McGraw is wise and occasionally laughoutloud funny, with a seventh sense for the perfect turn of phrase . . . This quintessential collection of stories serves as an homage to the form while showcasing McGraws stunning talent and deep empathy for the idiosyncrasies, small joys, and despairs of human nature." Publishers Weekly (starred and boxed review) In Joy, narrators step out of themselves to explain their lives to us, sometimes defensively, sometimes regretfully, other times deceitfully. Voices include those of the impulsive firsttime murderer, the depressed pet sitter, the assistant of Patsy Cline, the anxietyriddled new mother, the aged rockandroller, the girlfriend of your husbandhuman beings often (incredibly) unaware of the turning points staring them in the face. "How can stories this brief be so satisfying? . . . [McGraw] deals with the profound, the dire, the mundane, and the ridiculous, paying particular attention to relationships between parents and children, siblings, spouses, criminals, and their victims. While some stories are meant purely to amuse, many are intense and beautiful . . . Fiftythree gems that demonstrate all the things a short story can do. Wow." Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
- | Author: Erin McGraw
- | Publisher: Counterpoint
- | Publication Date: March 17, 2020
- | Number of Pages: 304 pages
- | Language: English
- | Binding: Paperback
- | ISBN-10: 1640093524
- | ISBN-13: 9781640093522