Bluebirds Used to Croon in the Choir (Joe Meno)
Okay, so I’ve been getting behind on my book reviews (I have four completed books to regurgitate for my audience in proper witty fashion) because I have been working on getting this Web site set up. Isn’t it purdy, though? So it’s been a while since I read this snappy, original and succinct collection of short stories, but I haven’t forgotten it.
It is rather difficult to foget when the opening tale features two children who drug litle forest animals in order to dress them up in doll’s clothing. Or the story of two boys/men who celebrate the anniversary of their kidnapping by visiting an amusement park. Cuban magicians, lawn ornament factory workers, men who sail into the sky with the floating power of their hats alone. These stories are definitely new and fresh, very compelling, especially because of their short length.
At the same time, however, they are a little too fresh in my opinion–a little too fashionable in a way, lacking personal meaning for the audience (and also the author, I would guess). Meno is not very close to a lot of these stories. Sure, there are exceptions, but on the whole I wouldn’t call the book passionate or heartfelt.
Still, it does make me want to pick up his previous book, titled Hairstyles of the Damned, which is aparently a reference to the punk rock hairstyles of the characters. Mohawks? Rock on.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - Book club selection
Fiction, Short Stories |