The World Begins Here: An Anthology of Oregon Short Fiction

Like the other volumes in this unique series of works written in and about the state of Oregon, this collection of stories is excellent. Representing the long history of the area from before the arrival of Europeans (Astoria is the oldest US settlement west of the Mississippi) to contemporary times, the work selected provides a clear window to the diverse people, landscapes and experiences of the state. These stories are a lively read, from Molly Gloss's disturbing "The Doe" (a nod to Oregon poet William Stafford's poem "Traveling in the Dark") to humorous and historical works of fiction. This is a handsomely produced collection for story lovers or those curious about the NW.