"Not as good as 'night in question' but still highly recommended."

This statement implies that although the subject under discussion may not reach the same level of excellence as the specific "night in question," it is still worthy of a strong recommendation.

There could be several reasons for this. Perhaps the qualities or features of the thing being recommended are still quite remarkable and offer significant value. It might have its own unique charm or advantages that make it stand out in its own way.

Even though it doesn't quite match up to the benchmark set by "night in question," it still has enough positive aspects to make it a worthwhile choice or experience. It could be a product, a service, a book, a movie, or any other thing that has been evaluated and found to have merit, albeit not to the same extent as the highly regarded "night in question."

Overall, while it may not be the absolute best, it is still considered good enough to receive a high recommendation.

Leviathan is a true classic. It is remarkable how it reads as if it was penned just today. The ideas and themes presented in it really deeply resonate with the readers.

Desert Breakdown, Say Yes, The Rich Brother, and other works by Wolff are equally satisfying. They have the power to make you enter the story with one mindset and leave with a completely different feeling.

Wolff has a tendency to make these short stories seem shorter than their actual length. This is often achieved through great exposition, which manages to convey a lot of information in a concise manner. However, this also means that some of his other stories end rather abruptly, leaving the readers with a sense of unresolvedness. Nevertheless, the overall journey of reading Wolff's works is still amazing.

His ability to create vivid characters and engaging plots in a short space is truly remarkable. Each story is like a small gem, shining with its own unique light and offering a different perspective on life. Whether it is the exploration of human relationships, the examination of social issues, or the portrayal of inner conflicts, Wolff's short stories never fail to captivate and move the readers.

Despite the flaws in some of his stories, the overall body of work is a testament to Wolff's talent as a writer. His works will continue to be read and studied for years to come, inspiring future generations of writers and readers alike.

This work is truly excellent.

It showcases remarkable skills and qualities that are worthy of high praise.

The details are meticulously crafted, and the overall execution is top-notch.

However, when compared to The Night in Question, it falls slightly short.

The Night in Question has a certain charm and allure that sets it apart.

It has a unique atmosphere and a captivating storyline that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

While this work is excellent on its own, it doesn't quite reach the same level of excellence as The Night in Question.

Nevertheless, it is still a great piece of work that should be appreciated for its own merits.

Perhaps with further refinement and development, it could come closer to matching the brilliance of The Night in Question.

But for now, it remains an excellent work that stands on its own, albeit not as excellent as the masterpiece that is The Night in Question.

I guess Mr Wolff has a Raymond Chandler view of life. This implies that his perspective might be somewhat dark, cynical, and perhaps filled with a sense of the seedy underbelly of society, much like Chandler's works.

However, this particular book wasn't for me. I managed to get halfway through it, hoping and searching for a story that would offer new and profound insights or at least an interesting and unexpected ending. But alas, it just wasn't there.

The narrative seemed to lack that certain spark or depth that would have kept me engaged and eager to turn the pages. It felt rather flat and unfulfilling, leaving me with a sense of disappointment.

Maybe others will find something more in it, but for me, it simply didn't meet my expectations.

I truly, deeply like this style.

It is a style that has a certain charm and allure, much like that of Mary Oliver's, yet presented in a prose form.

I find myself drawn to it, as if it is a magnet pulling me in.

The way the words flow, the rhythm they create, it all speaks to my soul.

There is a beauty and elegance in this style that I cannot resist.

It allows me to explore my thoughts and feelings in a new and different way.

It is a style that makes me think, makes me feel, and makes me appreciate the power of language.

I dig it with all my heart and soul.

It is a style that I will continue to explore and enjoy for a long time to come.

This is a remarkable collection of short stories penned by Tobias Wolff.

Within this compilation, the majority of the stories can be aptly characterized as snapshots in time. They offer brief glimpses into various lives and moments, leaving the origins and conclusions to the fertile imagination of the reader.

Each story seems to capture a fleeting instant, filled with unspoken emotions and hidden meanings. The lack of a neatly tied-up beginning and end encourages the reader to engage actively, to fill in the blanks and make their own interpretations.

This collection is highly recommended for those who enjoy thought-provoking and evocative literature. It challenges the reader to look beyond the surface and discover the deeper truths that lie within these snapshots of life.

Tobias Wolff's masterful storytelling skills are on full display, making this collection a must-read for any lover of short fiction.

