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dessa's review against another edition
4.0
This turned out to be a good read for the plane - stories about people trying to find their way, whether they know it or not. People in transience. People struggling to move forward, or backward, or sideways. A surprising number of the stories were about beekeeping, which I was unsurprisingly very into.
macham17's review against another edition
4.0
Halfway through this short story collection I found myself thinking there should definitely be bees on the cover of the book - the strongest imagery in each story by far. A moving, powerful collection. My first time reading Carleigh Baker, and not my last. I appreciated all the nuance she puts in developing her characters in these short stories as real women with real issues, navigating the modern world. Never thought I'd be an advocate for bad endings (or endings without a solid happy conclusion), but I think I've just been converted. Well deserved finalist of the Rogers Trust Fiction Prize.
beckyblake's review against another edition
4.0
A fascinating collection that explores "endings" of many kinds: those that are messy, unfinished, satisfying, deliberate, unexpected, prolonged, necessary. Baker writes of difficult things with a light touch, and her characters' voices led me effortlessly through these 15 stories--sort of like wilderness guides directing my attention to some of nature's most impressive wonders, while also pointing out a surprising number of carcasses along the way...
jolynne's review against another edition
2.0
Obviously a good writer but nothing reached out and grabbed me.
lexlovesbooks's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rianlion's review against another edition
4.0
A quirky collection of stories. The ending of each story left you wanting just a little bit more, yet did not feel unfinished.
notnicolebrewer's review against another edition
4.0
What a great collection of stories! I got a Miranda July vibe from Baker's writing, but more focused on the goings-on of the story: wry, quick, detailed, delightful writing, propelled by odd and compelling characters. The first half of the collection is just back to back five-star stories. It doesn't quite hold up all the way through to the end of the collection, but I think that's common to most short story collections, and there are more than enough incredible stories in here for this to earn a spot on your shelf.
jovancah's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
dfparizeau's review against another edition
4.5
What a refreshing read. Baker is a master storyteller who knows the exact right time to reveal a truth about their character and when to wrap a narrative. You'll often be caught off-guard with the so-called "bad endings," but I promise you that each one is a satisfying conclusion.
madopiano's review against another edition
5.0
These stories are honestly FANTASTIC. Definitely one of the best collections I've read in a long time.