This is the quintessential collection for anyone who already loves or simply wishes to explore the American short story genre.

Contained within the collection, I found several veritable classics from the likes of Raymond Carver, Tim O’Brien and others. These works are not only masterpieces in terms of literary craftsmanship but also offer deep insights into the human condition.

Besides the well-known classics, there is also a host of spectacular pieces that I’d never even heard of before. One such piece is Ralph Lombreglia’s Men Under Water. This story is so hilarious that it had me laughing out loud several times.

Overall, this collection is an altogether fantastic one. It provides a comprehensive overview of the American short story genre,涵盖了各种风格和主题. Whether you are a die-hard fan of short stories or just starting to explore this literary form, this collection is sure to delight and inspire you.

A Vintage Thunderbird and Train <3

The Vintage Thunderbird is a classic beauty that has captured the hearts of many. Its sleek design and powerful engine make it a true icon on the road. The Train, on the other hand, holds a certain charm and nostalgia. The sight and sound of a train chugging along the tracks can evoke a sense of adventure and wonder.

Both the Vintage Thunderbird and the Train have their own unique appeal. The Thunderbird represents freedom and speed, while the Train represents travel and exploration. They are like two stars shining in the sky, each with its own光芒.

Whether you're a fan of classic cars or trains, or simply appreciate the beauty and history of these two icons, there's no denying the allure of a Vintage Thunderbird and Train <3. They are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the past, and continue to inspire and delight us today.

The story is good, but it is also very depressing.

It is not the kind of read that you would want to finish in one sitting. Instead, it should be drawn out over time.

This allows you to fully absorb the emotions and details of the story.

Sometimes, a slow and steady reading pace can enhance the overall experience.

You can take the time to reflect on the events and characters, and truly understand the depth of the story.

However, the depressing nature of the story may also make it a bit challenging to read at times.

It might evoke strong emotions within you, such as sadness or grief.

Despite this, it is still a worthwhile read, as it can offer valuable insights into the human condition.

Overall, this story is a unique and thought-provoking experience that requires patience and an open mind.

The title truly speaks for itself - Vintage, Contemporary, American, Short Stories.

This is an outstanding collection that brings together a diverse range of short stories. It features works from a variety of both well-known and not so well-known authors.

The vintage stories offer a glimpse into the past, with their unique styles and themes that capture the essence of different eras. They transport readers back in time, allowing them to experience the thoughts and emotions of people from long ago.

On the other hand, the contemporary stories reflect the present day, addressing modern issues and concerns. They showcase the creativity and innovation of today's writers, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of the short story genre.

Whether you are a fan of classic literature or prefer more modern works, this collection has something for everyone. It is a must-read for anyone who loves American short stories and wants to explore the rich and diverse world of this literary form.

In this collection, there were several remarkable new discoveries for me. There was “River of Names” by Dorothy Allison, which likely offered a unique perspective and engaging narrative. “All the Way in Flagstaff, Arizona” by Richard Bausch promised to take the reader on an interesting journey. “Chopin in Winter” by Stuart Dybek might have captured the essence of a particular season and its connection to the composer. “Minor Heroism” by Allan Gurganus could have explored the concept of heroism in unexpected ways. “Home” by Jayne Anne Phillips might have delved into the complex emotions and meanings associated with the idea of home. “Moonwalk” by Susan Power might have offered a fantastical or thought-provoking exploration. “Lawns” by Mona Simpson and “Dog Heaven” by Stephanie Vaughn also added to the diverse range of stories.

While there were other favorites that I had read previously in one or more anthologies, the emphasis in this book’s title should be on the word “Contemporary” rather than “Vintage”. This collection seems to focus on the works of current or recent authors, presenting a snapshot of the contemporary literary landscape and offering readers a chance to discover new voices and perspectives.

This collection was my textbook for Fiction Writing at the University of Memphis.

It was my first real foray into the study of the short story.

I must say that this volume would be an excellent start for anyone trying to hone their own skills at writing.

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced writer aiming to refine your craft, this collection has something to offer.

It presents a diverse range of short stories from some of the leading talent in this particular field.

By reading these stories, you can gain insights into different writing styles, narrative techniques, and character development.

It provides a valuable resource for inspiration and learning, allowing you to explore the world of short story writing and expand your own creative horizons.

Overall, this collection is a must-have for anyone interested in the art of short story writing.

I truly loved working through this remarkable collection.

It was like a captivating kaleidoscope of voices that had a profound impact on me. Some of the stories entertained me to no end, filling me with joy and laughter. Others shocked me with their unexpected twists and turns, leaving me in a state of awe. There were also those that scared me deeply, sending shivers down my spine. And yet, there were moments when the stories made me sad, tugging at my heartstrings.

This collection has truly made me want to pick up more work by Tobias Wolff, the editor. His selection of such interesting and diverse stories is truly commendable. It shows his keen eye for talent and his ability to curate a collection that appeals to a wide range of readers. I can't wait to explore more of his work and see what other literary treasures he has in store for us.

