I really enjoyed this as an introduction to his work.

It provided a great overview and allowed me to get a sense of his writing style and the themes he explores.

Among the stories, "In Passing" and "Family Dinner" were my favorites.

"In Passing" had a certain charm and simplicity that drew me in. The way the story unfolded, with its gentle pacing and relatable characters, made it a pleasure to read.

"Family Dinner," on the other hand, was more complex and thought-provoking. It delved into the dynamics of family relationships and the hidden tensions that often lie beneath the surface.

The author's ability to bring these stories to life and make me care about the characters was truly impressive.

I look forward to reading more of his work and seeing where his writing takes him next.

From the Hopper painting on the cover to the carefully-curated 13 stories by Cheever at the start of his literary journey, this is truly a treasure.

It's all there, right at the beginning. Cheever shows a remarkable ability to be so fully in control of his storytelling.

While my least favorite Bukowski stories often have him at the race track, some of the best stories in this collection are set at Belmont and Saratoga. However, they never get bogged down in the particulars of gambling.

These are stories about people with dreams, hopes, and who sometimes fail spectacularly, either through no fault of their own or due to human weakness. It's as if Cheever is a wise old soul, seeing and understanding the human condition with such depth.

If you have the big red collected stories, this particular collection should stand right alongside it, adding another layer of richness and insight to the works of this great author.

3.5 stars
This article presents an interesting topic. However, it could be further expanded to provide more in-depth analysis and details. For example, specific examples could be added to illustrate the points made. Additionally, a more comprehensive discussion of the pros and cons would enhance the overall quality of the piece. By doing so, readers would have a better understanding of the subject matter and be able to form more informed opinions.


Moreover, the language used could be more vivid and engaging. This would help to capture the readers' attention and make the article more enjoyable to read. Simple techniques such as using more descriptive words and varied sentence structures can go a long way in achieving this.


In conclusion, while the article has some good points, there is room for improvement. By expanding on the content and enhancing the language, it has the potential to become a more valuable and engaging read.

Some of the stories were truly remarkable. They had engaging plots and well-developed characters that kept me hooked from start to finish.

However, there were also others that left me with a sense of longing. While they had potential, they seemed to end abruptly or lacked some crucial elements that would have made them even better. In those cases, it was actually a good thing because it made me eager to see what else the author could do.

On the other hand, there were a couple of stories that I simply didn't care for. They didn't resonate with me or capture my interest in any way.

Overall, I would be very interested in reading a full-length book written by this author instead of just short stories. I believe that with more space to develop the story and characters, he could create something truly outstanding.