No Pets

I like Jim Daniels' stories because they are about real characters. And, he tells his stories with an honest voice. Too often when I read short stories, I feel that the writer is trying to impress me. I don't know if it's MFA programs or what, but many fiction writers seem to put craft, style, and experimentation over character, story, and authenticity. Not Daniels. He's about the character first. When he's got someone's story in his hands, he treats that character with dignity. He tries to tell the character's story as honestly as possible. He doesn't let overly crafted writing get in the way of that telling. Too often craft and style are the writer saying, "Look at how clever I am." But, when Jim Daniels writes about a character he wants the reader looking at that character only. He shows real respect for his characters.

Tough characters, sparse writing with an outcome that is rich and full of heart. The stories stay with you.

Carnegie Mellon's Jim Daniels has stepped out and published his first collection of short stories. Though they could be read as extensions to his poems; working class struggles in working class lives. Though these are as fresh and original as his poems are. John Sayles says it best on the back, this book truly is about those who are forced to realize that the American Dream is not for them. Honest blue-collar prose from one of the countries best writers.