UGH!

Is there some unwritten rule that dictates that all short stories must adhere to the following formula: 1) Have some sort of plot twist or surprise, and 2) The surprise must be of a depressing nature?

I truly wonder. This collection kicks off with a story about a girl who has a passion for raising pigeons. However, it takes a tragic turn when all but two of the pigeons are brutally killed by rats. Ironically, it's almost poetic, considering that pigeons are sometimes戏称 as "flying rats." The two remaining pigeons manage to escape and stand across the way, staring at the girl, seemingly refusing to come home as if they feel betrayed by the loss of their comrades.

Later in the collection, there's another story set in the inner city of DC. It centers around a group of downtrodden girls. On the fringes is one exceptionally talented girl, who is seen as the hope of the neighborhood. At the start of the story, this great hope is on the verge of signing a record contract. As the other girls drive aimlessly through the city and the narrative unfolds, they excitedly talk about how they will all ride her success and rise out of the ghetto. But alas, the story concludes with the great hope being senselessly shot and killed in a random act of violence.

Pretty much all the stories in this collection follow a similar pattern. There's just enough character development to make you feel a sense of kinship with the characters, only to be hit with a random tragic event where someone or something meets an untimely end. It feels like a collection of stories that were created using a sort of Mad Libs formula, with (girl's name) + (missing parent) + (inner city location) + (tragic event) all strung together in a rather predictable and somewhat disheartening way.

UGH!

This collection is truly a masterpiece. It's filled with one amazing piece after another, banger after banger.

Each item in the collection seems to have its own unique charm and appeal. Whether it's the style, the design, or the quality, everything is top-notch.

You can't help but be impressed by the sheer number of great pieces that are included. It's like a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

I seriously can't get enough of it. It's one of the best collections I've seen in a long time. I'm sure you'll feel the same way once you take a closer look.

So, don't miss out on this amazing collection. It's definitely worth checking out!

This is a real writer.

A real writer is someone who has a deep passion for words and the power they hold. They have the ability to craft stories, paint vivid pictures, and evoke emotions through their writing.

A real writer spends countless hours honing their skills, reading widely, and observing the world around them. They are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas, pushing the boundaries of their creativity.

Real writers are also dedicated to their craft. They are willing to put in the hard work and effort required to produce high-quality writing. They revise and edit their work meticulously, striving for perfection.

Whether they write fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, a real writer has a unique voice and perspective that shines through in their work. Their words have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain, leaving a lasting impact on their readers.

In conclusion, a real writer is a rare and precious gift. Their writing enriches our lives and helps us to see the world in a new light.

The 12th story, "A New Man", holds a special place as one of my all-time favorite short stories.

It captivates readers from the very beginning with its engaging plot and well-developed characters. The story follows the transformation of a man who undergoes a significant change in his life.

Through a series of events, he discovers a new side of himself and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, allowing the readers to easily imagine the scenes and emotions portrayed in the story.

The themes explored in "A New Man" are universal and relatable, such as the importance of change, the search for identity, and the power of self-reflection.

Overall, this short story is a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression on its readers.

Edward P. Jones is widely regarded as Washington DC's favorite native son writer, and there is a good reason for this.

He has an innate sense of the city, citing things that唤起 memories of my childhood, making it feel like sharing reminiscences with someone.

In reading his works, I realize that almost every story is set within the context of the Great (Black) Migration from the south to northern cities, with numerous excellent examples of the migrants or their children as described in The Warmth of Other Suns.

These stories might be better described as vignettes, as they vividly depict the participants but lack a traditional plot or significant change in their lives, simply showing their continuation.

I am curious as to whether Jones grew up in a household of women, as the stories mostly center around them and present their perspectives.

There are some truly exquisite lines, such as starting a story with "On an otherwise unremarkable September morning, long before I learned to be ashamed of my mother...". This line is so powerful on its own and begins a poignant short story about being taken to school on the first day and the mother having to ask another parent to fill out the paperwork because she could not read or write.

Jones is indeed a talented writer.

I bought this book on a whim when I came across a cheap copy at a Book Warehouse.

Oh, how glad I am that I did! The narrative ebb and flow, the weight and substance that Jones gives to the sprawling, temporally layered stories, cut me to the core.

Both "A New Man" and "The Sunday Following Mother's Day" emerged from a patient tone, a matter-of-fact voice. Jones allows the stories to speak for themselves, painstakingly laying and layering detail upon detail until the implications and emotions resound powerfully.

Admittedly, some of the stories are extraneous, but such excess is forgivable in a first book.

And when one takes into account that Jones drew inspiration from Joyce's DUBLINERS, the weaker stories gain significance as the smaller strokes on the larger canvas of D.C. that Jones aspires to paint here.

