Short Stories Books

I was going to wait to write my reveiw after my children read it but I could not wait. I absolutely love The Replacements! The book taught great lessons of loving your neighbor, being grateful, and being a good example without beating the reader over the head. I would love to see more of Malachi and Daniel, Momma D, Red and even Max. I am wondering what other lessons will they learn and how will it effect the other characters. Excellent!!!

Here is my 9 year olds review.

"IT WAS ABOUT A BOY WHO WANTED A CHANGE AND ONCE HE GOT IT IT WAS QUITE A NIGHTMARE. AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TELL THE AUTHOR THAT i WOULD GIVE HER 5 STARS AND THE BEST BOOK OF THE CENTURY AWARD IF THERE WAS THAT KIND OF AWARD."

This was a very good book the only bad part about this book was that it wasn't long enough. I like how the author made this book very detailed you were able to see everything that was going on in this home without even being there. And the life lesson in this book was just beautiful. God always show you that just when you thought you got it bad things could always be alot worse. So count your blessings and be greatful for what you have.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The author's style made it possible for me to be in each moment as it was happening. When Momma was cooking, I could smell the wonderful aroma of the food. I could feel each character's emotions throughout the story. And, I like the way the author was able to include valuable life's lessons that are a good reminder to everyone.

Although listed as a children's book for ages 9 thru young adult, it is my belief anyone of any age could benefit from it.

Demetria Keys has shown up to be a clever writer with a mission to serve the Lord with her gifts. "The Replacements" makes the reader consider what he has been given and think about the consequences of his/her own possiblenever ending desires for more. A very thoughtful book!

Twelve year-old Daniel's life is anything but extraordinary: his little brother, Malachi, is a constant nuisance, his mother is a sedate stay-at-home-mom, his father is a modest bread-winner, and he's subject to the daily idiosyncrasies of Max, his chain-smoking bus driver whose lips release a perpetual stream of smoke interlaced with sarcasm. Add to that the fact that he's fallen hard for his teacher, Mrs. Fillmore - who barely even notices him - and you've got all the makings of a pre-teen drama lived daily with no happy ending in sight.

Increasingly dissatisfied with his life as is, one night Daniel says a prayer before going to bed, wishing that his life would change...well, as the old saying goes, be careful what you wish for...Daniel awakens the next morning, apparently having gotten his wish - and then some. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling to cope with an alternative reality, a seemingly inverted mirror image of his old life, and he soon realizes that the things we ask for are often the very things we are least prepared to receive.

The Replacements is a clever commentary on the trappings of contemporary society, most especially our constant striving to gain more than what we already have. Through the eyes of a child, Demetria Keys does a convincing job of relating the fact that the best blessings we could ever receive lie squarely within the scope of our everyday lives. An effective dramatization of the old "grass is always greener" adage, Keys's tale extols the value of the benefits readily available to us. By ignoring them, we run the risk of creating a reality for ourselves that leaves even less to be desired.

Keys most effectively conveys this lesson in Daniel's epiphany regarding his parents' love. Unhappy with his father's role as a stern, exacting disciplinarian, he quietly longs for his mother to be more assertive in challenging his father's authority; however, when he awakens to his desired reality, he finds that his new life in his parents' eyes makes his old one sparkle in comparison. The contrast helps him realize that regardless of how they choose to show it, he can never take for granted the fact that his parents love him without question.

The Replacements is an encouraging morality tale of learning to embrace the real treasures of life. If you're unhappy with the way things are going in yours, read this book before you consider making any changes...

This is my second Rodriguez book, following Always Running, and I think I'm hooked on him, now. Each short story is impossible to turn away from, and each represents a different sub culture of East LA's Chicano and Mexican cultures. Most importantly, however, each represents a different character and personality, within each of these subcultures. Modern American entertainment tends to lump all minority characters into one revolving cyborg, as if they're all connected to the same brain. Rodriguez's answer to that is introducing us to the real people of East Los Angeles and their real feelings, not only toward America, but toward each other. About as far as mainstream American folkore goes with the latter is the drive by gang war. Rodriguez doesn't leave that out either. But he gives us a different look, one from the "locas", or the women. The issues they face, ranging from violent to romantic to family neglect, will not give you the time to wonder, "what do they see in these guys, anyway?". And to think, we're distracted from this question just reading the book; imagine being in their shoes...

