vacations from hell
libba bray, editor (5 short stories)
read: july 2009
recommendation: use your local library!
This is hard to review and rate because it's a collection of stories by different authors. In other words, an anthology. (Smart, self.) I should also mention upfront that I have never been the biggest fan of short stories.
So without further ado, the stories, individually rated:
#1 by Sarah Mlynowski - It wasn't bad, it wasn't great. Not particularly memorable for any reason - humor, angst, twists, etc. It felt kind of predictable and more two-dimensional that I like, but again, it's a short story. (4.5/10)
#2 by Claudia Gray - I want to read more more more. This is what I want short stories to do - either have me fulfilled at the end, or with an ending that leaves a multitude of possibilities, allowing the reader to create their own stories with the characters. Definitely liked this one, and I heard it inspired a new series - which I am already anticipating! (9/10)
#3 by Maureen Johnson - She gets points for the ending, but really? That's what you came up with Maureen? I have to admit I expected more. Usually she's so creative and funny while still maintaining some semblance of reality (disclaimer: Devilish is my least favorite of her books, and I went to an all-girls Catholic school with nuns!). This reminded me why I have a hard time with short stories - it felt like filler, and kind of frivolous. (5/10)
#4 by Cassandra Clare - Of course there's sibling love! ;) However, I really did not like this one at all - the set up, the ending, the premise, blech. I didn't buy it for a second, and thought it was over-wrought and trying too hard. Though I do like the fact that the main character ended up as strong as I hoped. (3.5/10)
#5 by Libba Bray - I found this story not immediately accessible, and kind of hard to get into - I think it would have been better in second person POV, if that makes any sense. The story asked for an immediacy with the reader that I think second person would have provided. Already the narrator talks directly to the reader through the concept of filming a youtube video, but it's not quite smooth. However, I liked the sense of unease, superstitions, etc. It was unsettling, which was refreshing in this collection! (7/10)
Do with that what you will!
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