This is a truly lovely book. The stories it contains are allegedly fictional, yet I suspect there is a significant amount of autobiography interwoven within them. They are incredibly rich in both character and setting, transporting me to various places and times. I am taken to the south pacific engagement of young marines during WWII, to the coastal waters of Virginia, and into the depression era, where I am confronted with the harsh reality of racism and the unique circumstances of that time and place.

I have always been intrigued by Styron because of his renowned book, Sophie's Choice. However, having watched the movie adaptation, I found myself unable to read the book. So, this particular work serves as a more accessible introduction to the writer for me, one that is less emotionally wrenching and excruciating.

The title story, A Tidewater Morning, had a particularly profound impact on me. It tells the tale of a 14-year-old boy during the final days of his mother's life. The fact that Paul's mother passes away at home struck a chord within me. There is none of the clinical impersonality of a hospital, with its fluorescent lights, metal beds, and institutional surroundings. There is no sense of a "dead body being swept out of the way to be replaced by another," forgotten the moment the room has been tidied and occupied by someone else. Instead, Paul's mother dies in her own room, filled with familiar smells, the soft light drifting in through the window in a particular way, the warmth of the incandescent bedside lamp, the comfort of her own bed, the chair where her husband or the nurse sits, the gentle squeak of the door hinge when it opens, the creak of the bed springs, the dresser with its little treasures on top, and the familiar pictures on the wall. What a sane and gentle place to depart from this world. For those who remain in that home, the room will forever hold that memory, the unique feel of that day, and the memories of the emotions and stirrings that accompanied that passing. The deceased person lives on not just in a photograph or a medical report, but in the very essence of that place. Such place memories often linger for generations. Those of you who live in "new construction" may not fully understand what I am trying to convey. But for those of you with family histories in your homes, or even someone else's history within those walls, you most probably will.

This was good,

but it was nowhere near as exceptional as I had initially thought it would be.

There were certain aspects that were definitely praiseworthy,

but when compared to what I had expected, it fell short.

All in all, it was just a step above Meh.

It didn't really wow me or leave a lasting impression.

Perhaps my expectations were set too high,

but even so, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

It had its moments,

but it didn't quite reach the level of excellence that I was hoping for.

Nonetheless, it was still a decent experience,

and I'm sure there are others who might appreciate it more than I did.

Maybe with a different perspective or a more open mind,

I would have seen more value in it.

But as it stands, it was just an average to slightly above average encounter.

I had to force myself to pick up and read 'Love Day.' At first, I wasn't sure what to expect. But as I delved deeper into the story, something remarkable happened. I found myself completely mesmerized by both 'Shadrach' and, especially, by 'A Tidewater Morning.' These two works had a certain charm and depth that drew me in and held my attention captive.

After completing this trilogy (of sorts) of memoir-fiction, I had a newfound perspective. I could better appreciate the placement and content of 'Love Day.' It was as if a missing piece of the puzzle had finally fallen into place.

This collection of works by Styron has truly become my favorite. The way he weaves together personal memories and fictional elements is masterful. Each story is a unique exploration of the human experience, filled with vivid characters and emotional depth. Styron's writing has the power to transport the reader to another time and place, making them feel as if they are a part of the story. I can't wait to explore more of his works and see what other treasures he has in store.

Love Day - 4 out of 5

Love Day is a remarkable piece that has received a solid rating of 4 out of 5. It likely offers a captivating story or experience that engages the audience. The details within this work might draw readers in and keep them hooked from start to finish. Whether it's a romance, a story of friendship, or something else entirely, the 4 out of 5 rating indicates that it has many strengths and is well worth checking out.

Shadrach - 4 out of 5

Shadrach also earns a 4 out of 5 rating. This suggests that it is a quality piece as well. Perhaps it has an interesting plot, well-developed characters, or a unique setting. The fact that it has received such a good rating implies that it has made an impact on those who have read or experienced it. It could be a hidden gem that more people should discover and enjoy.

A Tidewater Morning - 5 out of 5

A Tidewater Morning stands out with a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. This indicates that it is an outstanding work that has exceeded expectations. It might have a beautiful and engaging narrative, vivid descriptions, and a profound message. The 5 out of 5 rating is a testament to its excellence and makes it a must-read or must-experience for anyone interested in the subject matter or in high-quality literature.

The way Styron manages to seize my attention and hold it, even when I'm not actively reading his book, is truly unique. I have an absolute passion for his writing style, his vivid descriptions, and his profound views on the world. While his books might not be my absolute top favorites, his name always springs to mind whenever someone mentions a 'favorite author'. This particular book took me some time to finish due to the demands of school and other commitments. However, just like his other works that I have read, it has had a significant impact on me. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

"Although earth's foundations crumble and the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas, yet alone shall I prevail."

Older update: Guys, can we discuss the fact that I discovered this book at a charity shop right after expressing my love for Styron just a few days ago? I'm telling you, it feels like fate! I'll likely pick it up this week. It's now at the very top of my express priority superfast to-read check-out line.

I read once that Styron labored over every word in each book that he wrote.