It's this kind of writing that makes people like Rodriguez so important to America today, as unfortunately, stories of culture in places like East Los Angeles die on a vine before reaching the American mainstream household or entertainment venue, which leaves the role of messenger to Hollywood film producers and book publishers, who more often than not give us their own version. What else could explain most mainstream productions of Latino, black, or Asian culture?

I really didn't know what to expect from the book when I got it. I was going on a guess that I would like it having already read the author's previous book Always Running. But the characters are so real and one can see them so clearly and draw on their experiences. I am not from East L.A. so the culture is different from my own in many ways, yet Rodriguez has allowed the reader to empathize with the characters so easily. My favorite story was "Finger Dance," which is about a father called Chi Cho who put his whole soul into his metal work and artistry and "who was feared, respected, and to be honest, just plain ornery," but somehow missed making an important connection with his children (77). As the father's health declines due to dementia and cancer, his son Arturo finds a way of connecting to his father in a way that is very moving. No one can read this story (as well as the other stories), and somehow not come away moved and very impressed.

The Republic of East L.A. is incredible because it talks about the truths of East L.A. Some stories are hard to believe because it is so gruesome and tragic. For example, on page 63, a sixteen-year-old girl named Noemi got raped by some vatos. Furthermore, on page 229, there were women who sold themselves for sex in order to obtain money. However, there are parts of the story that are just funny. For example, on page 64, a freshman girl named Olivia fought over a seat and got suspended. We would recommend The Republic of East L.A because it has an exciting mixture of settings, emotions, and characters. We recommend this book because it talks about betrayal, love, and tragedy. Overall, this book is worth reading.

Luis J. Rodriguez once again has painted a vibrant and complex picture of those who work, live, love and die in "The Republic of East L.A." Rodriguez's prose is straight-forward yet poetic as he tells us about the varied struggles of cholos/as, a budding journalist, a limousine driver, immigrants, working people, all sorts of gente. My favorite story is "Sometimes You Dance with a Watermelon," where forty-year-old Rosalba (an immigrant living in poverty and already a grandmother) needs to escape her crowded home to get a momentary bit of joy. She rouses her favorite granddaughter, Chila, and they drive to Grand Central Market where they buy a watermelon. Rosalba balances it on her head and starts to walk swaying "back and forth to a salsa beat thundering out of an appliance store." She and Chila get caught up in this joyous dance:

"Rosalba had not looked that happy in a long time as she danced along the bustling streets of the central city in her loose-fitting skirt and sandals. She danced in the shadow of a multi-storied Victorian -- dancing for one contemptuous husband and for another who was dead. She danced for a daughter who didn't love herself enough to truly have the love of another man. She danced for her grandchildren, especially that fireball Chila. She danced for her people, wherever they were scattered, and for this country she would never quite comprehend. She danced, her hair matted with sweat, while remembering a simpler life on an even simpler rancho in Nayarit."

This is a powerful, beautiful collection.

NOTE: This review refers to the paperback edition.

It's rare to find new literature about Chicanos in Los Angeles. Most I've found is set in the years from 1920 to 1970. This was a breath of fresh air.

I must admit that I hadn't heard of Luis J. Rodriguez before I read the books. What first attracted me to the book was the pretty girl on the cover. While the stories were compelling to me as a Chicano, I think the true beauty of the author's work is a truth that transcends racial and socio-economic background and most importantly, age.

Highly recommended.

Wonderful story of the kind of love we all want and how painful it is to lose after we have experienced it. I really enjoyed this story and "The Sculptor" by the same author. The writing style sort of reminds me of the "Bridges of Madison County" and that is one of my favorite books! Linda B

....any of you older hands remember that song? In the bloom of young adulthood I resented it, yet found myself turning off the radio before I started bawling. why???? because young as I was at the time, it wasn't hard to picture me carrying the daisy to the grave of someone i loved. Well here we go again, except this time I'm old...and ill...and I'm reading Jim Wilsky, a talented writer whose gift for sentIment and its expression holds you spellbound.

