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Monday, July 24, 2006

Book #13 The Dead Fish Museum by Charles D'Ambrosio

At the writing retreat this weekend (which I will discuss later, maybe) I immersed myself in Charlie's newest collection of short stories, The Dead Fish Museum. He grabbed onto me and didn't let go until I had finished the last word of the last story.

I had read five of the eight stories before (seven of the eight were first published in The New Yorker) and I pleasured in reading them again. He is such an extraordinary writer and his characters and stories are engaging and layered in ways that other stories could never be. I learn so much from reading his work, but more than that I just love reading him. I'm brought in by the first sentence in every story, and he keeps my mind from wandering (which is quite a feat) while I get glimpses into the lives of his incredible characters.

The Dead Fish Museum is a definite must read, but make sure that you reserve a full day or two because once you begin, you won't be able to put it down.

2 comments:

Myfanwy Collins said...

His reading ("The Screenwriter") at Tin House was one of my favorites. I never got up the nerve to pass on your hello though. I'm sorry! I'm terribly shy! I thought of you every time I saw him, though.

Kelly said...

That's okay--I almost never got up the nerve to say hello to him either ;)
Great to hear from you--I miss you!