This is an excellent collection of short stories.

It is set in DC between the 50s and the 80s, which provides a rich and vivid backdrop for the tales to unfold.

I chose to read this collection because it was written by the author of the brilliant novel, The Known World.

And I have to say, this collection does not disappoint.

It features many great stories that explore a wide variety of characters.

From ordinary people going about their daily lives to those facing extraordinary challenges and experiences, each story offers a unique perspective and a glimpse into the human condition.

The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of the story.

Overall, this is a must-read collection for anyone who enjoys short stories that are well-written, thought-provoking, and entertaining.

Edward P. Jones, the G.O.A.T., has crafted 14 captivating slice-of-life type short stories that are set in DC. These stories offer a unique and intimate look into the lives of the people who inhabit the nation's capital. Each story is filled with vivid details and rich characters that bring the city to life. From the bustling streets to the quiet neighborhoods, Jones explores the diverse experiences and emotions of his characters. Whether it's a story about love, loss, or simply the everyday struggles of life, Jones' writing is both poignant and engaging. With his masterful storytelling skills, he invites readers to step into the shoes of his characters and experience the world of DC through their eyes. These short stories are a must-read for anyone who loves literature and wants to discover the hidden gems of DC.

Jones's first book, a collection of 14 stories set in Washington, DC, in the 1970s and perhaps the 80s, has received a remarkable 4.5 stars.

Each story offers a vivid slice of Black life in the city, with some taking place in neighborhoods that I am very familiar with. I was particularly enamored with the last story, Marie, which had a portion set in the now-defunct Social Security office at 21st and M, a place where I endured many unpleasant hours.

The characters and their life stories in this collection feel incredibly real and well-rounded. However, my one reservation is that some of the stories seem to lack a proper resolution.

Despite this, the book has definitely piqued my interest and made me eager to read his other book of short stories and re-read The Known World. I find myself wondering why he hasn't written any more books since Aunt Hagar was published in 2006.

Perhaps there are personal or creative reasons that have led to this hiatus. I hope he decides to return to writing soon, as his talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking stories is truly evident in this collection.

Her mother succumbs to a brain tumor, and years pass. Then, rats invade the rooftop coop where the girl shelters her pigeons, maiming and killing them.

A woman recounts the tale of a family's sudden demise by lightning. A teenage girl flees; her father spends the remainder of his years knocking on doors, seeking her.

A young criminal, Caesar, persuades his girlfriend, Carol, to assist him in defrauding the savings of a retarded woman. A lawyer hires a cab driver to "get us lost in the city" a few hours after receiving the news from the hospital that her mother has passed away. Marvella, a single parent of three young children, realizes the permanence of her romantic solitude.

Alarming and distressing events befall the characters in Jones's stories. However, there is a calmness in the (mostly third person) narrator's voice that captivates the reader and indicates an attitude of both curiosity and seriousness, creating a sense of intimacy between the reader and this world.

Each story feels complete; I found myself reading this book slowly over several days, reading one or two stories and then pausing for a while to soak them in. Although not long, this book is profound.

Awesome stuff! The stories in this collection began rather slowly. However, once they picked up momentum, it was like a snowball hurtling downhill, gathering more and more force. The stories truly resound, and the characters are so vivid and real. One of the reasons for their slow growth is that Jones doesn't adhere to a traditional narrative. The climaxes are hidden, and the focus is given to people, places, and the unique D.C. culture. It makes for a great story to teach because of the unearthing that has to be done. You have to dig deep into his structure to discover the teachable moments, and it's all gritty stuff that teenagers will surely appreciate, especially since each story is set in D.C.

An example of a hidden climax is "the girl who raised pigeons." In this story, the city is presented as a place with walls, where a little girl like Betsy Ann Morgan struggles to see beyond. In the end, she spots a pigeon (perhaps the one she had kept in a cage before) flying over the city, and she follows it "with her heart."

A great recurring theme is the generational gap and how it is accentuated by life in the city. The young are encouraged to grow up too fast, and the older generation can't keep them contained or relate to them. Many of the older generations in the stories are first-generation city dwellers, having come off the farm.

"The store" is a rare example where this gap is closed. The narrator (in the first person) takes a job from a seemingly crabby woman who, despite her gruff exterior, treats him as a human compared to how the boy was treated by the white authority figures in his previous jobs.

My favorite character is probably Marie, an elderly woman who has to wait for her security check from "John Smith," a clear representation of "the man" or Uncle Sam. She slaps a young receptionist who was disrespecting her. What a bad-ass woman! I imagine the kids will love her.

There is so much more detail I could go into. But, as I now plan on teaching this book, I will delve into plenty of detail when I do. One of the great perks of teaching is getting really into the books you teach.

I had a slightly stronger preference for the stories in this collection compared to those in All Aunt Hagar's Children: Stories. The two collections shared similarities, particularly in the aspect that the stories had a relatively light plot. As an individual who has a penchant for short stories adhering to the classic conflict-story arc-resolution model, I found this aspect a bit dissatisfying. However, just like in Jones' other collection, what truly endeared me to these stories was the remarkable job he did in creating characters and settings.

Jones' characters are not always the most likable. Some of them are criminals, and one is the crankiest teenage girl one could encounter in literature. Nevertheless, they all come across as real and vivid, and one finds oneself rooting for them even when they are rather reprehensible. Jones' dialog is especially on point and significantly contributes to the development of his characterizations.

