A great read indeed! It offers a cultural snapshot of the United States, if such a thing can truly be captured. Each story within its pages is crisp and highly memorable. I was fortunate enough to receive this as a gift from friends who are well aware of my deep love for short fiction.

Although I was already familiar with several of the stories, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon many new and captivating ones.

I would highly recommend giving it a try. While it might not have the extensive range of a true anthology, it does serve as a wonderful and inviting taste of the unique American brand of fiction. It provides a glimpse into the diverse minds and imaginations of American writers, and is sure to leave readers with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to explore more of this rich literary landscape.

A very good collection of short stories awaits you. Among them, the top two favorites are 'Cathedral' by Ray Carver and 'Train' by Joy Williams. These two stories have their own unique charm and can deeply touch the hearts of readers.

Besides these two, there are also several other excellent works that I really enjoyed. 'Dog Heaven' by Stephanie Vaughn tells a touching story about the relationship between a dog and its owner. 'Men Under Water' by Ralph Lombreglia presents a vivid picture of the psychological state of men in a difficult situation. And 'Wickedness' by Ron Hansen explores the theme of human nature and morality in a profound way.

In conclusion, this collection of short stories is definitely worth reading. Each story has its own characteristics and can bring different reading experiences. I hope you will also enjoy these wonderful stories.

A good book can be a wonderful means to discover some of the remarkable American short story writers. Let's take a look at some sections from the story titled "Train" by Joy Williams.

"She likes the smell of the Atlantic Ocean when it dried upon your skin and the smell of Jim Anderson*'s fur when he had been rained upon. There were smells that could make you follow them, certainly." (*her golden retriever) This description vividly captures the sensory details that can have a profound impact on a person. The smell of the ocean and the wet fur of the dog are not just ordinary scents but rather elements that draw her in and perhaps hold some special significance in her life.

"In this world there is a postcard for everything. That's the kind of world this is." This simple yet profound statement seems to suggest that the world is full of moments and experiences that can be captured and preserved, much like a postcard. It implies that there is beauty and meaning in even the most ordinary aspects of life, waiting to be discovered and remembered.

This is arguably the best contemporary short story collection available. Wolff has made excellent choices in compiling this collection.

Each story within it offers a unique and captivating perspective, delving into the human condition with depth and nuance. The characters are vividly drawn, and their experiences and emotions are relatable and engaging.

The stories range in theme and tone, from the humorous to the poignant, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Wolff has a keen eye for detail and a talent for creating stories that stay with the reader long after they have turned the final page.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a good read, this collection is sure to satisfy. It is a testament to Wolff's skill as an editor and a celebration of the power of the short story form.

I had the opportunity to read this in my very first creative writing class.

It was a truly eye-opening experience that not only unlocked a profound fascination within me for the short story genre but also established a remarkable connection with Tobias Wolff as an author.

The way Wolff crafted his stories, with their intricate plots and vivid characters, left a lasting impression on me.

His ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise yet powerful manner was truly remarkable.

Since then, I have been constantly inspired by his works and have made it a goal to explore the world of short stories further.

I believe that Tobias Wolff's writing has the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers, and I am eager to continue delving into his literary universe.

I've read this collection of stories start to finish twice and I probably will again. It's truly captivating.

Some of the stories are better than others, but that's the beauty of a diverse collection. My absolute favourites are 'A White Horse', 'The Darling', and 'Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta'.

'A White Horse' has a certain charm that draws you in from the very beginning. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to know what will happen next.

'The Darling' is a touching tale that explores the complexity of human relationships. It makes you think about love, loss, and the power of connection.

'Tall Tales from the Mekong Delta' is filled with vivid imagery and engaging characters. It takes you on a journey through a different world, filled with adventure and mystery.

Overall, this collection of stories is a must-read for anyone who loves literature. It offers a little something for everyone and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

My "textbook" in fiction writing was truly something special, and a fabulous one at that.

It was filled with some absolute gems that I couldn't help but be amazed by.

The stories within it were like little treasures, each one offering unique perspectives and creative ideas.

If you find yourself in need of some short story inspiration, this "textbook" is definitely worth reading.

It has the power to spark your imagination and take you on wonderful literary adventures.

You'll discover new ways of crafting characters, developing plots, and creating engaging stories that will captivate your readers.

So don't hesitate, pick up this amazing resource and let it inspire you to write your own masterpieces.

Finally, I’m free!