Overall, this book is a remarkable debut that showcases Jones' talent and potential as a storyteller.

I had never heard of this book or its author, Edward P Jones, until I received it as a gift.

The debut work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Lost in the City, consists of a series of short stories about African American residents in Washington DC. They lead difficult lives that are invisible to me and, no doubt, to many tourists who visit the city each year.

The stories present a diverse range of characters, from children to pensioners, in various and often challenging situations. The settings have, in some cases, been cleared due to the city's redevelopment. Some characters are on the wrong side of the law or rely on ill-gotten gains, while others lead normal lives but sometimes suffer at the hands of the'system' or criminals.

Some stories were more enjoyable than others. However, from reading and checking reviews written by residents, I get the sense that there is a truth to the narratives when compared to the real plight of the people in these areas. This authenticity, which is no doubt difficult to achieve successfully, contributed to my decision to give the book a 4-star rating.

Overall, Lost in the City offers a unique and often poignant look at the lives of a marginalized community in Washington DC.

The Store, His Mother's House, and A Dark Night are truly big standouts in this remarkable collection.

Each story in this collection has its own unique charm, tapping out a droplet rhythm that seamlessly weaves between the ordinary and the eerie, creating an unforgettable reading experience.

The Store might take you on a journey through a seemingly ordinary shopping place, but as you turn the pages, you'll discover hidden secrets and unexpected twists.

His Mother's House could transport you to a place filled with mystery and perhaps a touch of nostalgia.

And A Dark Night might send shivers down your spine with its eerie atmosphere and captivating plot.

This is a super strong collection of stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a desire to read more.

This is an outstanding collection of short stories that are centered in the black neighborhoods of Washington, DC, most likely during the 80's.

There are two stories in which some of the characters make appearances in a later story, which is a nice touch. In particular, one story features 17-year-old Elaine running away from home. The first story details how her parents searched for her daily for a year, and after another year, they moved away.

The later story takes place approximately 8 years later, so we discover what happened to Elaine, but there is no reunion with her parents. A few of the stories feature some rather rough characters, such as drug dealers and murderers, and they can be difficult to read. However, all of the stories are beautifully told, with vivid descriptions and engaging plots that draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end.

Overall, this collection of short stories is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the lives and experiences of people living in the black neighborhoods of Washington, DC during the 80's.

Makes me miss DC. <\\\\3

DC is a place that holds a special charm for me. It's a city filled with history and culture, with its iconic monuments and museums. The National Mall, stretching out before you, is a sight to behold. The Lincoln Memorial, standing tall and proud, seems to be a silent witness to the nation's journey.

The Smithsonian museums offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. From art to science, there's something for everyone to explore. I remember spending hours lost in the exhibits, marvelling at the wonders on display.

DC also has a vibrant food scene. Whether you're in the mood for a classic American burger or international cuisine, you can find it all here. The city's streets are lined with restaurants and cafes, each offering its own unique flavour.

Missing DC is like missing a dear friend. It's a place that has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I can't wait to return and create more memories. <\\\\3

Edward P. Jones is truly remarkable.

He has managed to accomplish in 14 short stories what numerous other authors struggle to achieve in a full-length novel.

His ability to create a world and characters that feel astonishingly real and仿佛 they are living just around the block from you is truly extraordinary.

Each story in this collection is a gem, filled with vivid descriptions, complex emotions, and characters that leap off the page.

Jones has a unique talent for bringing his fictional world to life, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the lives and experiences of his characters.

This collection is not only a testament to his skill as a writer but also a delight for readers who appreciate well-crafted stories that stay with them long after they have turned the last page.

It is an incredible collection that is sure to be cherished by fans of literary fiction for years to come.

I've just re-read this book and am still deeply impressed by it.

The writing is truly excellent, and the stories about African Americans in the District of Columbia are not only unique but also extremely moving.

The characters in the book are diverse, ranging from a little girl who raises pigeons on her roof to a young woman confronted with her father, who has just been released from prison for killing her mother.

Jones treats all the characters with respect and doesn't condescend to any of them. He fully immerses himself in their lives, and as a result, the reader does too.

Although some characters have affairs and some commit crimes, there is nothing sordid about it. Jones doesn't delve into the details of sex or violence. Instead, he is interested in exploring the characters' minds and hearts.

There are many touching stories about parents and children in the book. Almost all of the parents love their children, although some make mistakes. For example, there is a father who throws his son out of the house, and the son unfortunately winds up in a life of crime. However, most of the people in this book work hard and try to get by the best way they can.

Gospel singers, an illiterate mother taking her child to school, a tough girl who has just one real friend - all of these characters are real and moving. Jones particularly writes sympathetically and well about girls and women.

Jones won several prizes for this book, and he also won the Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Known World. His works are highly regarded and have made a significant impact in the literary world.