A grieving couple rents a desperate landlord's house in an effort to recover lost intimacy. Twins are irrevocably separated by events both beyond and within their control. A nighttime prank and its gruesome aftermath forge human connections no on could have anticipated.
The eight stories in Half as Happy reveal with startling clarity their characters' secrets, losses, and desires. Each with the depth of a novel, these insightful portraits of darkness and light within us reverberate long after they've ended, like beautiful and disturbing dreams.
my thoughts:
As you all know, I'm a huge fan of short stories, so when this book came up for review I jumped at the chance. I just had a feeling that this book was going to be a treat to read and believe you me, it certainly was. I found myself holed up with this amazing book over the weekend unable to stop reading - seriously, I got really annoyed whenever I was interrupted. I just wanted to read, read, and read some more. The book was just so engrossing, that I couldn't help but be captivated from the first page when I was drawn into a story about a couple mired in grief. I swear I was in deep like at first and then soon enough I found myself falling in deep for this book. The writing was just excellent and the stories themselves were just so bloody good - I couldn't help myself! I feel like I cheated on Lahiri and Ogawa with this book (seeing as they are my absolute favorite short story writers). The shame! LOL!
There are eight stories in Half as Happy and each one is more terrific than the last one. Spatz just knows how to write about life so well and so accurately. He touches on the things that make life difficult, uncomfortable, and sad. He knows how dig deep and expose the raw emotional truth of loss, love and relationships. And you can't help but keep turning the pages to see what the next story will bring. I usually take my time when reading a short story book, so that I can savor them slowly, but this time round I just gobbled them all up one right after the other. I think it was my mood that kept me obsessed with the book all weekend. I was feeling pensive and rather gloomy for some odd reason and this book just really fit the bill for what I needed. The stories were a great mix of humor and sadness all rolled into one. I found myself unable to stop thinking about them long after I put the book down. I just really enjoyed the way in which Spatz was able to explore so many aspects of life in such a vivid and honest manner. His book is now one of my favorite short story books and has been assigned a spot next to my other favorite short story books.
So, yes, I would definitely recommend Half as Happy to anyone and everyone who loves short stories - you will love this book!! I know that I can't wait to read more of Spatz' works. Here's the link to the book tour for Half as Happy - check out what other readers think of this fantastic book!
15 comments:
Sounds pretty good to me.
Ti, it really was! I think you'd like it :)
It's always so good to read a book where you are angry when someone interrupts you! I'm glad you found that in a short story book. Usually I have to put those down occasionally.
Rebecca, thanks! Its a true testament to how good the book is :)
I wouldn't have called myself a fan of short stories in the days before I started blogging. BUT now I hear about the good collections often and I'm proud to say that I'm becoming a fan of them :) This one sounds GREAT!
Jennifer, I know what you mean. I was never a huge fan, but then I read Lahiri's book, Interpreter of Maladies and I was hooked! I'm glad you are starting to enjoy them as well!
Cheating on Ogawa, I totally get it! I love it when you love a book, Nadia, it makes my enthusiasm to read it all the more fierce.
Nadia -- Thanks so much for the kind and generous words about Half as Happy! So glad you enjoyed it!
Gregory Spatz
sounds good
Bellezza, I know! I feel so guilty! And, thanks for your kinds words dear friend :)
Gregory, I loved your book! Thanks for writing it :)
I'm really trying to find short story collections to try - it's been one of my favorite ways to write but I have a hard time enjoying books of them. I'll have to keep my eye out for this!
Lisa, definitely keep your eye out for this one - it is worth it :)
"I feel like I cheated on Lahiri and Ogawa with this book" HA! I love this, and I can totally identify!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
I just missed the chance to be on this TLC tour, and after reading this, I REALLY wish I'd made it!! I'll have to figure out how to get my hands on it :)
@booksarethenewblack: Send me an email, I'll make sure you get a copy from the publisher!
Greg
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