The title story is an absolute knockout. It is truly one of my favorite short stories in a very long time.

From the moment I began reading, I was completely captivated by the engaging plot and the well-developed characters. The author has a remarkable ability to bring the story to life, making it feel as if I was right there in the middle of the action.

The twists and turns in the story kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. I was constantly surprised by the unexpected turns of events, which added an extra layer of excitement to the narrative.

Not only is the story thrilling, but it also has a deeper meaning that left me thinking long after I had finished reading. It explores themes such as love, loss, and redemption in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

In conclusion, the title story is a masterpiece that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good short story. It has everything you could ask for - a great plot, interesting characters, and a powerful message. I can't wait to read more from this talented author.

Cuentos. Genial.

Stories are truly amazing. They have the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to unique characters, and make us feel a wide range of emotions.

Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking mystery, cuentos have something for everyone.

They can be a source of entertainment, inspiration, and even education. Through stories, we can learn about different cultures, values, and ways of life.

Genial cuentos have the ability to captivate our imaginations and keep us engaged from beginning to end. They can make us laugh, cry, and everything in between.

So, the next time you pick up a book or listen to a story, remember how genial cuentos can be and enjoy the journey they take you on.

A well-written collection of stories presents the lives of those on the periphery. Their ordinary existences are peculiar, and they seem to navigate sideways more adeptly than forward or backward.

The writing closely tracks the characters. It is lucid and detailed, almost confronting. However, similar to an independent movie drama, it concludes with a long fadeaway, leaving us removed from the story. We are left somewhat uncertain about the direction of events when the writing and the story come to an end.

It is an effortless read as Wolff employs an engaging and concise writing style. This allows for an efficient transition in and out of the characters' worlds. It is not overly elaborate but highly effective. His ability to create vivid characters and immersive worlds with such simplicity is truly remarkable. The stories linger in the mind long after the final page is turned, making this collection a must-read for those who appreciate unique and thought-provoking tales.

Tobias Wolff is a masterful story teller.

His works have the power to transport readers into vivid and engaging worlds.

With his keen eye for detail and ability to craft complex and relatable characters, Wolff creates stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

Whether it's a short story or a novel, his writing is always characterized by its elegance, precision, and emotional depth.

Wolff's stories explore a wide range of themes, from love and loss to identity and belonging.

He has a unique way of delving into the human psyche and revealing the hidden desires and fears that drive our actions.

Overall, Tobias Wolff is a literary genius whose work will continue to be celebrated and studied for generations to come.

There were several stories that truly stood out as magnificent, while a few others left a bit to be desired.

"The Poor Are Always With Us" seemed to be a bit of a Hemingway imitation, similar to "The Undaunted". However, "Coming Attractions", "Desert Breakdown, 1968", and "The Rich Brother" have remained in my mind throughout the entire weekend.

Tobias Wolff is undoubtedly one of the very best psychological short story writers. Ever. Period. His ability to delve deep into the human psyche and present complex characters and their inner turmoil is truly remarkable.

Each of his stories is a masterclass in storytelling, filled with rich details, nuanced emotions, and unexpected twists. Wolff's writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it impossible to put his stories down once you start reading.

Whether it's exploring themes of poverty, wealth, love, or loss, Wolff always manages to bring a unique perspective and a fresh take on these age-old topics. His stories are not only entertaining but also have the power to touch our hearts and make us think about our own lives and the world around us.

In conclusion, Tobias Wolff is a literary genius, and his short stories are a must-read for anyone who loves great literature.

Now that I have delved deeply into the works of Tobias Wolff, I find myself not as completely enamored of this particular book as I have been with some of his others.

There is a significant reason for this. A large portion of the stories within this volume have already seen the light of day in another book or books. Sadly, I can't quite recall which specific one or ones.

As a result, the element of新鲜感 and surprise that usually accompanies reading a new collection of Wolff's stories was somewhat diminished for me. Having already encountered these tales before, they didn't have the same impact or ability to draw me in as powerfully as his previously unread works.

Nonetheless, I still recognize the undeniable talent and craftsmanship that Tobias Wolff brings to his writing, even in these familiar stories.

