My Hard Bargain: Stories

I got this book because I loved Kirn's first several chapters of "Up In The Air". I wanted to see if he invented the style of Up In The Air specifically for Up In The Air, or if he always used the same style. Answer: The style of Up In The Air was unique. But about My Hard Bargain . . . I really liked the stories in this book. Even though a couple of the stories left me going, "Huh?" others were great. And all were a pleasure to read. I especially liked "Planetarium," about a basketball coach who tries to cure his team's sins of masturbation by having each kid chart how frequently he engages in the activity; "The Orphan," about a young man who's getting a little too close to his best friend's parents; and "A Satisfying Ride In The Country," about a guy who's a little too obsessed with his I.Q. Kirn really seems to be able to capture subtle psychological moments and motivations. Two things I wish: 1) that the book didn't end, and 2) that I knew WHICH of the stories had been published in Esquire, The Quarterly, and Story.I guess the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because of the Huh? factor in a couple of the stories. But, really, I would recommend this book to anyone.

A collection of perfectly written, evocative and humorous short stories. They are all great. Especially the one about the little kid protecting his family with his dad's gun. And the one about the petting zoo (which wins an award from me for the description of the smell of pesticide by an accidentally poisoned farmer: "chocolate hairspray.") What more could you ask for? This book is a find. I can't recommend it highly enough (nor can I remember how to spell reccomend). You will not be disappointed. Funny - smart - beautiful - great. Get this book. Then email me and we can talk about how great it is!