“Surely in the past three decades we have moved beyond merely the inclusion of Speedos and horny waiters and The Pines in order for something to be considered ‘gay fiction.’ . . .
“‘Aren’t human beings awful, aren’t they absurd?’ one woman observes. ‘The things one catches oneself out in!’ Unfortunately, one wishes at times while reading these stories that Ms.
Something is not right in Tel Ilan, the fictional Israeli village set in the Manasseh Hills (probably in the general vicinity of Rishon L’Tzion) in which the first seven of the eight stories in
“How the Mistakes Were Made is a fiercely affectionate rendering of that period right before the general public was hungry for the Nirvanas and the Pearl Jams—but hadn’t yet heard
“This review’s brief synopsis cannot possibly convey the novel’s wealth of detail and interconnected plot elements that demand attentive reading. . . .
“Adults and scholars will find much to enjoy both in the editor’s insightful introductory essay and in her concise, interesting biographies of the artists. . . .
“So I will say it in simple language: Buy this book. Read this book. It is masterful. It is one of the best short story collections published this year.
“There is much to like about Lizard World, but the book ultimately resembles the spliced creatures that inhabit its narrative: It is an uncomely hybrid less than the sum of its par
“Mr. Frazier’s writing is so fine it needs to be savored. These people are as unique as all human beings are; not one of them can be wholly admired or detested.
“The writing in Changó’s Beads and Two-Tone Shoes is sharp and original throughout most of the book, with skillful intercuttings of first- and third- person viewpoints.”
“When Mr. Banks is on a roll . . . it’s a pleasure to go along for the ride. . . . this is a rewarding novel, full of vigorous prose, grappling with the American experience.”
“. . . justifies the hype . . . an unabashed, full-throated baseball novel that stays just general enough to appeal to those with no interest or knowledge of the game.
“As the author contemplates works of literature and art depicting winter and the effects of central heating, he writes thoughtfully of the miracle, metaphor, poetry, and science of winter,
“In The Grief of Others, a promising and potentially engaging story is overwhelmed by obtuse storytelling. . . . This read was something of an exhausting experience.”
“The Baker’s Wife brings together unlikely characters . . . each with her own agenda and differences, to suggest that all things are possible with faith.
