Bad Dirt: Wyoming Stories 2
by Annie Proulx
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Book Summary Information
Author: Annie ProulxEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-09-20
ISBN: 0743260147
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Scribner
Book Reviews of Bad Dirt: Wyoming Stories 2
Book Review: quirkily idolized American West
Summary: 5 Stars
The scenic, hardship, and roughness of the Wyoming ranching wilderness is painted in a lasting reading impression done in a short-story gold-nugget format.
Never before has the changing and past American West been so quirkily idolized. And done so well.
Human behavior is captured in such a colorful, poetic, detailed manner unlike anything I have ever read. Some of the word choices demonstrate excellent wordsmithing that succinctly create a picture. The sexual relationships among characters give each story grist, realism, and lasting impact where no man has gone before.
There are bar stories in this volume that trigger giggling that would be worth in $50 of antidepressant medication with no side effects!
I thought the first story "The Hellhole" oddly enough reminded me of Satanic Verses and the schizophrenic, psychedelic nature of the thinking processes of the characters in the book satirized from a humanitarian perspective. Perhaps drinking induces a similar effect in bar tall-tail telling folklore.
As some have written, I too think Annie Proulx has a Steinbeckian style when describing the American West, but I don't think this volume's tone is as serious as the first and is more humorous. This and the prior volume reminded me of 10th grade English when I read American short stories and developed some knowledge of American authors and literature. I can imagine some of her stories being selected to be included in such textbooks some day!
I have a rough time picking one story from the book as my favorite since each is such a colorful jewel. I tend to think you need to read the entire book as a collage of life experiences to see the big picture of Wyoming culture.
I truly loved this book and the prior volume and I think Annie Proulx is one mighty fine writer.
Summary of Bad Dirt: Wyoming Stories 2
Annie Proulx's new collection is peopled by characters who struggle with circumstances beyond their control. Born to ranching, drawn to it, or desperate to get out, they inhabit worlds that are isolated and often dangerous. Trouble comes at them from unexpected angles, and they drive themselves through it, hardheaded and resourceful. No one writes better than Proulx about the American west and about lives that may no longer be viable. This is a stunning collection by one of the most vivid and exhilarating writers of our time.Short Stories Books
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