Book Overview
WINNER OF THE 2008 DRUE HEINZ LITERATURE PRIZESelected by Scott Turow Feeling distanced from her friends and family, middle-aged divorcee Caitlin Drury is encouraged by her daughter to express her feelings in a diary, but she is hesitant: "I feel lonely she wrote, then crossed it out. She didn't like the idea of someone coming along later to read her journal, finding out she felt lonely." "Like That," and other stories from Anthony Varallo's new collection Out Loud give voice to the disconnections of family and relationships, and the silent emotions that often speak louder than words. In "The Walkers," we follow a couple on their daily trek through a bedroom community, where they partially glimpse their neighbors' lives, longing for inclusion. Yet their insular lifestyle ensures that they deal with people only on the surface--without learning the truth of their problems. Out Loud tells of longings for meaningful expression and the complexities and escapism of human interactions that keep us from these truths. Varallo uses the trials of youth and remembrances of the past, the rituals and routines of the everyday, the interactions of family, friends, teachers, and neighbors to peel away the layers of language and actions we use to shield ourselves.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0822943565
ISBN13:9780822943563
Release Date:September 2008
Publisher:University of Pittsburgh Press
Length:180 Pages
Weight:0.70 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 5.3" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Good, solid literature
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Fiction is a window to the culture. "Out Loud" is an anthology of insightful short fiction from award winning author Anthony Varallo. Touching on the loneliness of some, the exclusion and shunning of others yet the desire to be included by oneself, the stories told within are a vivid picture of the inner conflict that consumes many Americans daily. "Out Loud" is good, solid literature, something to be considered for short fiction enthusiasts.
A Gem
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Varallo's characters have authentic voices and relate to everyone's childhood's awkwardness and experiences. And his stories are outrageously hilarious to boot! Tony Varallo himself is hysterical and genuine, and his stories show a sort of affectionate, yet scrutinizing, magnifying glass on adolescence and on life. Highly, highly recommended!
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