Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 96 votes)
5 stars
31(32%)
4 stars
37(39%)
3 stars
28(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
96 reviews
July 15,2025
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Covers just about everything.

This statement implies that a particular thing or concept has a wide range of coverage. It could refer to a book, a course, a service, or any other entity that encompasses a diverse set of topics or areas. For example, a comprehensive encyclopedia might claim to cover just about everything, as it contains information on various subjects such as history, science, technology, and more. Similarly, a well-rounded education program could aim to cover just about everything, providing students with a broad knowledge base and diverse skill set. The phrase "covers just about everything" suggests that there are few, if any, significant gaps or omissions in the coverage. However, it's important to note that in reality, achieving complete and absolute coverage of every single thing is often an impossible task. There will always be some areas that are overlooked or not fully explored. Nevertheless, the idea of covering just about everything is a desirable goal, as it allows for a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of a particular subject or field.
July 15,2025
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I got extremely annoyed with this particular book. It was so frustrating that I couldn't contain my anger any longer. In a fit of rage, I actually ripped it in half. The sound of the pages tearing was almost satisfying in that moment. Then, without a second thought, I threw the two halves on the floor.

However, it's important to note that this experience was in sharp contrast to the other book by Welty that I had the pleasure of reading. That book was truly a masterpiece and deserved the highest marks. It was engaging, well-written, and had a profound impact on me. It made me realize that not all of Welty's works are created equal. While one book left me seething with anger, the other left me in awe and admiration.

It just goes to show that sometimes, a single book can have a huge influence on our emotions and opinions. We can love one book and hate another, even if they are by the same author. It's all part of the wonderful and unpredictable world of literature.
July 15,2025
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Eudora Welty was, in my opinion, one of America's greatest writers. This particular book was truly a "you can't put it down" masterpiece. For me, literally, I discovered that if I set it aside for a day or two after putting it down, I would feel lost and struggle to regain the story and the characters.

The characters are introduced through conversation at a family reunion, and the dialogue forms the major part of the plot. At the beginning, there is a list of the participants (most of them), which you can refer back to while reading. However, often this didn't assist me when I read for ten minutes and then had to return to it later.

Nevertheless, it is a poignant read, filled with typical dramatic family and community situations. For instance, a prominent and influential former school teacher had just passed away. There are also many humorous moments. A group of the participants first causes the local judge and his wife to veer off the road into a precarious situation and then attempts to rescue the vehicle from its perch. Moments of hilarity are interspersed with moments of somberness.

I highly recommend this book, but only if you have the time to continuously read for an hour at a time and the tenacity to flip back to the beginning repeatedly until you have the characters firmly in mind.
July 15,2025
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Welty is truly a gem. Her works are like precious stones that sparkle with unique charm and literary value. However, many a good reader has found themselves engaged in tough battles with her novel "Losing Battles". I have to admit that I myself also struggled initially. But, the second time around, I finally managed to come to terms with it.

It was not an easy journey, but through perseverance and a willingness to dig deeper into the story, I was able to appreciate its beauty and complexity. "Losing Battles" is not a straightforward read. It requires the reader to be patient and open-minded, to follow the twists and turns of the plot and the development of the characters.

So, to all those who may be daunted by this novel, I can only recommend perseverance. Keep reading, keep thinking, and eventually, you will discover the hidden treasures within. Welty's writing is well worth the effort, and "Losing Battles" is a work that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
July 15,2025
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The original article seems to be incomplete. However, I can still help you rewrite and expand the text based on what you have provided. Here is the rewritten and expanded version:

Did not finish. This simple phrase can carry a lot of weight. It implies that there was a task, a project, or an activity that was started but not brought to completion. There could be many reasons for this. Maybe there were unexpected obstacles or challenges that arose along the way. Perhaps there was a lack of time, resources, or motivation. Or maybe the person simply lost interest or got distracted.



Whatever the reason, not finishing something can have consequences. It may lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, or even guilt. It can also affect one's reputation or credibility, especially if the unfinished task was important or had significant implications. On the other hand, not finishing something can also be a learning experience. It can help one identify areas where they need to improve or develop new skills.



In conclusion, while it is always preferable to finish what we start, sometimes things don't work out that way. When this happens, it is important to reflect on what went wrong and use the experience as an opportunity for growth and improvement. So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you did not finish, don't be too hard on yourself. Instead, take a deep breath, learn from your mistakes, and move forward with a positive attitude.



I hope this helps! If you have any further questions or need more assistance, please let me know.
July 15,2025
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It's not my favorite, but it's not bad either.

I'm glad I found it at the 25 cents used book sale.

Before reading this book, I don't think I ever recalled reading the word "dust" and hearing it described in so many ways.

The description of a family and town events at a picnic is very long winded.

Sometimes it's colorful and entertaining, while other times it's just overly wordy.

I have been picking it up, reading a few pages, and then putting it back.

There is a mystery solved around page 270, which is a surprise for some.

I think it might make a decent movie, with the characters brought to colorful life.

I hate to not finish a book, so I did finish it, but I would not read it again.

Overall, it was an average read that had its moments of interest but also its drawbacks.
July 15,2025
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I really wanted to like Losing Battles.

