August Reads: New Favorite Short Story Collection, A Claire Keegan Masterpiece, First Don DeLillo

[@KatesCouch]

Have been interested in Small Things Like These after seeing it a bunch in shops but definitely moving it to the top of my list after watching this :-) Happy October!

[@heather1628]

You summed up Small Things Like These perfectly in saying that it showcases the horrors of society but is also a cosy Christmas read haha. How she meshed the two so well, I don't know, but I loved it. It almost helped me get through the more shocking parts because I knew there were also lovely scenes of baking a Christmas cake and such. But yeah, definitely agree that her writing is an experience and that every word counts. Thanks for recommending Edward P Jones - I hadn't heard of him, so am very keen to check him out. It sounds like he does one of my favourites things, which is to expand my world view, but then also add in bits of connection, if that makes sense? Like you're reading about a life you don't know or a place you've never been, but then there are little scenes and moments which are so relatable and so human, so it kind of draws the world back in again. Overall, the writing just sounds great. Anyway, good luck for starting the next academic year - I hope it all goes well! When you said "cicadas, lots of caffeine, and end of summer", that felt like such a vibe haha. Looking forward to the video with your dad, and would definitely be keen to hear some music if you're ever comfortable sharing.

[@agwriting]

I love how detailed your comments always are! It's still so crazy to me that someone watches the entire video. I completely agree with you on Small Things Like These, so wonderful. And definitely check out Edward P. Jones, that's exactly what I was trying to say about his writing. I think he's highly highly underrated. I appreciate the well wishes, will get that video out soon as well as some music hopefully. Thanks again for watching!

[@Bekaabee]

I'd never heard of the Magdalene Laundries before but this prompted me to look into it... and wow what a crazy situation. I'm really surprised it doesn't get talked about more.

[@agwriting]

Could not agree more

[@vjpublisher]

Thanks for the reading update! Looking forward to reading your short stories (when you are ready, of course).

[@agwriting]

Really appreciate that!

[@curtisgeist6122]

If you haven’t already I would highly recommend Foster also by Keegan. One of the few books that made me tear up at the end. Her ability to do so much in less than 100 pages is enviable

[@agwriting]

Ugh yes I need to read that. I've seen the movie based on it, "The Quiet Girl," which was fantastic.

[@Geet99]

God i love your voice ❤

[@agwriting]

Haha thank you

[@sarajosahine3163]

Can’t wait for white noise review! Have you read Lincoln in The Bardo by goerge saunders?

[@agwriting]

No! I've read so much Saunders, but I'm missing his two biggest books. Need to get to that soon.

[@sshheell]

I've never read Edward P Jones, any suggestions on where to start?

[@agwriting]

He has so many wonderful short stories, you can't go wrong. I don't know if there are many online though. I think All Aunt Hagar's Children would be a good place to start, although my favorite story is "In the Blink of God's Eye." It's the first story in that collection and ties into the first story in this one.

[@sshheell]

@@agwriting wonderful, I’ll check them out.

[@spexi513]

I really liked Small Things Like These, but I loved Foster 📕🪱💚

[@agwriting]

I need to read Foster! I've seen the film adaptation "The Quiet Girl," which I absolutely loved.