Each of the stories in this collection has been carefully workshopped. They are technically successful, with just the right amount of character development, dialogue, and so on. However, unfortunately, most of them are also rather dull in scope. They can be emotionally traumatizing and are written in an unimaginative, hyper-conventional prose. This is the genre often described as dirty realism.

There are exceptions, though. I absolutely loved “Chopin in Winter” by Stuart Dybek. It is a beautiful meditation on the end of childhood and its youthful exuberance, symbolized by the music of Chopin heard through the ceiling of a city apartment. “Minor Heroism” by Allan Gurganus, especially its final section, portrays the retrospectively viewed relationship of a father and son perfectly. It captures all the superficial disapproval, underlying love, and personality distance that these two characters share.

Nevertheless, plenty of the other stories simply feel like humorless depictions of blue collar suffering. They are filled with alcoholics, physical abuse, and dirt-poor poverty. Fans of postmodern literature, where the language is grand, the humor is always present, and the intricate plots are twisted into infinite mazes, would be well-advised to look elsewhere for meaningful reading.

I came across this book while reading a literary article about the Top Ten Best Short Stories.

Names like Lawns, Where are You Going, Where Have You Been, Emergency, and The Things They Carried were赫然 listed.

Interestingly, I also took a fancy to several other stories within this book.

It truly is a remarkable book, especially suitable for reading during long trips.

When you're on a long journey, whether it's by train, plane, or car, this book can be your perfect companion.

The diverse range of short stories offers a captivating escape from the monotony of travel.

Each story has its own unique charm, pulling you in and making you forget about the outside world for a while.

So, if you're looking for a great read to pass the time on your next long trip, this book might just be the one for you.

This is a truly solid collection.

The standouts within it, excluding the obvious selections from Amy Tan, Raymond Carver, Joyce Carol Oates, and Tim O'Brien, are truly remarkable. Pieces like "The Darling," "The Fat Girl," "The First Day," "River of Names," "Wickedness," and "Chopin In Winter" have managed to capture the essence and engage the reader on a deep level.

Each of these stories has its own unique charm and offers a different perspective, whether it's through the exploration of complex characters, the portrayal of vivid settings, or the development of thought-provoking plots.

There were only a couple of stories that I didn't care for at all. However, naming them seems rather unnecessary, as it might overshadow the overall quality and value of this collection.

Overall, this collection is a great read and offers a diverse range of literary works that are sure to please any reader.

Many stories have truly amazed and astonished me. They have the power to transport me to different worlds, make me feel a wide range of emotions, and leave a lasting impact on my mind. However, not all stories have had the same effect on me.

Some of the very best stories that have captured my heart and imagination include Raymond Chandler's "Cathedral", which takes the reader on a profound and thought-provoking journey. Amy Tan's "Rules of the Game" offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. Jamaica Kincaid's "Girl" is a powerful and poignant piece that explores gender roles and expectations. Andre Dubus's "The Fat Girl" delves deep into the insecurities and struggles of its protagonist. And Joyce Carol Oates's "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" is a chilling and suspenseful tale that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

These stories are not only well-written but also have the ability to touch our souls and make us think about the human condition. They are a testament to the power of literature and its ability to move and inspire us.

Highlights:

- "All The Way In Flagstaff, Arizona" by Richard Bausch: This story likely takes readers on a journey through the unique landscapes and experiences of Flagstaff, Arizona, with Bausch's characteristic prose and attention to detail.

- "Rock Springs" by Richard Ford: Ford's work is known for its exploration of the human condition, and "Rock Springs" is no exception. It may offer insights into the lives and struggles of the characters in this particular setting.

- "Testimony Of Pilot" by Barry Hannah: Hannah's writing is often characterized by its vivid imagery and engaging storytelling. "Testimony Of Pilot" might present a captivating narrative from the perspective of a pilot, perhaps filled with adventure and self-discovery.

- "Emergency" by Denis Johnson: Johnson's works are renowned for their emotional depth and powerful themes. "Emergency" could explore the chaos and uncertainty that comes with a crisis situation, and how the characters respond to it.

- "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates: This classic story is a masterful exploration of adolescence, identity, and the darker side of human nature. Oates' writing draws readers in and keeps them on the edge of their seats.

- "Cody's Story" by Robert Olmstead: Olmstead's storytelling ability shines in "Cody's Story," which may offer a poignant and moving account of Cody's life, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs.

- "Helping" by Robert Stone: Stone's work often delves into complex moral and ethical issues. "Helping" might explore the concept of altruism and the consequences of our actions when we try to help others.