I have read several of Eudora Welty's books and have liked them all.

Welty had a magnificent way with words and truly understood the South.

This is indeed the case with this book as well.

However, she fills the pages with truly boring dialogue.

There are some really good aspects here, but not enough to merit more than two stars.

It's a bit disappointing because I had such high expectations.

The story has its moments, but the dialogue just drags it down.

I kept hoping for more engaging conversations that would bring the characters to life.

Maybe it's just a personal preference, but I found myself skimming through some of the dialogue sections.

Overall, Losing Battles has its strengths, but the boring dialogue holds it back from being a truly great book.

I still appreciate Welty's writing style and her ability to capture the essence of the South, but this particular book didn't quite hit the mark for me.

July 15,2025
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In my pursuit to enhance the diversity of representation within the grade 11 American lit course, I made the decision to peruse this particular novel. I loathe being trite, yet the title truly encapsulated the reading encounter. Oh, how I wished I could be the kind of reader who simply walks away when they sense that the experience won't offer any enrichment. Alas, my OCD takes hold, and I find myself compelled to finish, which I did.

This work earns a single star for its utilization of imagery and what amounts to the antics of numerous characters. She has a plethora of them, but for the most part, they are rather one-dimensional or caricatures. There are fleeting moments when one can detect the connections to Faulkner, yet this falls disappointingly short.

Public Service Announcement time: if you opt to read this or are contemplating matters of representation, it is essential to be aware that the n-word is employed (on pages 70, 341, and 344), and a white man allows a Black man to shoulder the blame for a murder that he himself commits. What? That's not humorous? Indeed, it isn't.

Add to that the references and portrayal of indigenous people (on pages 180 and 335), and you should have an abundance of aspects to ponder regarding what we need to address in America.
July 15,2025
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One of the best comic novels I've ever read is truly a remarkable piece of literature. It stands shoulder to shoulder with Steinbeck's Sweet Thursday, sharing a similar charm and appeal. In fact, it is almost on par with the great Don Quixote, that classic masterpiece by Cervantes. What makes this novel so special is not just its comical elements but also the depth it possesses, much like Cervantes's work.


It takes the reader on a hilarious and yet thought-provoking journey, filled with memorable characters and absurd situations. The author's skill in creating a world that is both entertaining and profound is truly remarkable. The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, with unexpected twists and turns that add to the overall enjoyment.


Whether you are a fan of comic novels or simply looking for a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out. It will make you laugh out loud while also making you think about the deeper themes and issues it presents. In conclusion, it is a literary gem that deserves to be widely read and appreciated.

July 15,2025
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This is a remarkable book that delves deep into the realms of character and language, family and small towns.

If you have a penchant for reading about these aspects, then this book is definitely something you should explore. However, if you are seeking a strong and captivating plot or a touch of action, you might encounter some challenges with this one.

But please don't misunderstand me. This book is truly a beautiful read in its own rough and rustic manner. The characters within its pages are like those from my own small-town upbringing, where everyone seems to be involved in each other's affairs, and family is regarded as something almost divine. The way people can transform into either demons or angels depending on perspective and tales is vividly portrayed.

The setting during the Great Depression is one of desperation, yet it is also filled with the spirit of making do. The people are complex,展现ing particular facets of themselves to their assembled families.

Ultimately, I gave this book a 3.5-star rating. For me, although the language is beautiful, it couldn't overcome the fact that I got a bit bored and had some difficulty keeping track of the relationships between the characters, who hated whom, and the reasons behind it. Additionally, the repetitive nature of the dialogue, while realistic, wasn't something that I particularly enjoyed.

July 15,2025
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Just completed "WHERE IS THIS VOICE COMING FROM", a podcast from Joyce Carol Oates.

This podcast has been an eye-opening experience for me as it served as my first introduction into the world of EUDORA WELTY SHORT-stories.

I was immediately captivated by the unique style and depth of Welty's writing. The stories she tells are not only engaging but also thought-provoking, delving into the human condition and exploring themes such as love, loss, and identity.

Listening to the podcast, I could vividly imagine the characters and settings described in the stories. Oates' narration added an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the tales.

Overall, this podcast has sparked my interest in EUDORA WELTY SHORT-stories, and I look forward to reading more of her works in the future. It has truly been a wonderful discovery.
July 15,2025
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What a great pleasure it is to spend some time with this inbred and dirt poor, yet stubborn and silly southern family.

As I read the novel, I could sense the thread of desperation that ran through it, as the family struggled to stay one step ahead of starvation. However, it was never a bleak or depressing read.

On the contrary, the whole thing was filled with hope and laughter, thanks to the many larger than life characters that populated the story.

It was all so familiar to me, in a strange way. From the curiosity of the latest newcomer to the demands of hospitality imposed by an unexpected visitor, it all felt like something I had experienced before.

We also had matriarchal reunions every year around my great-grandmother's birthday, and they were some of the most fraught experiences of my childhood. But, looking back, they also produced some of the most poignant memories.

These reunions were a time when the whole family would come together, and there was always a lot of drama and excitement. But, at the end of the day, we were all family, and that was what mattered.

The novel brought back all those memories for me, and it made me realize how important family is, no matter how dysfunctional they may seem.
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