The News of the World (Contemporary American Fiction) [Paperback]

Ron Carlson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Contemporary American Fiction | Publication Date: May 3, 1988

Art and life mix together in an exhilarating tango in this collection of stories from the author of Betrayed by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Carlson resembles the father in one of his loveliest stories, "The H Street Sledding Record," a man who throws manure on his roof every Christmas Eve to convince his children that reindeer landed there. In these brief tales that immediately capture the reader with their vitality and sense of immediacy, Carlson (Betrayed by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Truants attempts to preserve some illusions, to maintain that the simple rituals of life can and should provide pleasure and continuity. Most of the 16 stories in this collection are about "ordinary" people: couples in small towns trying to make marriages work; parents concerned with 2 a.m. feedings. Carlson writes realistically, but with optimism; compassion motivates his characters. Even when the stories take a whimsical turn, as in"Bigfoot Stole My Wife," a monologue by a man who says he can smell traces of the monster in his kitchen, Carlson shows a keen understanding of people's needs for connection and community. It is a treat to read these simple but polished stories about the possibility of love.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

These 16 stories are short and meaty, dealing briefly with an event or a handful of people, then moving on to the next segment until the "news" is over. The people Carlson writes about are ordinary eccentrics whose experiences are typical enough to be understood by others but are not run of the mill. There is nothing earth-shaking or absolutely-not-to-be-missed here, but Carlson writes well, and the families he describes in "Half Life" and "The H Street Sledding Record" are particularly appealing. For larger collections, or where short story collections circulate well.Mary K. Prokop, CEL Regional Lib., Savannah, Ga.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (May 3, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140107045
• ISBN-13: 978-0140107043
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,019,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required reading, April 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The News of the World (Hardcover)

I am not sure when I first read this book, but I return to it as often as possible. Carlson's stories and characters cleave to you (see "Blood"). I believe that readers will be better able to understand themselves, their emotions, and their reactions to trying circumstances after reading these stories. I wish I could assign this book to all of my students.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Short stories for people who don't like short stories..., August 28, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The News of the World (Hardcover)

In 'News of the World', Carlson weaves a tapestry of stories that place common people in both common and absurd situations, keeping a conversational tone throughout. His voice remains simple and genuine, and while these qualify for the elusive genre of literary fiction they are not the inaccessible sort that so many stories from that genre can so often be. At times touching ("Blood") and at times hilarious ("Bigfoot Stole My Wife"), you can't help but like the characters. Nor can you help but read on. One of the better collections of stories I've read, I have recommended this book often and will continue to do so

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most realistic short prose that I've ever read., October 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The News of the World (Hardcover)

I wouldn't have believed that you could do so much character development in 20 pages. These stories ring true and pull you in. I can't get enough. Start with "The H Street Sledding Record" about a husband and father that brings his family closer with yearly rituals; a man that so wants another child that he's afraid to ask his wife about the possibility lest she say no. You will identify with the struggles and idiosynchroncies of these people and will really care about how their story will unfold. It may be hard to find, but get this book.