I was able to overlook the manic pixie dream girl-itis that was present in the first half of the story. However, as I delved further into the second half, I grew increasingly tired of all the nagging and frivolous women that Fitzgerald portrayed.

Absolution, on the other hand, was by far my favorite. It had a certain charm and depth that the other parts lacked.

Overall, I truly admire Fitzgerald's remarkable ability to create such interesting and complex characters in such a short amount of time. His talent for bringing his characters to life on the page is truly impressive. However, I must admit that his writing didn't have the same impact on me when it wasn't centered around a rich white man. It seemed as if his focus and attention to detail were more pronounced when he was writing about this particular demographic. Nevertheless, Fitzgerald's work is still highly regarded and continues to be studied and enjoyed by many.

These short stories were rather good indeed. They presented the kind of descent into despair and disillusion that I have always been seeking in literature.

However, some of them, if you'll excuse the pun, fell a little short. They relied on a symbolism that wasn't quite developed enough to carry the ending. It felt as if the full potential of the intended meaning wasn't realized.

Nevertheless, it was still nice to tick another Fitzgerald off the list. His works always have a certain charm and a unique way of exploring the human condition. Even when they don't quite hit the mark, there is still something to be gained from reading them.

Overall, it was an interesting reading experience, and I look forward to exploring more of Fitzgerald's works in the future.

The book starts with two really strong opening stories that immediately grab the reader's attention and draw them in.

However, after those initial tales, the quality seems to dip a bit and the rest of the content is rather middling.

It doesn't quite reach the level of his best work.

One might expect more from an author of his caliber, especially after being so impressed by the beginning.

The middle sections lack the same sparkle and excitement that the opening stories had.

Perhaps there could have been more effort put into developing the ideas and characters in the later parts to maintain the high standard set at the start.

Overall, while the book has its moments, it falls short of being truly outstanding due to the inconsistent quality throughout.

It is always difficult to rate short story collections.

Some are truly fantastic, captivating the reader from the very first page with their unique plots, well-developed characters, and beautiful prose.

These stories have the power to transport us to different worlds, make us feel a range of emotions, and leave a lasting impression.

On the other hand, there are those that are more sketchy, perhaps lacking in depth or refinement.

They may feel like mere exercises, as if the author is still honing their skills and not quite ready to create a masterpiece.

But even these less-polished works can have their charm, showing glimpses of potential and offering interesting ideas that could be further developed.

Overall, rating short story collections is a subjective task, as each reader will have their own preferences and expectations.

However, it is important to recognize the efforts of the authors and appreciate the diversity of voices and styles that are represented in these collections.

Whether a collection is a literary gem or a work in progress, it has the potential to enrich our reading experience and expand our understanding of the human condition.

Fitzgerald's work is truly remarkable. The writing is of the highest quality, with his unique words painting both the ordinary and the extraordinary in a way that showcases his literary brilliance. The stories are distinct, having no equals elsewhere. His ability to take the mundane and push it to the point of absurdity is not only humorous but also thought-provoking. The behavior, speech, and mannerisms of his characters make one wonder about the reality of the Roaring Twenties or if it's a satire of the times, as Fitzgerald is known for.

The short story collection includes several captivating tales. "The Rich Boy" is an excellent start, exploring the shallowness and loneliness of a rich man. "Winter Dreams" tells a rags-to-riches story with insights into the shallowness of physical beauty. "The Baby Party" shows the juvenile behavior of adults at a chaotic birthday party. "Absolution" delves into the struggles of a tormented priest and a child dealing with sin. "Rags Martin-Gones and the Pr-nce of W-ales" has an intense scene with a spoiled starlet and an admirer. "The Adjuster" sensitively portrays a housewife dealing with family tragedies. "Hot and Cold Blood" showcases Fitzgerald's observations of human behavior through an unhappy wife and her husband. "The Sensible Thing" follows a young man's journey to success and his relationship with the one he loves. "Gretchen’s Forty Winks" explores the consequences of an executive's overtime work on his marriage. Overall, this collection is a must-read for fans of Fitzgerald's writing, with a rating of 4.5****½*, although two stories were less favored than the others.

DNF (Did Not Finish) really wanted to like the game, but unfortunately, the female characters in it are all so repetitive and dull.

Each female character seems to follow a similar template, lacking individuality and unique charm. Their appearances are often overly sexualized, with little emphasis on their personalities or backstories.

This makes it difficult for players to form a genuine connection with the female characters, as they all blend together and fail to stand out.

In a game where character development and immersion are crucial, the lackluster portrayal of the female characters is a significant drawback.

