Book Overview
Critically acclaimed novelist and short story writer Richard Bausch continues the tradition of identifying the best young writers on the cusp of their careers in this year's volume of Best New American Voices. Here are stories culled from hundreds of writing programs such as the Iowa Writers' Workshop and Johns Hopkins and from summer conferences such as Sewanee and Bread Loaf--as well as a complete list of contact information for these programs. This collection showcases tomorrow's literary stars: Julie Orringer, Adam Johnson, William Gay, David Benioff, Rattawut Lapcharoensap, Maile Meloy, Amanda Davis, Jennifer Vanderbes, and John Murray are just some of the acclaimed authors whose early work has appeared in this series since its launch in 2000. The best new American voices are heard here first.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0156031493
ISBN13:9780156031493
Release Date:October 2007
Publisher:Houghton Mifflin
Length:432 Pages
Weight:0.95 lbs.
Dimensions:0.7" x 5.3" x 7.9"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Up and down but always promising
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
The stories in these collections are always up and down, but it is always great to read the work coming from the writing programs around the country. While most are standard, workshop fare, they all show that flair for language and creativity that hopefully will push these writers on to bigger and better things. A few of the stories really shine, especially "Mouse" by Jordan McMullin. The story is melancholy and really captures some of forgotten anxieties that many young children feel when they are beginning to realize that world doesn't always come together the way they want it to. She also shows a great ear for dialogue and the writing itself is heartfelt with just the right amount of detail. Not all of the stories are going to be for everyone, but reading the work of fledgling writers can be rewarding, especially when you can find those small gems and enjoy them for the imperfection.
Great stories, great promise
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
These stories are at times amateurish and flawed, but all of them have the kind of edge needed before maturation and polish. These early endeavors reflect the growing pains of great promise.
good rainy day reading
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Best New American Voices: 2008 is good rainy day reading. The first story, "Alice" by Tucker Capps, really sticks to your ribs. The author forgoes the gritty and just does realism, which allows the reader to understand the main character more authentically. As someone is is not a literary critic, I found this book a good modern choice to round out my library of short story collections that otherwise tend to be classics.
Excellent series
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Every annual collection of this title are great. They are a must read for aspiring writers and for those who enjoy the short story form. With this collection, we are witnessing the process of new writers honing their craft to near perfection. The different styles of story telling is what makes each story unique. Some insightful readers might even see that a few stories are a work in progress of a full length novel.
the last story by S. Mckinstray is the best one....
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I was pretty bored with the stories, they're pretty much the standard american realism/new yorker/iowa workshop flotsam that nobody except other MFA students & instructors read. More people watch soccer than read serious literary fiction nowadays..... But all that being said, the last story, "no one here means what they say" by Mckinstray has an immense impact on the casual reader, it is well written and touching. I recommend buying this collection if only for that story. We will definitely be hearing from that writer again...
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