Months ago, Teddy Rose of So Many Precious Books, So Little Time challenged her readers to read the short story "Chicxulub" by T. Coraghessan Boyle. It's about a girl walking home late one night and a father meditating on how unpredictable life can be, and at times how meaningless. I printed out the story after finding it on The New Yorker website and it's been sitting on my desk every since. At least until I picked the pages up to read them this afternoon. Wow. Now I understand why Teddy encouraged others to read it. On an emotional level, it's a powerful story, heart-wrenching in every way. And frightening, but not in the horror story kind of way. So much packed into just a few short pages. From the technical standpoint, Boyle has crafted a story that draws the reader in, introduces well developed characters, the suspense building all the while, and leaves the reader stunned but with a sense of closure. When my husband gets home from work tonight I am going to give him a big hug, and I might never let go.
© 2010, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
It IS a I-want-to-hug-my-loved-ones-right-now sort of story, isn't it? One of my absolute favourites.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Wendy! I have not read a short story for a while. I just printed the story and I look forward to reading it soon. :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, you've got my attention. I have to find this now.
ReplyDeleteI printed this out a few months ago after reading her blog posting too and I still haven't read it! I feel pretty regretful about that now...
ReplyDeleteOk, I just bookmarked it and will read it soon. Perfect timing as May is short story month!
ReplyDeleteAna - It is! This has to be among my favorite short stories too.
ReplyDeleteMelody - I look forward to your thoughts on it, Melody.
Christine - Do read it, Christine. It's one of the best short stories I've read.
Kathleen - It's never to late. :-)
Iliana - I hadn't realized it was short story month! Perfect timing.
It's great to see that you read it Wendy. It really packs a punch, doesn't it? I'm glad you agree with my assessment. I recently reviewed his novel Tortilla Curtain, which was awesome as well.
ReplyDeleteTeddy - I'm just sorry I took so long. Thank you so much for the recommendation. I will have to look for the author's novel. I think I've seen it around.
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