I knew fairly early on who the picnic was for. Mrs. Palmer's greeting cinched it...but it didn't matter because I was spellbound by the sweet, sad, sentimental prose of Jim Wilsky.

So I read on and cried and cried. I pictured those two roses lying there when it rained that night..waiting to give the joy one lover intended for another...but waiting in vain. My God, Mr. Wilsky, you've moved me to tears. Your story describes every heart broken by the loss of one so close. You write in the universal language of love and death, so that any of us could so easily substitute our own wives, beloved girlfriends, or the child who was so full of love and life gone off to war. Lest We Forget

You do it so simply, Mr. Wilsky, and so well. Five Stars John W. Cassell

Like the other reviewers, I was swept along knowing where the river would take me. But, what a heartfelt, poignant, and beautifully written word picture of what love should be--and endure. I mostly pull down dozens of fellow Amazon Short Authors to get a technical feel of the different genres--well written or not. However, I showed this one to my wife. She did something she has not done with my own stories. She took a copy to work along with Amazon Short information so people could by a copy of "Roses." Jim, I'm jealous, but happily so. Good work.

With perfect Italian élan, an elderly gentleman packs a picnic for himself and his beloved. There is nothing particularly telling about his actions or the items he solicitously places inside the well-used wicker basket, but still there is a sense that something is not quite right. Author Jim J. Wilsky is careful to describe this loving ritual in calculated detail. As a reader, you like his leading character almost instantly; this is a man who stops to adjust crooked pictures of his loving family, and even though he has put on his sweater a thousand and two times, he still manages to mis-button it. Even still, there is a slight aura of tension that surrounds him. It is almost as subtle as the subtext used to create it.

The reader can't help but be swept along.

The two lovers walk hand in hand through a beautiful park, to their well-worn bench sitting in an umbra of silence and solitude. Two birds frolic on the ground in front of them as they eat, deftly underscoring the poignant, bittersweet ending.

`Roses,' is a story of gentle layers, subtle nuances, tenderness and beauty. Very impressive in less than 2,000 words.

ERO

As I read this story, I couldnt help recall my father. Only recently we lost my mother and though I grieve, it does not seem to compare to the grief my father suffers.

All the remembered little things about a loved one, comes sharply in the focus of the one left behind and were it not for the shared memories, the loss would be a living hell.

Anthony Vacco was a man set a sea without his first mate, his wife, his beloved Maria. Days drift into days and it is only on Wednesdays that the sun comes up for Anthony. The Roses bloom and everything is perfect for a picnic in the park...and then, the pain begins.......
A beautiful and tender story I understood well.

rutkowski is hard edged and deeply moving, simultaneously. it's imposssible not to identify with the troubled young man he creates. He's also riotously funny.

I've known Thaddeus Rutkowski since he was bringing in early chapters of this novel to a writing workshop. They were powerful then, and put together as a novel, they make a short, sharp shock of a book.

The voice is especially strong, at first seeming like an expressionless monotone,the pressure builds through the arc of the book, until the tragedy and hilarity of the narrator's family takes on huge dimensions.

Also...if you ever get a chance to hear him read his own work, DEFINITELY go. He's a marvelous reader/speaker.

There are many bruises here, pain and little healing. At first I was curious about why this book obsessed with the darker side of family relationships, but I realized that this dark side was what the protagonist was forced to see in the light--grief is apparent, not concealed. These sound bytes of reality are like snippets of information, or severed knowledge. How true to life. Overall a challenging and difficult read, because of its subject matter. But rewarding.

"A man's home is his castle." Taken to heart--the wrong heart--the notion can lead to the most grotesque kind of tinpot tyranny, like the one dispassionately described in this brilliant novel of black humor. The narrator's father is a fascinatingly twisted s.o.b. who abuses his family in a myriad of ways. Depicting an apparently semirural lower middle class existence, the book thrives on bizarre convolutions: one of them is that Dad is an Artist. Another: Mom is Chinese. Dad is also a drunken gun-nut who torments his sons and molests his young daughter. The narrator grows up to be an artist, too, or at least an art student. He acts out his own compulsions in what by contrast seems like the much saner and socially acceptable outlet of mutually-consented s & m. A darkly comic masterpiece!

