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Liked It “Male insecurity? Check. Straddling the literary and genre lines? Check. Sex with strangers? Check. |
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“Male insecurity? Check. Straddling the literary and genre lines? Check. Sex with strangers? Check.
DK Thompson wrote this review Monday, March 9 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
All the Lethem elements are here that make for a very interesting read. A few of the stories ended just when they seemed to be getting started, others left me scratching my head, and yet. Some of them were gold. Lethem is, as always imminently readable and makes it look so easy.
I particularly loved "This Shape We're In," "Access Fantasy," "Super Goat Man" and "Interview with the Crab." Especially "This Shape We're In." I'm going to be smiling about that story for a long time.
I wouldn't call it great but if you like Lethem's stuff, it's definitely worth checking out.”
“Lethem is one of those writers you either love or hate. Me? I love the guy. For my money he's got some great ideas, although he doesn't always see them completely through. Then again, that's part of Lethem's charm. He allows his characters breathing room, and many of his stories come across the same way the best European films do--as a slice-of-life that we're allowed to look in on, then just as we're beginning to piece the scene together in our mind's eye, our little window is abruptly shut, and we become haunted by the what-ifs.
Todd N wrote this review Monday, January 21 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
There are lots of what-ifs here, and I'd recommend this short story collection as a Lethem trial if you're not familiar with him. You get just enough of a taste to see if Lethem's style fits you, and its an odd fit, to be sure.
Two stories in this collection stood out for me, "Super Goat Man," which gives the reader an account of what a superhero's life might REALLY be like (i.e. far from glamorous), and "This Shape We're In," a dystopian tale of sorts. Both of these stories feel finished, whereas most of the others feel like sketches rather than finished stories. Not Lethem's best stuff, but certainly worth checking out, whether you're a fan or just a reader itching for something different. ”
“An interesting collection of short stories, with some similar themes that emerge. The stories are a little off-beat with a lot of odd non-human characters replaced in human situations. I liked it, but not nearly as much as other short story collections.”
Matt wrote this review Sunday, October 21 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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