This isn't my favorite genre, but there are exceptions. Some of the stories I loved, others not so much, but overall I'm glad I read it and recommend for fans of the author and/or genre.. ...more
This is a delightful collection of fun, twisty stories, and Lippman’s talent in writing psychological mysteries particularly shines. There’s 4.5 stars
This is a delightful collection of fun, twisty stories, and Lippman’s talent in writing psychological mysteries particularly shines. There’s something for everyone, highlighting the talent of the author. I’m not a big fan of short stories as most tend to end abruptly, leaving the reader hanging. That’s not the case here, as each stands alone and the endings are satisfying.
A few of my favorites:
Snowflake Time: the funniest of the collection, about a cozy mystery writer who broke an unspoken “rule”, resulting in the wrath of irate readers. The author good-naturedly pokes fun at Goodreads reviewers, which I found hilarious. The book is worth reading just for this story alone. Just One More: A married couple who grow bored during lockdown, play a very dangerous game that turns deadly in a way that was a complete surprise. One of my favorites Seasonal Work: a teenager navigates a life on the run with a con man. Five Fires: the brilliant ending was a shocker that I didn’t see coming and made me want to go back to the beginning and read it again. Slow Burner: can any good come of finding your husband’s burner phone? The Book Thing: what is better for a reader than to read about a bookstore? Fans of Tess Monaghan will be pleased to find her starring in this one
I skipped only one story, the one narrated by Xe Sands, whose tone and voice always sounds bored and listless, trailing off at the end of sentences, which grates on my nerves.
I read this slowly over the course of a week, which I think is the best way to read collections. Each story of the audiobook is narrated by someone different, which worked beautifully to differentiate the chapters....more
I love Ann Patchett’s writing but ultimately, in this case, the book languished on my nightstand until I downloaded the audiobook. Listening to Ann reI love Ann Patchett’s writing but ultimately, in this case, the book languished on my nightstand until I downloaded the audiobook. Listening to Ann read her own words was the perfect way to experience her essays.
As with any collection, there were some essays I liked better than others, and I recommend reading (or listening) to one or two a day, not straight through. The one I found most interesting as a reader was “Cover Art”, on how covers are chosen and how much input is allowed an author. In my own journey to minimize and simplify I appreciated her essay, “My Year of No Shopping”. The most heartfelt and moving essay was about Sooki, Tom Hank’s assistant. They became friends and grew even closer during Sooki’s long battle with pancreatic cancer. It is her art on the cover of the book and their relationship was touching and moving. You can read it online here: https://harpers.org/archive/2021/01/t...
In between, Ann touches on her childhood, her fathers, the death of a parent, her decision to remain childless, her writing career, owning a bookstore, her marriage, and other topics. Listening to her was like sitting down with a good friend over a cup of coffee.
This is indeed a precious life and Ann reminds us how very fragile life is and how we need to find the joy in our days. Living a life of love and generosity of spirit, paying attention to the small moments, and putting people and relationships above all else sounds like meaningless platitudes but in this book we see them in action.
I enjoyed this glimpse into Ann’s life and closed the last page with a full heart....more
Were I to quote from this book all the witty observations that I loved, I would be in danger of transcribing the entire book.
E.B White is a treasure. Were I to quote from this book all the witty observations that I loved, I would be in danger of transcribing the entire book.
E.B White is a treasure. He is of course, the author of the beloved children’s books, Charlotte’s Web, and Stuart Little, as well as an award winning poet, humorist, and essayist. His observations about life, politics, and human nature are poignant, charming, humorous, and just as relevant today as they were when he first penned these words.
His granddaughter Martha White compiled the best of his essays, poems, letters, and sketches in this book. But the title is misleading. Yes, there are essays about White’s many dogs, including Fred, his hilarious and beloved dachshund, and, of course, Daisy who gained fame in 1932 when White wrote her poignant and amusing obituary in the New Yorker. He also writes about his pig, which became the inspiration for Charlotte’s Web. If you can read this essay without crying then you are made of stone.
You don’t have to be a dog lover to read and appreciate this collection. You simply have to appreciate brilliant writing about life and the human condition. I think he must be the finest writer and essayist of our times. Simply brilliant! ...more
The blurb says it all: “Widely read for his eloquence and wit, widely taught for his superb clarity, White remains one of the greatest essayists of thThe blurb says it all: “Widely read for his eloquence and wit, widely taught for his superb clarity, White remains one of the greatest essayists of this century. "Some of the finest examples of contemporary, genuinely American prose."-- "The Washington Post"
I have such fond memories of reading Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little to my children but this is my first experience with his essays. His writing is as charming, poignant, and as relevant today as it was when he first penned these words. Wise and funny, they lend themselves well to hearing the essays read aloud. The narrator of the audiobook was perfect. I have a copy of the paperback in my cart to purchase for my keeper shelf.
This was a balm to my soul during a very sad time, a month when we lost both of our sweet Havanese dogs within weeks of each other. I found comfort in how lovingly E.B. White writes about his dogs and other animals. There’s only a handful of favorite authors that writes about the ordinary in an extraordinary way. EB White is now on my short list.
Beautifully written and a complete pleasure. Thank you to my Goodreads friend Anne whose lovely review led me to this book....more
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