Rutkowski fondly recollects his boyhood days as a moving target for his father's tortured artist angst. In his past he uncovers horrors but also discovers a curious kind of redemption. This may well turn out to be a classic study of the birth of a conceptual artist.

This book works on two levels: One, these short stories are by the Russian masters of the genre. In English translation, they are powerful, evocative, and moving, on their own. There is a reason why Pushkin, Chekhov, and Dostoevsky are still popular: Those guys didn't write any garbage. They set the bar for all writers as high as it could go. I would especially recommend "Sleepy" by Anton Chekhov. Read it on Halloween night, as I did, for a good old fashioned fright.

Secondarily, for those of us learning Russian, these short stories provide fascinating and very challenging works to translate. Be advised, this is a high level of Russian literature, written for educated and literate native speakers, so it's a big challenge. Pack a lunch.

The short story format is especially beneficial. If you can get through one story, believe me, you are ready for the psychological reward of starting a new story.

Got this book a while ago, its way too hard for me for my level but the good thing is you can work through at a slow pace and still get a lot out of it. Stress marks are very helpful, would have been useless to me without them basically, and the glossary is also helpful although it doesn't include everything (good to have a dictionary nearby). Layout is good, that is, having the english on the adjacent page, makes for very easy reference to the english. Archaic language is usually noted and explained as such, which is useful. Great for reading practice, highly recommendable book for all skill levels (i have only been learning for around 6 months but have still got a lot out of it so far). Good selection of stories and enough to keep an beginner reader going for a long time!

A book of short stories from famous Russian Authors, Half in Russian and Half in english. The book loks intimidating, but the stories are selected to appeal.
The stories were capitvating and all were easy to follow except the cave. I did attempt to read the russian and the layout makes this easy.
I have now been introduced to different Russian authors that I will follow up.

This book is a wonderful rare find. I am a friend/neighbor of highly educated recent Russian immigrants with limited expertise in English. Although they are taking English classes, it is almost impossible for them to find interesting books to read in English beyond those of a childrens book reading level. Having to use a Russian/English dictionary while reading eliminates a lot of the simple pleasures that reading provides. This book's dual language format is absolutely perfect. They can finally enjoy a book written in English that reflects their reading interests due to the fact that the exact Russian version resides on the opposing page. This dual language format is also an absolutely perfect tool for English students learning the Russian language. It gave me so much pleasure to provide them with this opportunity to both practice and better enjoy reading books in English. I only wish that there were a lot more books available in this style for my friends to enjoy....

I bought this book as part of my ongoing acquisition of the Russian language. The layout is excellent and typical of these types of book; the stories are well selected and entertaining, with a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical usage.

But...

Anyone wanting to use this book as a booster to their contemporary Russian language skills should bear in mind that a Russian person learning English would not be best served by heading for the library and taking down Dickens, Tennyson, and Gaskill. Languages shift, change, and evolve and today's spoken Russian is as different from that of Gogol as English in San Francisco is different from that of Thackerey. Arguably the English spoken in San Francisco is fairly nasty ("He was like, that was so totally awsome, and I was like, cool...") because it is imprecise and unfocused and in fact fails to convey much meaning; nevertheless a solid grounding in Henry James wouldn't prepare someone for a close encounter with the local natives of the Sunset District. Likewise, the stories here won't really help you much with contemporary Russian as spoken by a teenage girl in Peter or a xenophobic hoodie near Red Square.

But as a pleasure in itself, this book is a gem and a worthwhile addition to the library of anyone who is just establishing a beach-head in the language.

Savage Art is a truly remarkable work of scholarship. In it, Robert Polito meticulously separates out fact from the considerable amount of mythology that surrounds Jim Thompson's life.
Since so much of what Thompson wrote is autobiographical in origin, a knowledge of Thompson's very unusual life history helps the reader better appreciate his work. So it is not at all hard to argue that this is not only a well written and fascinating biography, it is an important one as well.
Polito explains, in exacting detail, how Thompson's life and consequently his writing was influenced by the interpersonal and societal forces he encountered as he matured.
To put it another way. Jim Thompson's worldview was shaped, nurtured and, some would say, warped by his life experiences.
He then took this unique worldview and used it to interpret the self same experiences which formed it. The result is Thompson's very significant contribution to 20th century American fiction. Dark, disturbing books inhabited by sad, desperate characters trapped in hideous circumstances. These are novels that boldly explore areas that would otherwise be unexplorable.
Savage Art is very much a monumental achievement. Essential reading for Jim Thompson fans.