Vintage Contemporaries books from the mid-eighties were typically a reliable source for unknown writers seeking to gain some recognition. They were often treasures. And whenever I see any on the shelf, it's an automatic reaction for me to grab one.

These ten short stories, each approximately twenty pages long, were first published in 1985. However, I have to be honest and say that none of them really stands out.

Except that in their overall influence, they remind me of what is clearly Wolff's inspiration; Raymond Carver. That is, as a slave to imitation, they have a lot in common in terms of tone, style, dialogue, character development, and plotline treatment. They are mediocre stories that attempt prototypical Carver endings but ultimately lack any real climax.

Raymond Carver is mostly overrated, and as I have repeatedly discovered, he often fails to deliver. Why writers are so eager to imitate him and why they freely admit to doing so is beyond my understanding or ability to explain. I would also add Chekhov to this conundrum.

Carver even has the audacity to flatter himself on the inside cover with his solicited recommendation: "Tobias Wolff has somehow gotten his hands on our shared secrets, and he's out to tell everything he knows." Shared secrets? Hardly. And what does this summary judgment even mean? What are we talking about here, "The National Inquirer"?

So what we have here is a missed opportunity for a submission that in the right hands (T.C. Boyle, for example) would have been an authentic, imaginative, entertaining, and memorable collection. But this is not Boyle, nor Proulx, nor Updike, nor Hemingway, nor even a better-than-average imitation of Carver - whatever that might be worth.

Sorry, but I just don't feel it. In short, there is not enough craftsmanship evident to justify keeping this copy in my library. So I'm returning it for a refund before the bookstore's one-week deadline expires. Vintage Contemporaries, did you see something that I didn't? I won't be so quick to judge a book by its cover next time.

I truly had a great fondness for it.

It was something that captured my attention and held it firmly.

The moment I laid eyes on it, I knew there was something special about it.

It had a certain charm and allure that was impossible to ignore.

I found myself constantly drawn to it, eager to explore more and discover its hidden qualities.

Every time I interacted with it, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation.

It brought a smile to my face and filled me with a sense of joy.

I really liked it and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

I look forward to many more wonderful experiences with it in the future.

These short stories immediately grab your attention.

They are filled with characters who are mostly misfits, having a distorted sense of reality.

The author, without a doubt, is a gifted storyteller.

However, my only complaint is the abrupt endings.

It seems as if just when you are getting fully immersed in the story and eager to know what will happen next, the story suddenly comes to an end.

This can be a bit frustrating at times as it leaves you with a sense of incompleteness.

Nonetheless, despite the abrupt endings, the overall quality of the stories and the author's talent for creating engaging characters and plots make these short stories well worth reading.

They offer a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the human condition and are sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

The best collection of short stories I’ve read since Salinger’s has truly left an indelible mark on me.

Each story within this collection is a gem, crafted with precision and artistry. The characters come alive on the page, their emotions and struggles palpable.

The authors have managed to capture the essence of the human experience in a concise yet profound way.

From heartwarming tales of love and friendship to thought-provoking explorations of the human condition, this collection has it all.

It has reignited my love for short stories and reminded me of the power of a well-told tale.

I highly recommend this collection to anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of literature.

I really enjoyed the first two short stories.

However, there is a distinct lack of exciting plots and interesting themes that would have otherwise had a stronger grip on my attention.

The "direct" writing style, in my opinion, feels rather sterile. It fails to evoke any particular emotions or engage me on a deeper level.

It seems as if the author is simply presenting the facts in a straightforward manner, without adding any flair or creativity.

This makes the stories somewhat平淡 and forgettable.

I hope that future installments will offer more in terms of plot twists and engaging themes, as well as a more dynamic writing style that can truly bring the stories to life.

Sure.

It is a great book.

The stories in it are around 20 pages each and usually involve two or more characters.

These captivating stories take you on a journey through a dessert, a bustling casino, luxurious hotels, and many other interesting places.

After having finished reading the book, I find that I can't recall many of the specific stories.

Strangely enough, it feels as if they have been a part of my life for a long time, almost as if they are deeply ingrained in my memory.

Perhaps this is a sign of a truly remarkable book that has the power to make an impression even when the details fade away.

It leaves a lasting impact on the reader, making them feel as if they have experienced something special and unforgettable.

Overall, it is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.