Bill, you absolutely need to read DEAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS. It will bring back memories of the opening section of SO FINE (which, in turn, would make a good Forgotten Films entry). That is the only one I’ve read of this group. It will be tough picking 10, let alone narrowing it down to five. I’ve read a LOT of short stories this year.
Jeff, like you, I’ve read a ton of short stories in 2014. Loved this NEW ANNOTATED H. P. LOVECRAFT volume. Enjoyed the BLACK LIZARD BIG BOOK OF LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES.
My favorite book of the year is Amy Bloom’s Lucky Us, about two sisters during and after WWII, but also about how America became the melting pot it is today. A close second is Jeff Vandermeer’s Annihilation, about an expedition to an area where nature is behaving “unnaturally.” Unfortunately, Authority, the next book in the trilogy, isn’t grabbing me in the same way.
I’m tempted to get that Lovecraft collection, even though I already have several of them, including the annotated Penguin versions. It is just such a cool looking book.
I need to do this list but I lost (gasp) my record.
Patti, I lose stuff all the time! But, Diane usually finds it.
I keep thinking I need to read DEAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS, but then I forget.
Bill, you’d laugh out loud at some of the academic memos and recommendation letters in DEAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
Bill, you absolutely need to read DEAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS. It will bring back memories of the opening section of SO FINE (which, in turn, would make a good Forgotten Films entry). That is the only one I’ve read of this group. It will be tough picking 10, let alone narrowing it down to five. I’ve read a LOT of short stories this year.
Jeff, like you, I’ve read a ton of short stories in 2014. Loved this NEW ANNOTATED H. P. LOVECRAFT volume. Enjoyed the BLACK LIZARD BIG BOOK OF LOCKED-ROOM MYSTERIES.
My favorite book of the year is Amy Bloom’s Lucky Us, about two sisters during and after WWII, but also about how America became the melting pot it is today. A close second is Jeff Vandermeer’s Annihilation, about an expedition to an area where nature is behaving “unnaturally.” Unfortunately, Authority, the next book in the trilogy, isn’t grabbing me in the same way.
Deb, I liked the first book in Jeff Vandermeer’s trilogy. But the next two books weren’t very good. I’ll have to track down LUCKY US.
Deb, I agree on the Bloom by I had a hard time getting into the other. Will probably try again at some point.
I’d highly recommend the National Book Award-winning collection REDEPLOYMENT by Phil Klay.
Jeff, I have REDEPLOYMENT on my Read Real Soon stack.
Interesting list, George. Is that two books in the bottom photo or counted as one? I haven’t done my favorites of the year, but maybe tomorrow.
Rick, that other book somehow made it into the photo. The recommended book is the Lovecraft. You would really like the Jack Vance volume, too!
I’m tempted to get that Lovecraft collection, even though I already have several of them, including the annotated Penguin versions. It is just such a cool looking book.
Carl, this new Lovecraft book is a bargain! You get a lot for your money.