Customer Reviews

Sweet Talk: Stories

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This is a collection of loosely connected stories about a young woman in contemporary America. All of the stories are outstanding, but one in particular, "Dog Heaven," is a masterpiece. I've read this story at least half a dozen times, and each time I read it, I'm moved to tears, and love it more. It's a story about a dog, of course; but also a story of the friendship of three young people. American writers excel at the short story, and "Dog Heaven" is one of the best stories ever written by an American.

I read this collection of amazing stories when it first came out, and have just read it again, and the stories bite even harder than the first time! The stories are sad, tough, and funnier than hell. I wish to see another book published by this gifted Stephanie Vaughn. She has so much to say -- and says it so very, very well.

Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog should be in every anthology. I was at a reception for Shannon Ravenel, the long time editor of the Best American Short Stories series (for about 17 years) and was fortunate enough to be able to speak with her for a few minutes. She singled out two stories from this collection (Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog & Dog Heaven) as genius. Keep in mind that the editor of the series reads about 10,000 (no exaggeration)/year and then consider how memorable memorable has to be. You should pick this book up immediately.

"Sweet Talk" is the best collection of short stories I have read in many years. The author's eye for language and detail, her utter mastery of metaphor and her ability to create a world out of details that many others would discard are gifts to be enjoyed and cherished. "Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog" drew me in but her other stories are just as impressive.

"We're On TV In The Universe" turns a winter accident into an absurdist contemplation of blind happenstance and "My Mother Breathing Light" describes the facts of identity and familial bonds in entirely new ways. Vaughn is a master of the short story and nothing less. She does not care about coming across a certain way. She simply tells the truth in ways that cannot be forgotten. Her style is insightful, comic at times, vividly aware, quiet, contemplative and full of the moment to moment awareness of the pain that everyone carries.

She creates compact and vibrant worlds in a short space and gives the best that may be hoped for consistently.