86. "How she remembers it," by Rick Bass
Like mrsmig, I'm not sure what the point of the story is either, although it reminds me of the types of stories that were popular in the late 1990s, where normal people are going about normal life with one thing out of place. I saw the dystopian element relating to the loneliness Lilly will feel later in life after she loses her father to the illness she hints at him having but neither know yet. That later loss, amid the starkness of many stories set in the American West, overshadows the childhood memories. Just a guess, though.
87. "The Sign," by Elizabeth Strout
I liked this story. An aging farmer who becomes a school janitor after a fire destroys his dairy business wonders how a student he recalls well is doing now as an adult and successful author. His curiosity leads him to the woman's brother, who stirs up long-held family secrets. In both families.
Thanks for suggesting the compilation, Lakey! Certainly worth the investment and I enjoyed the discussion with the group.
Like mrsmig, I'm not sure what the point of the story is either, although it reminds me of the types of stories that were popular in the late 1990s, where normal people are going about normal life with one thing out of place. I saw the dystopian element relating to the loneliness Lilly will feel later in life after she loses her father to the illness she hints at him having but neither know yet. That later loss, amid the starkness of many stories set in the American West, overshadows the childhood memories. Just a guess, though.
87. "The Sign," by Elizabeth Strout
I liked this story. An aging farmer who becomes a school janitor after a fire destroys his dairy business wonders how a student he recalls well is doing now as an adult and successful author. His curiosity leads him to the woman's brother, who stirs up long-held family secrets. In both families.
Thanks for suggesting the compilation, Lakey! Certainly worth the investment and I enjoyed the discussion with the group.