Joe Meno (1)

Don't be fooled by the pastel cover or the relatively short length. This is not a light story. It reminds me a bit of some of [a:Michael Chabon|2715|Michael Chabon|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1515875672p2/2715.jpg]'s works, but without the grace or the wisdom.

It's all very metaphorical and artsy-fartsy. It's not authentic, and it doesn't resonate, at least with me.

Also, I know some of you don't like alternating points of view or time frames, and this has both of those in spades. It also includes casual marijuana use and underage sex.

Now, if my objections don't bother you, and you are interested, give it a shot. There are a few insightful bits, a few interesting ideas. And maybe I don't know enough about the different kinds of people in the world and these folks are actual real. I don't recommend it; I didn't enjoy it nor do I feel enlightened by it, but it's not a bad book.… (more)

Ostensibly these are supposed to all be noir stories. They are not. In some cases, they read as excerpts or first chapters... Some are really well written and, as usual, a collection of short stories is a great way to sample new and new-to-you authors.

I am puzzled by 1) why they said these were noir stories, and 2) why they said they were "classics" of that sub-genre.

Noirs are about people who realize that following the program will never get them what they crave. So they cross the line, commit a crime and reap the consequences. Or, they’re tales about seemingly innocent people tortured by paranoia and ass-kicked by Fate. Either way, they depict a world that’s merciless and unforgiving.

If the guy gets the girl at the end? Not noir. If you are telling me a slice-of-life, or hard-times story? Not noir.… (more)