I picked this up because someone recommended it to me.

They said that he has the ability to make telling odd and moving stories seem effortless.

And they were absolutely right.

This work is kind of like Winesburg, Ohio in terms of its characters and Americana quality.

It also shares similarities with Raymond Carver in its themes.

However, it is far less despondent than Carver's works.

The stories in this collection have a unique charm that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from beginning to end.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the themes explore the human condition in a way that is both thought-provoking and touching.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading short stories that are both entertaining and meaningful.

There is a wisp of a story in here, about interracial marriage. It is truly a remarkable tale that is so true to life. It has elements that are both funny and sad, which makes it all the more engaging. The way the author presents this story is masterful, as it manages to capture the essence of the challenges and joys that come with such a relationship.

The rest of the book is excellent too, of course. The author has crafted a world that is rich in detail and filled with interesting characters. Each chapter brings something new and exciting, keeping the reader hooked from beginning to end. However, that one story about interracial marriage just works completely. It stands out as a shining example of the author's talent for storytelling.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will leave you with a new perspective on life and love. Whether you are interested in interracial marriage or just a great read, this book has something for everyone.

Elusive, penetrating, and utterly clean.

These words describe something that is both mysterious and powerful. It is like a roll of glass knives, sharp and precise, able to cut through anything with ease.

Perhaps it is a feeling, an emotion that is difficult to define but impossible to ignore. It may be a thought that pierces through the fog of confusion and brings clarity.

Or maybe it is a person, someone who has an air of mystery about them, yet is able to see right through the façades of others.

Whatever it is, it is something that leaves a lasting impression, something that we cannot forget. It is a force to be reckoned with, a presence that demands our attention.

And like a roll of glass knives, it is both beautiful and dangerous, capable of creating something new or destroying what already exists.

We may never fully understand it, but we cannot help but be drawn to it, compelled to explore its depths and discover its secrets.

The score is quite subjective.

It is very well written. The characters are believable and the dialogues are very good.

However, it didn't reach my heart. The stories are very realistic. I prefer a bit of fantasy.

It took me a lot of effort to finish it.

Maybe it's because I'm more inclined towards the magical and the extraordinary.

While the realism in this work is commendable, it just didn't have that special something to truly engage me on an emotional level.

Nonetheless, I can still appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating it.

The author has clearly put in a lot of work to develop the characters and construct the dialogues in such a convincing way.

Perhaps if there had been a touch of the fantastical added to the mix, it would have been a more captivating read for me.

But as it stands, it's a well-written piece that just didn't quite hit the mark for my personal taste.

A collection of short stories caught my eye. It was a special Reader's Edition published in 1996 that I came across in a NYC bookstore. This edition was specifically intended for reviewers. However, it was rather disappointing as it was full of typos. Despite that, the stories themselves were quite good. They had interesting plots and engaging characters. But here's the thing, the endings all frustrated the hell out of me. The message in each story was so incredibly subtle that half the time I simply didn't get what the author was trying to convey. It was like trying to solve a complex puzzle where the clues were hidden in the tiniest details. I found myself rereading the endings multiple times, hoping to catch the intended message, but often to no avail. Overall, while the stories had potential, the unclear endings left me with a sense of dissatisfaction.

The first Tobias Wolff book that I read was truly amazing.

I absolutely LOVED this book. In my personal opinion, the author has a remarkable talent for introducing characters in short stories. He seems to do an even better job in this regard compared to his longer works.

I vividly remember hearing the first story in the book being read on "Selected Shorts". That experience was a real eye-opener for me and it led me to discover a masterful short story artist in Tobias Wolff.

His ability to create complex and engaging characters within the limited space of a short story is truly impressive. Each character comes to life on the page, with their own unique personalities, motives, and flaws.

I am eager to explore more of his works and see what other wonderful stories he has to offer.

This is a truly fantastic book of short stories.

The voice of narration is so captivating that it draws the reader in from the very first page.

The stories themselves possess a certain gravity, dealing with deep and meaningful themes that leave a lasting impression.

The author is truly a master of the form, able to craft each story with precision and skill.

Every word is carefully chosen, every sentence is expertly constructed, and every plot twist is both unexpected and satisfying.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a great read, this book is sure to delight and inspire you.