Tobias Wolff is indeed human.

While many of the stories in this collection were as powerful as those in his first and third books of stories, surprisingly, I actually stopped reading a story in the middle for once. "Desert Breakdown, 1968" was filled with cliched characters. There was the ambitious actor, the hicks working at a gas station in the middle of nowhere, and the stoic cowboys (as they're called in the story). As a result, I wasn't as drawn into the story as I usually am with almost all of Wolff's fiction.

However, there were some stories that met his normal high standard of excellence. "Leviathon", which was about a substance-impaired husband and his once-compassionate wife, created believable characters and illuminated a theme of personal change and loyalty. Loyalty was also the subject of "The Rich Brother", which was about a perpetual dreamer and his older brother, a successful real estate man. The older brother always bailed out his sibling, but after giving 100 dollars to a hitchhiker, that loyalty is tested.

All these stories dealt with coming to terms with oneself and one's situation. This is reflected in the title, "Back in the World", which is not named after a story in the collection like his other books. Overall, it's definitely worth the read, but I would recommend reading "The Night in Question" first.

Wolff's style is truly flawless.

The characters he creates are rich and multi-dimensional, while his descriptions are spare, simple, and yet incredibly powerful.

For these reasons, his writing is always a pleasure to read.

The dialogues in his works are typically excellent, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

However, more than once, I found myself longing for something to occur - anything at all - that simply didn't.

The characters seem to just move along, without any particular aim or purpose.

The endings are seldom conclusive, leaving the reader wondering what the story actually accomplished.

While the writing is of high quality, one can't help but question what was actually changed in the characters' lives.

It's entirely possible that a second reading might change my perspective and allow me to see the story in a different light.

Perhaps I'll discover hidden meanings and subtleties that I missed the first time around.

Only time will tell.

Brilliant!

The last story - Wolff's take on the Prodigal Son is truly breathtaking. Wolff manages to bring this classic parable to life in a whole new way. His vivid descriptions and unique perspective make the story come alive in the reader's mind.

We are drawn into the world of the Prodigal Son, experiencing his journey of rebellion, loss, and ultimately, redemption. Wolff's writing style is engaging and captivating, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

It is a masterful retelling that not only entertains but also offers deep insights into human nature and the power of forgiveness. This story is a must-read for anyone who loves literature and wants to explore the profound themes that lie at the heart of the Prodigal Son parable.

Overall, Wolff's take on the Prodigal Son is a brilliant achievement that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

I typically have a hard time with books of short stories. However, Wolff is clearly a very talented writer. His collection truly swept me along.

I would happily read more stories by him. As a writer myself, I seek to emulate much of what he has done in this collection. The priest in Las Vegas was especially memorable.

However... I'm going to crib from another reviewer because he wrote exactly what I feel.

But more than once I wanted something to happen - anything - that didn't. Characters just move on, with no particular aim. The endings are seldom conclusive. Once there, you wonder just what the story accomplished. Well-written, but what was actually changed in the characters' lives?

It's entirely possible a second reading would change my mind.

Honestly, I wish I would have read this book as part of a class. I feel I would glean much more from it with a wise instructor at the helm. Anyone know of a Wolff MOOC out there?

Wolff is truly a remarkable master when it comes to depicting human emotion. What sets him apart is his unique approach of never explicitly stating to the reader what the characters are thinking. Instead, he artfully employs circumstance and dialogue to convey the complex web of emotions that the characters experience.

His skill in using these elements is truly awe-inspiring. Through carefully crafted circumstances, he creates a backdrop that allows the reader to intuitively understand the characters' emotional states. The dialogue, too, is a powerful tool in his hands. It not only reveals the characters' personalities but also serves as a vehicle for expressing their emotions.

Simply put, I am in absolute awe of his abilities. His work has the power to draw the reader in and make them feel as if they are part of the story, experiencing the emotions right along with the characters. It is a testament to his talent and creativity as a writer.

This work is truly a masterpiece of literary restraint and good old-fashioned storytelling.

The author has a remarkable ability to engage the reader in a way that is both unexpected and captivating.

Just like in real life, the story unfolds in a series of surprises that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

It is the writer's job to bring the story to life and make the reader feel as if they are a part of it, and this author has done an excellent job of achieving that goal.

The use of literary restraint adds to the overall impact of the story, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions and interpretations.

Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who appreciates good literature and a well-told story.