This painstaking effort truly pays off in the wonderful descriptions of small town Southern life here.

His attention to detail is remarkable, as he manages to bring to life the unique charm and idiosyncrasies of these communities.

From the slow pace of life to the close-knit relationships among the residents, every aspect is vividly depicted.

The reader can almost smell the magnolias in bloom and hear the drawl of the locals.

Styron's ability to capture the essence of small town Southern life is a testament to his skill as a writer.

It is through his careful choice of words and his masterful storytelling that he is able to transport the reader to a different time and place.

One cannot help but be impressed by the depth and richness of his descriptions.

It is as if he has peeled back the layers of these towns and revealed their true nature.

Overall, Styron's work is a beautiful homage to the small town South and a joy to read.

Styron is truly an amazing writer.

His narratives are crafted with extreme care and precision, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged from beginning to end.

The characters he creates are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own unique personalities, motives, and flaws.

Through these characters, Styron provides a wealth of insight into our own behaviors and thoughts, making us question our own actions and beliefs.

I am extremely grateful to my Creative Writing professor for introducing me to Styron's works.

His writing has had a profound impact on me and has inspired me to strive for greater depth and authenticity in my own writing.

Styron's works are a testament to the power of literature to explore the human condition and to offer us a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

I highly recommend his books to anyone who is interested in reading truly great literature.

William Styron is undoubtedly the best writer that we have had, not only in the present but also in our recent past.

His language is nothing short of gorgeous, painting vivid pictures in the minds of the readers. The dialogue he crafts is so true to life that it feels as if we are eavesdropping on real conversations. And when it comes to story writing, he simply cannot be beaten.

Tidewater Morning is a remarkable collection that contains three stories which are at least semi-autobiographical, drawing from his youth. These stories powerfully portray the evils and stupidity of war and racism. They serve as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities that society has faced and continue to face.

Styron's ability to capture the essence of these complex issues and present them in a compelling and engaging manner is truly a testament to his talent as a writer. His works will continue to be studied and admired for years to come.

Bad Newz 4 Life

Okay, let's be honest here. These three short stories are not just pretty good; they are actually a whole lot better than the majority of Styron's work, with the notable exception of Sophie's Choice. What makes them even more enjoyable for me to read is that they are set in the very neighborhood where I spent my childhood growing up. It's like taking a trip down memory lane as I immerse myself in the stories. The familiar streets, the local landmarks, and the characters that seem to come to life right before my eyes all add a special charm to the reading experience. It's as if Styron has captured the essence of that particular place and time, and has shared it with the world through these engaging short stories. I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and connection as I turn the pages, and I'm truly grateful for having discovered these hidden gems.

I don't engage in short stories.

I breezed through these short stories with great speed and now I find myself extremely hungry for more of Styron's remarkable works.

It's truly wonderful how his writing has the power to captivate and leave me longing for more.

Each story seems to offer a unique glimpse into different worlds and emotions, making me eager to explore further.

Styron's ability to create vivid characters and engaging plots is truly impressive.

I can't wait to discover what other literary treasures he has in store for me.

I am certain that his other works will continue to amaze and inspire me, just as these short stories have.

I will definitely be on the lookout for more of Styron's writing and will devour each new piece with great enthusiasm.

I was extremely disappointed in this rather loosely connected group of three stories.

Perhaps a portion of my disappointment stems from the fact that I have recently perused a collection of a similar structure penned by Wendell Berry. Those stories were truly marvelous, to the extent that I simply could not put them down. The comparison between the two was almost impossible to avoid.

Styron's collection appears coarse, and his characters prove difficult to engage with. Set in the Tidewater region of Virginia, which is now my home, I had hoped to feel a connection at least from that perspective. However, his opening story transpires in Europe during WWII, and neither of the other two stories felt like they belonged to the places I know, despite the familiar names being present.

The second story, "Shadrach", which is arguably the best of the three, delves into the life of a ninety-nine-year-old former slave who returns, in the 1930s, with a desire to be buried on the land where he was held in slavery as a child. The idea seems rather far-fetched and difficult to believe. The reactions of the people involved come across as unrealistic, and the racial overtones are hard to ignore, despite an attempt to place them within their historical context.

All things considered, I would assert that Styron failed to hit the mark with this collection. I truly adored "Sophie's Choice", so I will likely still attempt to read the two remaining Styron works on my list. However, I am hoping to discover that they have little or nothing in common with this unsuccessful endeavor.

I came across this old book while rummaging through the bookshelf. Immediately, it dawned on me that Meg had mentioned to me about reading it. As I started flipping through the pages, I was simply amazed. It turned out to be a collection of three related short stories, all set in the '30's and 40's.

What made it even more special was that I was extremely lucky to have Meghan's AP English annotated copy. The pages were filled with copious underlining in various colors - blue, red, and green. I wasn't entirely sure what the code for each color was supposed to signify. However, it added an extra layer of intrigue to my reading experience.

I couldn't help but wonder what Meghan had thought while reading these stories and why she had chosen to annotate them in such a detailed manner. It made me更加 eager to delve deeper into the book and uncover its hidden gems.