Review- The Best American Short Stories 2001

It took me a while to finish, but I read through the whole thing. Twenty stories that Barbara Kingslover thought were the best of 2001, and I didn't disagree with her. The highlight for me was Roy Parvin's BETTY HUTTON. The opening line is "He was a big man who looked like trouble."

Parvin grabbed my attention with that. The story is basically about a man known as Gibbs who has spent much of his life in prison, but when he gets out wants to change his life. To do this he tries to actually make two wrongs turn into a right. He steals money and a car from his girlfriend in order to make a new life for himself in Montana. I don't want to spoil the story for those of you who may want to read this.

Some other short stories that were awesome are: "Servants of the Map" by Andrea Barrett, "Labors of the Heart" by Claire Davis, "After Cowboy Chicken Came to Town" by Ha Jin, "Rug Weaver" by Barbara Klein Moss, and "My Mother's Garden" by Katherine Shonk.

I only didn't care for two stories in this collection.

Back from Alabama

The family and I were in Alabama for about two weeks visiting family. We had a great time, but it was such a busy two weeks that I didn't get to read too much. I did finish a rather lengthy book, THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2001 edited by Barbara Kingslover. I really enjoyed this collection, so many quality short stories. There were only two that I didn't care for, which out of twenty wasn't too bad. I'm thinking I should read a couple short novels if I'm going to get my twenty books in. It ain't looking good to be honest. I might have to settle for 15.

Book Five-THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2001

I got a book I ordered in the mail today. I'll probably start reading that a little at a time. Since I have massive reading ADD, I figured reading short stories every once in a while might help. Besides some of the best writers in the world write in that publication. I might be able to get some tips. I'll, of course, keep you posted.