Masterful stories have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and leave a lasting impact on our minds.

They are crafted with great skill and precision, carefully weaving together elements such as plot, character, setting, and theme.

A masterful story can make us laugh, cry, gasp in surprise, or sit on the edge of our seats in anticipation.

It can introduce us to unforgettable characters, ones we come to care about deeply and root for throughout their journey.

The setting of a masterful story can be vivid and detailed, painting a picture in our minds that allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the narrative.

And the theme, the underlying message or idea, can resonate with us long after we've finished reading or listening to the story.

Whether it's a classic novel, a short story, a film, or a piece of oral storytelling, a masterful story has the ability to touch our hearts and souls and remind us of the beauty and power of narrative.

Another great read from Tobias Wolff.

His works always have a certain charm that can easily draw readers in. In this particular collection, the stories are filled with vivid characters and engaging plots.

The writing style is简洁 yet powerful, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions.

I would have given it 5 stars had I not already read a few of the stories.

However, even with the familiarity of those few, the remaining tales still managed to surprise and delight me.

Tobias Wolff has a remarkable ability to create worlds that feel both real and magical at the same time.

His stories make you think, feel, and question.

Overall, this is a must-read for any fan of short stories or great literature in general.

Well, it comes as no surprise that Tobias Wolff presents us with some of the finest examples of Dirty Realism.

I have come to always anticipate these enjoyable, gritty, and worthy little episodes from him, and this collection is no different.

If you're in the mood for short stories or having difficulty delving into that 300-page novel, give these a try. All of them are excellent, and I particularly relished "The Poor are always with Us," "Desert Breakdown, 1968," and "Rich Brother."

I still believe this collection of stories ranks just behind Garden of North American Martyrs, but I felt it was better than The Night in Question. Take from that what you will.

Enjoy!

Up there with Carver, this writer holds a significant place in the literary world. Just like Carver, they have a unique style and approach to storytelling that captivates readers. Their works are filled with vivid descriptions and complex characters that come to life on the page.

Whether it's through short stories or novels, this author has the ability to transport readers to different worlds and make them feel as if they are a part of the narrative. Their writing is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making readers reflect on their own lives and the human condition.

Like Carver, they have a keen eye for detail and a talent for capturing the essence of a moment. Their stories often explore themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. With each new work, they continue to push the boundaries of literature and establish themselves as one of the greats. Up there with Carver, indeed.

This was extremely s-lo-o-o-w. I managed to read about 20 pages and then simply put it down. I have no intention of picking it up again. It's going straight into the "donate" pile.

I was really looking forward to this book, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. The pace was so glacial that it made it a real struggle to get through those 20 pages.

I thought maybe it would pick up after a while, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. I don't want to waste any more of my time on a book that doesn't engage me.

By donating it, I hope that someone else might find some value in it and enjoy it more than I did.

This was my very first foray into reading Tobias Wolff's short stories. I had previously delved into his works like "Old School" and "This Boy's Life", but this was a new adventure.

As I immersed myself in these stories, several aspects truly stood out. There was a strange undercurrent of weirdness that lurked beneath the seemingly mundane. The encounters between people, not necessarily opposites, but those with varying circumstances or backgrounds, added an interesting layer. The atmospheric setting and the palpable tension throughout the stories kept me on the edge of my seat.

Moreover, the presence of a story within a story in a few instances was quite captivating. In some stories, one character would end up telling a story to other characters. This raised thought-provoking questions like: Why do we choose to tell certain stories? What does it reveal about us?

Let's take "Sister" as an example. It's one of the shorter stories in the collection. A woman named Marty eats a donut and looks down at the park near her house on a frigid day. To her surprise, a shirtless, tanned man is exercising there. She thinks, "He had to come from somewhere else."

This leads to an odd encounter. She wanders down to the park with a joint and meets the man and his friend, whom she had previously flirted with at a bar. However, he doesn't seem to remember her and lies about his name. The street is deserted, dogs bark, and leaves skitter. The air is described as "thin" and "cold".

There's an uneasy tension of sex during the entire interaction. They take turns swigging beer, but instead of consummating anything, they go their separate ways. Marty chases after a frisbee, nearly gets hit by a car, and retreats to her home. Sitting on her steps, she tries to calm herself when something else dawns on her.

She realizes that there's nobody to talk to about her near-death experience, to see how afraid she is and tell her not to worry. Despite our inclination to sympathize with her, this realization makes her feel "empty and clean", a feeling she doesn't want to lose. But then, her mind wanders to dogs in a car, ears pricked for the least sound, waiting for their owners at a bar.

This makes us wonder: What are we waiting for? Do we all wait for the same thing, consumed with anxiety like a whimpering puppy?

To the last point, I often found myself making assumptions about the characters, which created expectations and in turn, tension. However, these expectations weren't always fulfilled or met. This makes us think about the act of reading and also says something about Wolff. He's not afraid to not give us what we expect, and I found this refreshing.

