I Think It's True What They Say . . . Dreams? Trains? Dreams About Trains?

Raw and sorrowful, this little book follows the sad life of the protagonist, Granier, in turn-of-the-century Idaho and its environs. We see his melancholy life unfold in a series of vignettes, some of which are just plain kinky and disturbing. And in a book just 116 pages long, well, that seems like a lot. Since the main character is an absolute angel, it seems like we're getting a glimpse into the author's inner turmoil, to me. So while his writing is crisp, his plotlines aren't my style.

And the Guy Can Write, Too

Who knew? It's not enough that he's a great actor. Or director. Or producer. Or screenwriter. Now he's proven that his talent knows no bounds, and he's a literary force to be reckoned with. (Maybe he stinks at sports.) Anyway, in this book of short stories, his love of history is apparent, with his references to days of yore. Don't go thinking he's stuck in the dark ages, though, because some of his stories are decidedly modern, or at least timeless. There's an overarching melancholia in the book which keeps me from wishing I, like Gumby, could skate on into the stories and live there. It also makes me think that maybe the happy-go-lucky Tom hasn't always been so, and maybe isn't actually now. Nevertheless, these faintly interwoven tales are all captivating, thought provoking, and make great reading. I wonder what it's like to be that talented? I guess it makes one an uncommon type.

Beautifully Intertwined

I heard this author on NPR, and wanted to know more. I'm not sure the cover would have made me make the purchase, so I'm glad I had a different introduction to the book. A deft writer, Lori weaves her own personal story of the loss of love with tales of notable patients, and there's something in every story that resonated with me. She's real in her emotions, fair in her perceptions, accepting in her estimations, and ultimately hopeful in her resolutions. I found myself craving every chapter, and feeling as if I could be friends with all the characters, flaws and all. A great message of acceptance of oneself and others, and some life lessons along the way.