I suppose when an author pens a biography of another author, the reader should not expect the biography to provide the same level of reader delight as the author whom the biography covers. Don't get me wrong, Polito does a good job, and he certainly is not a hack writer. His analysis is steady without flights of fancy about Thompson's motives, but it's not too interesting either. Yes, Thompson lived a tought life in Texas and Oklahoma as his flitty father bounced from one dream deal to another, and his time spent in the Texas oil rig jungle is informative not only about Thompson but about the times and condiitons where he lived. Bringing in excerpts from Thompson's writings to explain (or perhaps just to connect the dots) events in his life with parallels in his writings doesn't always work. Yes, the reader can see his father in life and in the person of a corrupt official in one of Thompson's novels, but one can never see the genius--the why.

This award-winning book certainly deserves any awards based on the good scholarship Polito brings to the effort. The details, though, sometimes bog the reader down in minutiae that seem to detract from who Thompson was. One of the more interestings periods of Thompson's life was while working with the WPA as a writer working on the Oklahoma Guide. The connections with the writers and the communist and socialist, including Thompson, even Thompson's activitist role in the WWW is rendered in such detail that the reader wonders why Polito brings in all the detail -- which seems almost like the minutes of a party meeting -- that he does. However, whether intentionally or not, Polito puts the lie to the contention that mystery writers are right-wing apologists for capitalism. Thompson (and perhaps even more so Lous L'Amour who was part of Thompson's group of writers who were involved in Oklahoma's communist party) were not just hacks churning out pulp fiction for the he-man magazines but were men of conscience who were well aware of the plight of the working man during this era in this time and place. The fact that Thompson gave up the party doesn't detract (or indict) from his deep feelings for injustices he experienced in his life and saw in others.

All in all, Polito's work represents excellent scholarship, and in reading this book, you will come away with a close rendering of Jim Thompson's life. However, while well documented and certainly with a pedestrian scholarship, I never felt that Polito found the source of Thomson's real genius.

I highly recommend this 1995 National Book Award winner. Thorough and utterly engrossing, Savage Art will satisfy both longtime Thompson fans and neophytes, providing stunning insight into the man as well as the autobiographical aspects of his ofttimes sordid fictional output. Definitely a must read for those who appreciate noir.

If there was ever an American original, it's Jim Thompson. His dark and deranged world-view, expressed in a series of cheap paperbacks in the fifties and sixties, revels in the that part of the American psyche that we ignore and are afraid to look at. Polito's detailed bio explains where Thompson came from, and the events that molded him into the premier writer of American noir. Even if you aren't interested in Thompson and his work, this is an exquisite biography.

I didn't think it was possible to write a full-scale biography of Thompson because of his scattered, secret life. But Polito has pulled off the seemingly impossible. He gathers together unexpected facts from obscure sources in places all over the country. He combines this with excellent, insightful analysis of this tortured writer's work. When I first read Thompson's novels back in the mid-'80's, it felt like my brain was being turned inside out. I was so astonished I went out and bought every one. Now thanks to Polito we can begin to understand the sources of the horror and the humanity of his novels.

"The Secret Names of Women" is a pure joy -- really. I've already recommended it to all four of my English classes. It's the best collection of stories I've read since Robert Olen Butler's "Tabloid Dreams." That's a hefty compliment from me. Don't let the title fool you. "Secret Names..." could and would appeal to anybody -- male or female -- who appreciates good, honest, solid, funny, smart stories. If you like to curl up with Alice Munro, Andre Dubus, and William Trevor, do yourself a favor and buy this book TODAY. You'll be glad you did.

Without a doubt, one of the best collections of short stories I've ever read. Barrett proves herself to be a virtuoso talent. Whether she's uncovering the true source of Marilyn Monroe's voice, following a team of Elvis impersonators on the road, or chronicling the personal lives of tweenage girl-band members, every word has the glint of truth -- it's as if the author has actually done all these things.