It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling at its finest.

So don't hesitate, pick up this book today and prepare to be transported to a world of unforgettable characters and compelling narratives.

This collection of short stories from the eighties gives an impression that is almost exactly as it claims to be: a compilation of short stories from that era.

There are a few select pieces that stand out. For instance, the first story, Coming Attractions, held the promise of setting the tone for the entire collection. However, with the exception of one or two others, the majority of the stories were, at best, of subpar quality.

I have a genuine liking for Tobias Wolff and am always enthusiastic about reading his new works. But perhaps exploring his earlier career was a bit too much for me to fully appreciate.

Overall, it makes for a nice and easy read. Nevertheless, some of the characters (and Wolff's character development is something I usually applaud) were rather uninteresting, to the point of being as dull as those in a Creative Writing Workshop. Moreover, there were others that he should have dedicated more time to, as they didn't receive nearly the amount of page-time they deserved.

It wasn't a complete waste of time, but I'm definitely relieved that this was a library book and not something I had voluntarily paid for. I do enjoy reading the earlier works of my favorite writers to observe their progression over the years, but I kind of wish this particular collection had been of a higher standard.

This is an amazing short story compilation. It is truly remarkable and stands out from the rest.

It offers a collection of stories that are not only engaging but also thought-provoking. Each story within the compilation has its own unique charm and style, captivating the reader from the very beginning.

What makes this compilation even better than short cuts is the depth and complexity of the stories. They go beyond the surface and explore various themes and emotions, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a good read, this compilation is definitely worth checking out. It will take you on a journey through different worlds and experiences, and you will surely be amazed by the talent and creativity of the authors.

So, don't miss out on this amazing short story compilation. Grab a copy and let the stories transport you to another realm.

I was extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to listen to Mr. Wolfe read a couple of his stories when he visited a local university this past spring.

The stories themselves were already remarkable, but when he read them in his deep, comforting voice, it elevated them to entirely new heights!

Mr. Wolfe was not only personable but also very candid. He thoughtfully answered questions from both students and professors, and engaged in friendly chats about his unique writing style.

It was truly a pleasure to witness that he is as warm and honest in person as the characters in his stories. His presence and his words left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience, making it an unforgettable experience.

I feel truly privileged to have been a part of this event and look forward to reading more of his works in the future.

Unreal.

It is truly an astonishing realization that I will likely have to put all of my carefully laid out reading plans on hold.

The reason? None other than to fully immerse myself in Wolff's captivating short stories.

Two particular highlights that have caught my attention are "Missing Person" and "Desert Breakdown" from 1968.

These stories seem to hold a certain allure that is impossible to resist.

I can't help but wonder what mysteries and emotions they will unfold as I delve into their pages.

The anticipation is palpable, and I am eager to embark on this literary journey.

Who knows what new perspectives and insights I will gain from Wolff's masterful storytelling?

It is a decision that I make with great excitement and a sense of adventure.

So, goodbye for now to my other reading commitments, as Wolff's short stories beckon me with their promise of intrigue and entertainment.

Tobias Wolff is a short story writer who can be placed in a category somewhere between Carver and Johnson. Appropriately, this collection gives the impression of being a blend of Cathedral and Jesus’ Son. It features stories about mostly white, lower or middle-class individuals who always have drawers full of endless weed close by.

To be honest, this collection is almost flawless, and it's really difficult to find a bad story within it. However, there are one or two that are a bit flat. Some stories feel either overly familiar, like the tale an uncle tells every year at the family Christmas gathering, or too formulaic.

For instance, take the penultimate story, Leviathan. It's a simple short piece about a group of acquaintances sharing personal anecdotes while doing a couple dozen lines of coke. As gritty realism goes, it's largely ordinary. But Wolff seems extremely eager for you to understand the existential undertones here. Consequently, he emphasizes the meaninglessness of it all a little too forcefully. Nothing truly means anything, and no one really cares about anyone else (until, of course, they do, and then they will be forever bitter that that moment has vanished forever). I wouldn't reread this story unless it was necessary, but it's still not awful.

Throughout this collection, Tobias Wolff has emerged as one of my favorite short story authors, and I'm looking forward to reading more of his works.