I even dog-eared my favorite passage, which comes from "Soldier's Joy". It's a powerful exchange between two characters that delves into their past experiences and the impact they've had on their lives.

My favorite stories from the collection, in no particular order, include "The Missing Person", "Sister", "Soldier's Joy", "Desert Breakdown, 1968", and "Our Story Begins". Each one offers a unique perspective and a memorable reading experience.

I believe that I truly need to delve deeper into Wolff's works and read more of them in order to determine whether I am in love with his writing or simply have a liking for it.

Out of this particular collection, two stories stood out for me the most. They were "Coming Attractions" and "Leviathan".

"Coming Attractions" had a certain charm that kept me engaged from the very beginning. The way Wolff crafted the story and developed the characters was quite remarkable.

On the other hand, "Leviathan" was equally captivating. It had a unique plot and a distinct atmosphere that drew me in and made me eager to know what would happen next.

Overall, these two stories have made me more curious about Wolff's other works and have left me with a desire to explore his writing further.

In this compilation, we find "Here begins our story", one of the best tales that I have read so far and essential for any writer or writer's project. Where and when does a writer is born and what is the key, along with work and talent, to become one.

The story "Here begins our story" takes us on a journey through the mind and experiences of a writer. It explores the inspiration, the struggles, and the joys that come with the creative process. We see how the writer discovers their voice and develops their unique style.

For any aspiring writer, this tale serves as a reminder that writing is not just about putting words on paper. It is about expressing oneself, sharing ideas, and connecting with others. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take risks and explore new territories.

Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, "Here begins our story" is a must-read. It will inspire you, challenge you, and leave you with a deeper understanding of the art of writing.

I am currently immersed in a collection of stories that are truly remarkable.

These tales are not only well-crafted but also deeply sentimental, a quality that I happen to have a great fondness for.

They possess a certain charm and authenticity that reminds me of the works of Raymond Carver, delving into the intricate aspects of human nature and drama.

It makes for an excellent bedside table book, perfect for those quiet moments when one wants to escape into a world of engaging narratives.

I was introduced to this talented author through NPR's podcasts of their show "Book Tour", which has become a great source of discovery for me.

The stories have a way of captivating my attention and making me reflect on the various facets of life.

I am thoroughly enjoying this literary journey and look forward to exploring more of the author's works in the future.

Tobias Wolff had provided an introduction and scattered comments to the collection of Hemingway short stories.

Consequently, I thought I'd read a collection of Wolff's short stories.

It is an interesting compilation of tales about relations and characters.

Just like the Hemingway stories, these leave the reader hanging, wondering what happens next.

Although it was published in 1968, the themes are just as relevant today, more than 50 years later.

The Vietnam vet is not much different from the many homeless veterans roaming our cities now.

The two couples drinking and snorting coke have not changed.

The relationship between brothers, one rich and one broke, has not changed.

Wolff has a good grasp on human relations, family dynamics, and friendships.

His stories offer a deep and nuanced look into the human condition, exploring the complex emotions and relationships that shape our lives.

Whether it's the love and resentment between siblings, the tension between friends, or the struggles of a veteran trying to find his place in society, Wolff's stories are both thought-provoking and engaging.

They make us question our own beliefs and values and force us to confront the realities of the world around us.

In conclusion, Wolff's short stories are a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the human psyche and understanding the complex web of relationships that make up our lives.

I first came across Tobias Wolff in the early 1990s. In 1993, his book, This Boys Life, was adapted into a motion picture.

It was the story of Wolff's life as a boy, with a very young and obviously very talented Leonardo Di Caprio, around 12 - 13 years old, playing the role. His mother (Ellen Barkin) flees from a bad situation to "start over again." As a new single mother, she claims it will be an adventure for the two of them. However, it isn't long before she adds a boyfriend to the mix, played by a disturbed and narcissistic Robert De Nero (think Cape Fear). It's a GREAT movie! So raw. The author unflinchingly bares his soul.

Back in the World is a collection of short stories. Many of them are set in the San Francisco Bar area - familiar streets, restaurants, and bars, which are integral characters in themselves. These stories are as quick, open, and raw as This Boys Life. I was so enthralled with it that I read the entire book in one sitting, finishing one story and being extremely anxious to turn the page to the next.

The link https://www.imdb.com/videoplayer/vi26... might provide more information about the movie.

Fave quote: "You could tell this was CA because in Arizona a McCarthy billboard would last about five minutes…the people there were just incredibly backward."

This quote presents an interesting contrast between California and Arizona. It implies that the environment in California is different from that in Arizona. In California, perhaps the political or social climate is more accepting or lenient towards certain things. However, in Arizona, it seems that a McCarthy billboard would not last long, suggesting that the people there have a different attitude or perspective. The description of the people in Arizona as "incredibly backward" is a subjective assessment, but it does give us an idea of the author's perception. It makes us wonder what exactly led the author to make such a statement and what it says about the two states. Overall, this quote provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the differences between California and Arizona.