I think anyone who aspires to write short stories should read this book to learn how to construct a story in such a way its seams will be invisible. The stories are polished and perfect. Barrett is skilled at her craft, and this book leaves me wanting more.

I was really impressed by the range and depth of Ms. Barrett's stories. From a purely technical view, each story could be used as a model for writing certain kinds of stories. Aside from that, though, are the strong, interesting characters that lead the reader through the pieces.

Stories that stood out for me were Elvis Lives and Hush Money. In Elvis Lives, we follow three Elvis impersonators that signed a contract they can't get out of. I won't say anymore so as not to ruin the story, but I will say that this story won the Edgar Award for best mystery short story. Hush Money involves Marilyn Monroe and how she "found" her voice, the one that "sounds like she just finished having sex."

There are stories in this collection for all tastes, and all told with such clear mastery of the craft that we all should admire.

"The Secret Names of Women" is a pure joy -- really. I've already recommended it to all four of my English classes. It's the best collection of stories I've read since Robert Olen Butler's "Tabloid Dreams." That's a hefty compliment from me. Don't let the title fool you. "Secret Names..." could and would appeal to anybody -- male or female -- who appreciates good, honest, solid, funny, smart stories. If you like to curl up with Alice Munro, Andre Dubus, and William Trevor, do yourself a favor and buy this book TODAY. You'll be glad you did.

The beginnings of each of Lynne Barrett's stories in this collection grabbed me in the gut, my place of excitement, the place where I know my truths reside. I couldn't wait to complete the stories.

As I read each piece, my feelings rose out of my guts, twirled around in my head, and then descended, much like the trajectory of the fireworks that are part of the July 4th celebration in the background of "Macy Is The Other Woman." I experienced delight, surprise, and then dismay at losing the characters when the stories ended.

Rationing the stories (no more than one per day as I commuted to and from work) helped a lot, stretching out the experience. I read slowly, savoring each piece. The women in this collection reminded me of women I have known, women I have wanted to know, and women I have been nervous to get to know. I'm glad for the opportunity to have visited with them all through this collection.

this is a short story collection I did not want to put down and kept on whatever surface was nearest to me until I finished it. each story created a world I couldn't help but dive right into. Ms. Waxman has a beautiful ability to capture many emotions simultaneously: the heartfelt,the sensual, the hilarious. buy this book and enjoy!

Stephanie Waxman's stories are so compelling. They catch you, hold you and stay with you. I could have read this collection in one sitting, but I parceled them out to myself, one story a day, so I had time to really think about each one. I needed two days to think about the desperation of the pregnant woman during WW2, in "In the Flat Above the Bakery." My daughter (25 years old) read the stories immediately after I did, and her favorite was the one called "The Outing" which is about a very old woman. I don't want to give away any content, but this collection is a treasure. I highly recommend it.

These are stories that stick.

The young French woman giving birth aided only by the two Jewish children she hides as the SS pound on the door.

The woman marrying again, late in her life, reflecting.

The kids whose pick up date ends in deep sobs that heal their broken souls.

These are odd characters in sharp places that stay in the heart.

- Jim Conn

I love this book! Sex & Death. As a woman in my fifties, I am increasingly obsessed with both of these. Stephanie addresses each with incredible sensitivity. In each story, you are drawn into a wholly encompassing world and meet these marvelous characters that could be your next-door neighbors unveiled. What a kick, you laugh, you cry, and sometimes cringe, but you don't want the story to end; you want to know what's next in their lives. I'm ordering up a bunch of these books, for my sister and my daughter for Mother's Day and for my women's group for a fabulous summer read!

The first story had me hooked. As I went along, I realized that it doesn't take a lot of words to make a story and so was encouraged to continue my own writing. I was taken to each world that Stephanie created. They were all so rich with details and emotion. Thank you.

I'm not usually a big fan of short stories but I love these. They are insightful, attention grabbing and always interesting. I got this book as a gift when I was 15 still come back to it frequently years later.

The book contains over 40 short stories and 4 early works by Langston Hughes. As a high school student, I have enjoyed each and every work of Hughes and am fond of his writings.