Short story collections are always a bit of a gamble.

I don't trust any person who reads an entire short story collection and enjoys it all. The stories are too varied, the writers too different. Satire-laced modern narratives suddenly jumping to a narrative driven story in the rural south about racism should feel like a huge and sometimes uncomfortable leap, and it will probably alter and maybe even ruin the experience of trying to approach some of these stories with fresh eyes.

That said, the stories here are generally good. Some are a little self-indulgent, others just kind of boring, but there are a few that were alarmingly clever, especially when viewed from the 21st century. "A Romantic Weekend" by Mary Gaitskill was written in 1988, but it comes off as a modern criticism or satire of books like Fifty Shades of Grey. The clumsy and stupid way in which that book handles not only BDSM but also writing is shone in brilliance by reading Gaitskill's short story about how much mood, trust, and general attraction to the other person plays into these dynamics.

There are, of course, other masterpieces of American fiction such as "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver, but for those that read a lot of fiction, these will be much more recognizable.

As far as short story collections go though, Wolff does as good a job as one could expect considering how varied and impossible it is to categorize American fiction into any one genre or bucket. He manages to bring together a diverse range of stories that offer different perspectives and experiences. Some of the stories may not be to everyone's taste, but that is the nature of short story collections. Overall, it is a worthwhile read for those who enjoy exploring the different voices and styles of American fiction.

This book, which was published in 2003, can no longer be considered truly contemporary.

Upon reading it, I discovered a collection of stories that were rather average. Some of them were so ordinary that they failed to capture my attention.

However, what really made me question the selection process was the presence of certain stories that seemed out of place.

Their quality and style did not seem to fit with the overall tone of the book.

Overall, I was left feeling disappointed with this book.

I would rate it a 5.5 out of 10, as it did not meet my expectations.

Perhaps if the selection process had been more rigorous, the book could have been a more engaging and enjoyable read.

SIX WORD REVIEW: Favs - Simpson, O'Brien, Carver, Ford, Kincaid.

This concise six-word review presents a list of favored individuals. Simpson, perhaps a name that holds various connotations depending on the context. O'Brien, another figure who might be known in a particular field or for certain achievements. Carver, a name that could bring to mind the renowned scientist or someone else with that surname. Ford, a common name that might be associated with the automobile industry or other aspects. And Kincaid, yet another individual who is among the favorites.

Each of these names represents a person who has made an impact or is held in high regard by the reviewer. Whether it's for their work, their personality, or some other quality, they have earned a place on this list of favorites. It makes one wonder about the specific reasons why each of these individuals is favored and what unique qualities they possess.

Favorites: The Darling, The Fat Girl, Chopin in the Winter, A Romantic Weekend, Minor Heroism, Testimony of Pilot, A White Horse, Girl, Departures, Men Under Water, Aunt Granny Lith, Home, Lawns, Helping, Rules of the Game, Daddy Garbage.

These works might not all be my absolute favorites, but they definitely made me pause.

The Darling could have been a story that touched on the complexity of human relationships.

The Fat Girl might have delved into themes of body image and self-acceptance.

Chopin in the Winter perhaps painted a vivid picture of a season intertwined with music and emotions.

A Romantic Weekend might have offered a glimpse into the joys and challenges of love.

Minor Heroism could have explored the idea of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Testimony of Pilot might have given an insight into the life and experiences of a pilot.

A White Horse might have used the symbol of the horse to convey deeper meanings.

Girl could have been a character study that revealed the nuances of femininity.

Departures might have dealt with themes of loss and moving on.

Men Under Water might have presented a unique perspective on a particular situation.

Aunt Granny Lith might have introduced an interesting and perhaps eccentric character.

Home might have evoked a sense of nostalgia and the importance of belonging.

Lawns might have explored the beauty and significance of nature in our lives.

Helping might have emphasized the power of kindness and altruism.

Rules of the Game might have examined the role of rules in society and in our personal lives.

Daddy Garbage might have had a title that intrigued and made me wonder about the story within.

I have a deep affection for Tobias Wolff's short stories. Therefore, I had high expectations for his selections as an editor. However, a significant number of these stories were rather grim. The other reviews available here proved to be extremely beneficial in guiding my choice of which stories to read. This was because there was simply no way I could have persevered and read through them all in a straightforward manner.

Among these, my favorite was likely Richard Bausch's All the Way in Flagstaff, Arizona. I will always have a penchant for rereading a Raymond Carver story, such as Cathedral. Additionally, I had been desiring to give Jayne Anne Phillips' Home a try. Ron Hansen's Wickedness brought to my mind Wisconsin Death Trip and the historical short stories of Jim Shepard in The World to Come. Moonwalk by Susan Power was unexpectedly touching and enchanting, perhaps the most memorable among the stories I perused. I also had a liking for Stuart Dybek's Chopin in Winter and Train by Joy Williams.

Overall, while some of the stories were not to my taste due to their grim nature, there were still several gems that made this collection worth exploring.