Moreover, he transports the reader right into the mid-to-late 20th century world of Washington DC.

Similar to All Aunt Hagar's Children, when one reads all the stories, they blend together in an organic and unforced manner. It feels as if one is listening to the story of an entire community.

The most poignant story for me was \\"The Sunday Following Mother's Day,\\" which is about a woman whose father murdered her mother when she and her brother were very young. She is the only member of the family who maintained contact with her father throughout his time in prison. Now that he has been released, she is ambivalent about seeing him.

I also took pleasure in \\"A New Man,\\" which is about parents whose teenage daughter goes missing.

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These stories are truly remarkable. They are quiet, yet they hold a wealth of depth and texture. As I delved into them, I had the distinct impression that I was gaining a better understanding of the lives of these African American men and women who call the District of Columbia home.

Of course, I am fully aware that this perception may not be entirely accurate. After all, a book can only offer a glimpse into the lives of its characters. However, when a book has the power to make me think, feel, and empathize with the characters on such a profound level, it is truly a gift.

I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to read these stories. They have opened my eyes to a world that I may not have otherwise known, and they have taught me valuable lessons about the human experience. I will carry these stories with me always and will recommend them to others who are seeking a thought-provoking and moving read.

4.5 star, so I rounded up. Jones is truly an expert craftsman. His descriptions are understated yet brilliant, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. And then there are his flashbacks - they are simply outstanding! Jones has a remarkable command of time, seamlessly weaving together different eras to add depth and complexity to his stories. With each flashback, he is able to give so much life to the characters, making them feel real and relatable. It's truly incredible work. His ability to manipulate time and create such engaging characters is a testament to his talent as a writer. I highly recommend his work to anyone looking for a captivating read.

The blocks I walk each day look different after reading these stories.

Each step now seems to carry a new significance as the vivid images and emotions from the stories blend with the familiar scenery around me.

The once ordinary buildings and streets have transformed into settings that could potentially hold the same kind of drama and adventure that I encountered within the pages of the books.

I find myself looking at the people passing by with a new perspective, wondering if they too have their own unique stories hidden beneath the surface.

The simple act of walking has become a journey of discovery, as I explore the world around me with the eyes of a storyteller.

Every corner, every landmark, takes on a new life, and I am constantly amazed at how something as seemingly insignificant as a walk can be so deeply enriched by the power of literature.

My good reading buddy Richard V. was full of praise for this short story collection. He, however, also cautioned me that perhaps he loved it so much mainly because it was set in D.C., a city where he had lived and which he had revisited through these stories. My daughter, who is currently living in D.C., was also charmed by the vivid portrayal of a place she is very familiar with. I don't know D.C. very well, although I have had some memorable experiences there. But the magic of the place is not just for those who have lived there. Jones provides details of neighborhoods and times throughout the stories.

These stories are set between the early 60s and the late 80s and are filled with markers of that era. There are the types of cars, the kinds of stores, and the aspirations and life work of individuals. Here, a gas-guzzling car transports four teenage girls across town, with the sweetness of their friendship alternating with their personal jabs at each other. There, a hole-in-the-wall market offers a first, temporary job for a teen and then becomes his workplace for decades as the sharp-tongued owner gradually hands over its operation to him. A girl keeps pigeons; a girl skips class and sits right below the window of the classroom of the teacher who has tried to convince her to have aspirations. A woman takes her daughter to her first day of school, starting at the wrong school because she herself can't read well enough to understand district assignments. An old woman repeatedly shows up at the Social Security office to prove that her blindness still persists and waits for hours for a personal meeting. A gospel group sings their heavenly songs, but backstage, they plot for greater glory.

All of these are ordinary lives. It is D.C., but the government rarely interferes. It is Black America, but Whiteness rarely intrudes. Presented chronologically, there are indications of larger changes. A woman whose son's success enables her to move into a fancy house, but that success comes from selling drugs. A successful woman who works in international banking has a lovely condominium and a cocaine habit and uses her trappings of success to avoid dealing with her mother's death.

This collection not only feels like it's about individual lives, mostly in their ordinariness, but it also gives the impression of a populous city. The city is always murmuring around the specific stories and between them, with the constant hum of a city where its lives flow through it in space and time.

There aren't nearly enough books that are set in DC and truly describe the actual city and the people who inhabit it.

This particular book, however, is hands down the best one I've read that is set in Washington. It consists of a series of exquisitely written short stories that are centered around the African American community and are set throughout various neighborhoods in DC during the late 20th Century.

Jones, the author, is an extremely talented writer. He manages to paint a captivating and vivid picture of the people who are constantly struggling to get by in life. The stories are definitely very dark; in fact, there isn't a single happy story in the bunch. But despite this, it is still a worthwhile read as it offers a unique and unfiltered look into the lives and experiences of the people in DC during that time period.

It makes you think about the hardships and challenges that many people face on a daily basis and gives you a greater appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the city.

Read to me by Lavar Burton. This simple phrase holds a world of meaning and possibility. When Lavar Burton reads to us, it's not just about the words on the page. It's about the magic he brings, the emotions he evokes, and the stories he brings to life. His voice has a unique charm that can transport us to different places and times. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming tale, or a thought-provoking piece of literature, Lavar Burton's reading makes it all the more engaging. He has the ability to make us feel as if we are right there in the story, experiencing every moment along with the characters. Reading to us by Lavar Burton is truly a special experience that we should all cherish.