THIS BOOK IS TRULY A MASTERPIECE!I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED LANGSTON HUGHES WHETHER IT WAS HIS POETRY OR HIS SHORT STORIES. HE WAS A VERY INTELLIGIENT MIND(WHAT A BRILLIANT MAN). R.I.P. MY DEAR LANGSTON!

If you want to read some really deep and powerful insights into the human condition, check out "Mary Winowsky" (written when LH was in HIGH SCHOOL!), "The Gun," Fine Accomodations," "One Friday Morning," "The Little Virgin," "The Young Glory of Him." These stories will make you weep and think about the everyday people you pass in the street and wonder about the stories they may have inside of them. This book should be in EVERY literature class!

This book tells more than just what it is to be Black, it says a lot about being human.

Langston Hughes entire body of work is a testament to his love and pride of being a black American. Though he never excluded his common bond of brotherhood with other people of non-African decent, black Americans occupied first place in his affections and concerns. He never turned his back to them to win the approbation of a larger audience by catering to stereotypes. He had a profound dislike for blacks ashamed of being black,ashamed or who denied their African heritage, ashamed of their skin, and who catered to the worst prejudices of the larger audience in any medium for profit and fame or just to be liked and accepted--like a worrisome number today.

Like his poetry, Hughes short stories reflected much of his philosophy about being proudly black and the shared commonality of all people. Here in LANGSTON HUGHES: SHORT STORIES, edited by Akiba Sullivan Harper with and introduction by Arnold Rampersad, is the proof. Many of the stories presented here are those that have been out of print for some time ,or, are being printed for the first time since they were created. Much like the COLLECTED POEMS by Rampersad, an effort has been made to put the stories in chronological order by the date they were written or published. In all the stories represent a brief overview of specific short stories, not "all" Hughes short stories, and are different in tone and universal in some topics while still embracing black identity. My favorites are "Blessed Assurance" (protesting homophobia in the black community and black church in Hughes's own understandably gay closeted way) and those inspired by his early sea travels. The appendix of this book contains those stories written when Hughes was still in high school.

Like much of Hughes body of work, what he produced is still relevant today in one way or another as in the day he first put pen to paper or struck the keys of a typewriter to entertain and make a statement.

This book from renowned picture book author and illustrator, Lynley Dodd, is one of her best and that is saying something as all of her picture books are great. This is appealing to small children and adults alike. Slinky Malinki is one of several characters who appear in many of LD's books. He is a cheeky and loveable pet cat who gets up to highjinks around the neighborhood. Highly recommended

Although a fun book to read to a child, not Lynley Dodd's best. The various cats' names are quite clever, and the last page is entertaining for a child who likes surprises. I was hoping for more extended rhymes and a more complex story (a la Slinky Malinki), but this one is not quite of the same calibre. Still, a good addition to a child's library.

Great book! My grandaughter loves all the Lynley Dodd books! Her books are charming and fun to read aloud!

This book is adorable. The rhyming text is fun to read aloud and the illustrations are hilarious. My 5 year old son LOVES Slinky Malinki and all the other Hairy MacLairy characters. Love that last page with Scarface Claw sneaking into the house after the other cats. :-)

Slinky Malinky shows a softer side in this delightful tale from the creator of Hairy Maclary. Slinky Malinky has been a thief in the night (SLINKY MALINKY) and a partner in wanton destruction (SLINKY MALINKY OPEN THE DOOR) but this time the long-tailed cat shows compassion to others.

Slinky Malinky exits the quiet house via a catflap. Joining up with nine other cats (also seen in other Lynley Dodd books) they gather on a crumbling wall. But along comes Scarface Claw, the toughest tom in town, and the resulting howls and screeches awaken the neighborhood. Scarface Claw runs off and Slinky Malinky welcomes the other cats to the warm hearth waiting at home on the other side of the catflap.

This book is a delight and reminds me of the sweetness of HAIRY MACLARY AND ZACHARY QUACK. Lynley Dodd uses fun lyrical language and delightful artwork to tell the tale. If you have enjoyed other Slinky Malinky books, or any others from Lynley Dodd, this tale of the reformed feline should provide additional delight.