Kick in the Head: Stories

I went to school with the author, so I felt the need to read it. I have only read the first two chapters so far, and I can't wait to read the rest. This writing is quirky and unusual. I laughed out loud when I read about the butter patties on the cafeteria ceiling, because in my mind I can still see them in the High School cafeteria. Congratulations to Steven- his hard work is paying off!

Rinehart does an excellent job of exploring what it is to be male. His stories accurately descibe life in the midwest, and contain a variety of plots which are incredibly engaging. I found this book exceptional and recommend it to all!

This is crystal clear sharp stuff. "The Order of the Arrow" is one of the greatest stories ever about the screwed up crap that goes with a being a boy. Nothing sweet about it. Most recent short fiction from guys is either macho crap or is fuzzy and stupid. Kick in the Head has none of that. If other fiction, especially by men, has pissed you off some much that now you only read biographies about scientists, Kick in the Head will restore your hopes for fiction. Really.

I haven't read such a magnetic, entertaining, unnerving, and thoroughly enjoyable collection in years. Kick in the Head explores the raw, delicate territory of the human condition that is the common ground between the strange and the universal. Every element of this collection is breathtakingly unique, and yet none of it feels arbitrary or gratuitious. A rare debut, Kick in the Head is a bonafide kick in the head!