Review “Hands down my favorite book of the year.” (Ann Patchett)“There’s a lot of Salinger in Wilson’s writing — the wit, the vulnerability and the cosmic sadness. And, these new stories of Wilson’s are something else; they’re funny, raw and beautiful and, for sure, they killed me.” (Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air)“The versatile Wilson inspires tears and laughter, and crafts memorable phrases that may unexpectedly pop up in the reader’s mind weeks later.” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)“A welcome event, seeing as how Wilson is a master of the form. . . . Within each story, Wilson shows his sharp wit and expansive empathy for the weirdest corners of the human condition.” (Nylon Magazine)“Saying it’s as good as Tunneling to the Center of the Earth doesn’t do it justice. . . . Wilson never moralizes, much less sensationalizes, any predicament he sketches; rather he makes us feel and wonder at the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” (Booklist (starred review))“Wilson triumphantly returns to short stories. . . . Evocative, compassionate, and exquisitely composed stories about the human condition.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))“Darkly funny. . . . [The stories] stick with the reader and show a terrible world made less so, sometimes, by human contact, even though humans were usually the problem in the first place.” (Publishers Weekly)PRAISE FOR PERFECT LITTLE WORLD: (//)“A novel you keep reading for old-fashioned reasons—because it’s a good story and you need to know what happens. But you also keep reading because you want to know what a good family is.  Everyone wants to know that.” (John Irving, The New York Times Book Review)“Wild. . . . Wilson neatly dissects the meaning of ‘family values’ in this provocative read.” (People) Read more About the Author Kevin Wilson is the author of the novels The Family Fang, a New York Times bestseller adapted into an acclaimed film starring Nicole Kidman, and Perfect Little World; as well as the story collections Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, winner of the Shirley Jackson Award, and Baby, You’re Gonna Be Mine. He lives in Sewanee, Tennessee, with his wife and two sons. Read more
M**S
Meaningful
I usually avoid short stories, because I want a fuller picture of the characters and a longer lasting read. I began this when I was desperate for something not too silly or dumb, not too full of the horrors of real life, and well written. After reading 7 of the 10 stories, I had to stop and write this review, because I want to tell people how great this book is. The characters and the stories are full of meaning that relates to me and the things I see happening around me in this world of horrible personal stories. But it isn't too horrifying to read, it is enjoyable and entertaining, creative and unique, but it makes you feel deeply the reality of now. Several of the first stories have rather weird plot lines. Every story I have read so far is excellent. I can't wait to try his other books.
C**R
Engrossing stories
First time I’ve read by this author and I enjoyed his writing. These stories are compact - sparse is not quite the right word but the lack of minutiae serves the format well and the talented author draws us into the characters lives with the details of their internal, emotional lives rather than the external details of who they appear to be.The author’s general focus is on the parent-child relationship - even in the story with no parents, the lack of their presence drives the story in a certain manner and I think is what the story is about. There’s more than a bit of existential angst here and it’s handled in a wonderful style. I leave the details to other reviewers; suffice to say I’ll be reading his other works.
P**Y
Very Boring!
I saw a recommendation for this book on the Today show and the gentleman raved about how great it was. I bought and read it and did not like it! The stories were not very interesting. They suddenly ended with me wondering -"Did I miss something?" I would not recommend it!
K**K
The best short story writer!
My favorite short story writer! Kevin Wilson is a genius, specifically with his short stories, which I hand out like pieces of my favorite candy. For me, they're a litmus test of whether or not I trust your judgment on writing in general. I won't be more specific because I love them all. They're always weird and wonderful enough to make you wonder how a mind thinks them up.
M**D
Deserving of more than five stars
This is a remarkable collection of short stories. Each one is expertly paced. Yes, Ann Patchett REALLY likes this book and I can easily see why. Kevin Wilson's word selection is other worldly. Not only are his descriptive phrases laser sharp but often he adds additional nuance that complements the original idea and makes it additionally impactful. This is not a book to read quickly. Trust me, you will savor it. The craftsmanship of writing in this book amazed me.
Z**F
Unpleasant characters acting out of irrational compulsions
I did not like a single story in this book. A lot of the characters substitute irrational raving for real attempts to communicate. Many of them seem to go from compulsion to compulsion, often violently. It is now an established medical fact that consuming marijuana increases rates of mental illness and violent mental illness. These characters seem to be consuming a lot.
B**E
Not Your Usual Short Stories
My earlier review quit in the middle! Terrific writing. The first stories gripped me by the throat! But I kept Reading, since this was recommended by Ann Patchett on PBS’ NewsHour with Jeffrey Brown. I’m on my way to finishing these tales, which crackle with electricity. These are stories about the down and outers, those on the margins of society, people filled with angst and fear and questions about what to do next. Like many of us right now. Gird yourselves and dive in. The water temperature is unexpected.
K**D
Just plain creepy.
This is a book of creepy stories. I've read about a third of them and I don't think I'll finish. I have no affinity for any of the characters. They have no common sense, make stupid choices, and don't learn a damn thing from it.