It would be great if the developers could put more effort into creating diverse and interesting female characters, giving them unique traits, abilities, and stories that would make them more engaging and memorable.

Until then, it's hard to fully enjoy the game when the female characters leave so much to be desired.

I thoroughly enjoyed this remarkable collection of short stories. Each story within this compilation was like a precious gem, shining with its own unique brilliance.

The authors' vivid imaginations and masterful storytelling skills were on full display, transporting me to different worlds and introducing me to a diverse cast of characters.

Some of the stories were heartwarming, filled with love and kindness, while others were thought-provoking, challenging my perspectives and making me reflect on various aspects of life.

The pacing of each story was恰到好处, keeping me engaged from start to finish. I found myself completely immersed in the narratives, eagerly turning the pages to discover what would happen next.

This collection of short stories truly was a delight to read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good book.

I just had a strong urge to read Fitzgerald. Instead of reaching for "Gatsby" once more, I decided to give this collection of short stories a try.

As I had anticipated, it was filled with sad and rather whiny wealthy boys. However, I truly enjoyed the majority of the stories.

Although it wasn't quite as dazzling or amazing as "Gatsby," it still possessed that unique Fitzgerald flair that I absolutely love.

The stories in this collection offered a different perspective into the lives and emotions of the characters. They delved into themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness.

Fitzgerald's writing style, with its beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, brought these stories to life.

Each story was like a small window into a different world, allowing me to experience the joys and sorrows of the characters.

Overall, I'm glad I chose to read this short story collection. It was a great addition to my Fitzgerald collection and left me longing for more of his works.

The first couple of stories were a bit too plain and didn't reach out as much as the final few stories.

They seemed to lack that certain spark and excitement that could truly engage the reader. However, as the collection progressed, things started to pick up.

Some of my favourites were Rag Martins and the Pr-nce of W-les. This story had a unique charm and an interesting plot that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The adjuster was another great one. It had a clever twist that I didn't see coming, which made it all the more enjoyable.

And then there was Gretchen's forty winks. The character of Gretchen was well-developed and the story had a light-hearted and humorous tone that I really liked.

However, I have to admit that I wasn't a big fan of some of the male characters. They seemed a bit one-dimensional and didn't have as much depth as the female characters.

Overall, though, it was a good collection of stories with some real gems in it.

Let me share with you some insights about the extremely wealthy.

They are indeed distinct from you and me. They acquire and relish the good things in life at an early stage, and this has a profound impact on them. It makes them soft in areas where we are tough, and cynical while we are trusting. In a manner that, unless you were born into wealth, it is incredibly challenging to comprehend.

Deep within their hearts, they believe that they are superior to us because we had to uncover the compensations and refuges of life on our own. Even when they venture deep into our world or descend beneath us, they still maintain the belief that they are better. They are truly different.

Some of the best stories that explore this theme include "The Rich Boy" (as seen in the quote above), "Winter Dreams," "The Baby Party," and "Absolution." These stories offer a fascinating look into the lives and mindsets of the rich, and how their wealth shapes their perspectives and behaviors.

This stupid book truly had an astonishing impact on me. It made me laugh out loud, almost brought me to tears, and even made me want to scream.

It is by far my favorite short story collection that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. One of the stories in particular completely wrecked me. I was so affected that I actually felt like I wanted to throw up. I simply can't believe that I was able to discover writing that I love so deeply.

What's even cooler is that as I was reading, I came across a line that sounded extremely familiar. To my surprise, I realized that it was a Fitzgerald quote that I had found online a couple of times before. I'm still in disbelief that I managed to find it accidentally in this book.

I almost didn't finish this collection because I felt like I was somehow cheating on one of the stories by reading another. I was just so FLOORED by the entire experience. I feel SICK in the best possible way. I know for a fact that I will never, ever get over this.

I'm definitely checking this off my 2024 bingo of "find a new favorite book of all time." This whole experience feels like I got to read my favorite book for the very first time again. It's truly SICK and has left me genuinely nauseous with excitement and admiration.

This is a really nice collection of Fitzgerald's short works.

It serves as a wonderful opportunity for those who are only familiar with his famous novels such as The Great Gatsby.

By delving into these short works, readers can gain a much better and deeper insight into his true literary capabilities.

Fitzgerald's writing style is known for its elegance, sophistication, and the ability to capture the essence of the Jazz Age.

His short stories are no exception. They are filled with vivid characters, complex emotions, and thought-provoking themes.

Whether it's a tale of love and loss, a commentary on society and class, or a exploration of the human psyche, Fitzgerald's short works offer a rich and rewarding reading experience.

This collection is a must-have for any fan of Fitzgerald or anyone interested in exploring the works of one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.