What I’ve Just Finished Reading

   Ok, I’m a little behind this week. I’m sure you were all dying to read about my findings in the Fantastic Flash Fiction World, but it will have to wait until next week. Anyway, I just finished reading Self Help, by Lorrie Moore. I am completely beside myself over this book. It’s a collection of short stories, and by far, the best one I’ve ever read. After reading this novel, Moore has become one of my favorite authors, and this book is definitely on my favorite list. Self Help was initially suggested to me when my professor read a short story I’d written in the second person. She told me I hadn’t “done it right,” and suggested I read Moore’s Self Help as an example of an author who had written in the second person successfully. Not all of the stories are written in the second person, but the ones that are, are AMAZING! My personal favorites were How to Become a Writer, and How to Be An Other Woman. Her writing is very sharp, concise, and at times, sarcastic. I don’t know about anyone else, but I love a good sarcastic writer. This book is not what’s considered a “beach read.” It’s not light at all, in fact it deals with a lot of “weighty” issues, hence the title. Self Help is a book I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a good read.