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A Pocketful of Prose: Contemporary Short Fiction
This volume of the POCKETFUL OF PROSE collection includes 25 contemporary stories by well-known and emerging writers. The topics of the stories are as varied as the styles used to present them, but they all give voice to contemporary experiences and issues. The authors (men, women, minorities, old and young) deal with both present day and enduring personal problems and public issues, using a variety of styles and techniques. The stories in this volume can be used in a variety of approaches to teaching fiction. Instructors using a more traditional artistic approach, which claims that a study of the techniques of fiction prepares students to respond most fully to all the elements of whatever fiction they may read in the future, will find a variety of fresh examples and illustrations of these techniques. Instructors who prefer a political approach, which teaches readers to be aware of the way the rhetorical strategies of writers tend to modify or reinforce, and control or change, the political attitudes and behavior of readers, will also discover a rich resource of material for discussion.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 6, 2018
i think i read almost every story in here. i was forced to do so. 6/10
October 7, 2011
I feel it's typical for short story collections from various authors to be good. As in, the editor chooses the best of the best. In the coming metaphor, they're like a highway. But this collection feels more like a backroad. Sure the stories don't necessarily move you or imprint themselves on your mind eternally. Sure the assortment of authors isn't a celebration of success. But somehow, the book has become an enjoyable read. It's kind of a truism; we all need to experience something mediocre once in a while.
...At least, that was my review halfway through. I swear, they saved some good stuff for last. But upon re-reading the introduction, I learned they were going for a bunch of stories published in 1990. And to that extent, they've succeeded. Included is a real grab bag of short stories. Although ultimately, that's the true power of the short story; to be able to sit down for a completely unexpected twenty minute experience.
...At least, that was my review halfway through. I swear, they saved some good stuff for last. But upon re-reading the introduction, I learned they were going for a bunch of stories published in 1990. And to that extent, they've succeeded. Included is a real grab bag of short stories. Although ultimately, that's the true power of the short story; to be able to sit down for a completely unexpected twenty minute experience.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews