whose works are included in this collection, and their presence alone adds a touch of prestige and quality. However, what makes this even more exciting is the discovery of other writers that I have never read before. Their works hold the promise of new adventures and fresh perspectives. I am already looking forward to delving into their books in the future and expanding my literary horizons. This literary buffet is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, and I can't wait to see what lies ahead.

The first story, "River of Names," by Dorothy Allison, simply blew my mind. It was brutally good, captivating me from the very beginning.

Another favorite of mine was "Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta," by Kate Braverman. The way she weaved the story and created such vivid characters was truly remarkable.

Some of the stories in this anthology are already well-known and have been heavily anthologized, like those by Oates, Tan, and Carver. However, overall, this was an outstanding anthology.

Despite a few minor misses here and there, the majority of the stories were engaging, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. It's a collection that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves great literature.

Each story offers a unique perspective and takes the reader on a different journey, making it a truly diverse and interesting anthology.

I can't wait to explore more of the works by these talented authors and see what other gems this anthology has to offer.

It's definitely a must-read for any literature enthusiast.

This book has the power to make you fall in love with short stories.

Now, I must admit that not every single page was mind-blowingly amazing. In fact, there were perhaps two or three stories within its pages that I didn't think were particularly outstanding. However, the remaining twenty or so stories were truly great.

Some of them were simply amazing, leaving a lasting impression on me. When you consider that this book is approximately 95% filled with great content, it's easy to see why I'm awarding it 5 stars.

This is the kind of fiction that really satisfies and sticks with you, not the kind that gets stuck in your teeth and annoys you. It's a collection that you'll want to return to again and again, enjoying the wonderful tales it has to offer.

So, if you're a fan of short stories or are looking to discover a new world of fictional adventures, I highly recommend giving this book a try. You won't be disappointed.

The one thing I did learn from reading these stories is that I don't like literature.

Literature, for me, has always seemed like a complex and often inaccessible world. The stories I've read have failed to capture my imagination or engage my emotions in the way that other forms of media do.

I find the language used in literature to be overly flowery and convoluted at times, making it difficult for me to understand the true meaning behind the words.

Additionally, the characters and their experiences often feel distant and unfamiliar, preventing me from forming a connection with the story.

While I appreciate that literature has its own unique charm and value, it simply doesn't resonate with me on a personal level.

I much prefer the immediacy and simplicity of other forms of entertainment, such as movies, TV shows, or even video games.

These mediums allow me to quickly immerse myself in a story and experience the emotions and excitement in a more direct way.

In conclusion, while I may have gained some knowledge from reading these stories, it has only served to confirm my dislike for literature.

I will continue to explore other forms of entertainment that better suit my tastes and interests.

The work under discussion suffers from several notable drawbacks. Firstly, it is monotone, lacking the necessary variety and nuance to engage the reader on a deeper level.

Secondly, there is a distinct lack of aesthetic diversity. The writing seems to adhere to a single style or approach, which can quickly become tiresome and uninteresting.

This was particularly evident when this book was taught in an advanced fiction writing course. The instructor had to supplement the material heavily with a course pack to provide students with a more comprehensive and diverse range of examples and techniques.

Overall, while the book may have some redeeming qualities, its monotony and lack of aesthetic diversity make it a less than ideal choice for advanced fiction writing students. It is essential that instructors carefully consider the materials they use to ensure that students are exposed to a wide variety of writing styles and techniques, enabling them to develop their own unique voices and approaches.

Great stories, all of which are different and centered around people. These stories offer some excellent character studies. They delve deep into the personalities, motives, and emotions of the characters, allowing readers to gain a profound understanding of human nature. Each story presents a unique perspective and showcases the complexity and diversity of people. Whether it's a tale of love, friendship, courage, or sacrifice, these stories have the power to touch the hearts and minds of the readers. I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys reading about people and their lives.

This is my favorite anthology of short stories.

Mona Simpson's "Lawns" is probably my absolute favorite. It has this eerie quality that is truly disturbing, yet it keeps pulling me in.

However, there are several other teachable stories in this anthology that I also love dearly.

Carver's "Cathedral" is a masterpiece that explores human connection and perception in a profound way.

Oates' "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been" is a chilling tale that delves into the darker side of adolescence and the power of evil.

Vaughn's "Dog Heaven" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about the bond between humans and their pets.

Dubus' "The Fat Girl" is a poignant exploration of body image, self-esteem, and the search for love and acceptance.

Each of these stories offers a unique perspective and valuable lessons, making this anthology a treasure trove of literary gems.

The stories in this collection are truly inspiring. Wolff has painstakingly collected works from the finest writers of our era. Stories such as Joyce Carol Oates' "Where are you going? Where have you been?" and Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried," which are more widely read and better known, blend superbly with Andre Dubus' "Fat Girl," Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl," and Edward P. Jones' "The First Day."

I was especially delighted to read Susan Power's "Moonwalk." It is a story about a dying Native American woman's final gift to her grandson and to herself. It is a beautiful and breathtaking narrative that touches the heart. "Aunt Granny Lith" also stood out. It is a fascinating tale where a childhood game intertwines with a local legend and a sort of ghost story. The way these elements come together is truly captivating.

I was thoroughly impressed by this collection. It showcases the diverse talents and unique voices of these remarkable writers, and each story offers a distinct and unforgettable experience. It is a collection that will surely stay with you long after you have finished reading.

I picked up this collection of short stories due to the fact that it was edited by Tobias Wolff, who has lately emerged as one of my favorite authors.

Practically every story within this collection is truly breathtaking. Each one is engaging in its own unique way.

If you are hoping to unearth some new authors and also peruse some absolute classics penned by individuals like Carver and Denis Johnson, then this collection serves as an excellent place to explore.

It offers a diverse range of literary works that can captivate and inspire readers. The stories within it have the power to transport you to different worlds and make you experience a plethora of emotions.

Whether you are a seasoned reader or someone new to the world of short stories, this collection is definitely worth checking out. It is a treasure trove of literary gems that will leave you wanting more.