Like You'd Understand, Anyway: Stories

I discovered the book at a reading in which Jim Shepherd held the audience captive with a thousand word digression about an sea dwelling dinosaur (part of a work in progress he said). I figured if his unfinished digressions were that good I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a signed copy of the collection. For once I was right. Shepherd writes with a powerful voice that is an absolute joy to read. His characters are often unlikeable, but in that way that you just can't help but love.

An amazing collection of short stories. "Pleasure Boating in Lituya Bay" may be the most perfect short story I've ever read.

A gem-- Shephard has the capacity to give believable voice to characters historical and fictional, reflect on relationships and predicaments along the way, and guide a plot toward a conclusion that is at times unexpected, but never inauthentic. Such clever takes on familiar people and events: I especially appreciated the simultaneously Soviet-flat and passionate character of the first female cosmonaut, and the genuine dilemma--beyond the obvious-- faced by the 18th century French executioner. I finished the collection and wanted more...

An interesting collection of short stories -- although some have more power and appeal than others. Shepard has a strong knack at writing intriguing and satisfying conclusions, which is a rare literary talent.

Will someone please write a book that lives up to this wonderful title? Okay, Shepard's a genius, granted. These short stories seem painfully well researched.It's a difficult read, but one of those books you feel proud to get through.

I didn't care for it. I gave up after reading about half of the stories. They just didn't click with me. The graphic designer however is a genius, because I probably would have picked up this book for purchase based on the cover art alone.

Ah, my writing professor at Williams, who happens to be an exceptional short story writer. He makes the genre proud. I will forever be grateful to him for teaching me all I know about writing at this point in my life and for never failing to call me out on my bullshit.

Jim Shepard was probably the best professor I encountered in college. This collection is mind-boggling in the breadth of different subjects involved, but with a very clear and moving theme throughout. One of my all-time favorite collections. Perfect for anyone with a strained relationship with his/her father!

Reading these stories was an experience in marvel, meaning I sat there in awe of Shepard's craft, his ability to play with words and create an unusual world populated with bizarre characters with unique voices. Thing is, I can't feel attached to these stories. The literature I love speaks to me in a personal way. It has sentiment (without being sappy or overly sentimental) and contains characters who, while not necessarily like me, at least possess characteristics I can identify as my own, or who experience emotions I have also experienced. I felt no such connection while reading this book. Technically superior, but, like the cover artwork, merely an odd distraction that has no resonance once out of mind.

Some of the stories were good but the first person diary form gets old. These feel like MFA workshop stories, crafty but not terribly engrossing.