Helpful Score: 7
I felt that this collection of stories was uneven -- there were a few stories that really revealed feeling and detail and character... a few where I could get what she was trying to say... and a few that did not hold my interest at all. The book is composed of mostly early writings, and you can see where Allison has since grown as an author.
Helpful Score: 3
Not many authors can match Allison's brutal honesty with herself--about her poor, low class family, about her sexuality, about her fears for the future. Fans must read this collection.
Helpful Score: 2
A book of her early writing ... even then, one could see her power as a writer. I think few authors can really match her honesty. She isn't subtle about it either - she's in your face, this is me, these are my stories. Her stories are powerful forces moving through the world and forcing people to LISTEN.
5 stars, would give more if I could. I'll read anything with her name on it.
5 stars, would give more if I could. I'll read anything with her name on it.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic book - I enjoyed the first couple of stories the best. Visceral and gripping, with a slight edge of (oftentimes self-effacing) humor.
This is an excellent book, almost as good as Bastard out of Carolina. I enjoyed reading this book and if you like this genre you will like it also.
Rich, gritty tales of life as a cultural "outsider."
