Cakewalk

Rating:
Summary: Tantalizing but Unfulfilling
Review: Almost without exception, I loved every character and every story Lee Smith introduced me to in "Cakewalk". From Joline Newhouse and her dark secrets, to Georgia Rose and her hidden powers, and to Martha Rasnick and the stranger she kept hidden in her garage, Ms Smith kept me entertained. But for the very reason that I am not a fan of short stories, I felt cheated by the time each story ended. Just as I grew to know each new character and to be baited with each new plot, it was over. In every story, Ms Smith has the groundwork to write an entire book - complete with plots full of potential and a cast of new and diverse characters. I have read several of her novels and look forward to reading those I have not managed to get to yet, but I'm simply not into short stories.

If you are a fan of short stories and a fan of fiction set in the Deep South, then I do recommend "Cakewalk". But if you are like me and like to really settle in for a while with a novel, then try one of Lee Smith's full-length works instead.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, realistic people and stories
Review: I love short stories and I really love Lee Smith's short stories, especially in Cakewalk. I feel like she is writing about my relatives and my friends. And about me. Every story is a small gem that sparkles on its own. The short story is a vastly underappreciated art form these days, but if more people read Lee Smith's, I'm sure that short stories would make a comeback. I hope she continues to write novels, but not give up on her short stories. They would be sorely missed.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, realistic people and stories
Review: I love short stories and I really love Lee Smith's short stories, especially in Cakewalk. I feel like she is writing about my relatives and my friends. And about me. Every story is a small gem that sparkles on its own. The short story is a vastly underappreciated art form these days, but if more people read Lee Smith's, I'm sure that short stories would make a comeback. I hope she continues to write novels, but not give up on her short stories. They would be sorely missed.

Rating:
Summary: Listening to wonderful southern voices
Review: Lee Smith continues to be a unique voice of the south. Cakewalk is a collection of short stories that bring together a diverse group of people that only Lee could create. Debbi has left her old life behind and has started a life with Bobby who has a job with dolphins at hte Seaquarium. It is just a matter of time before Debbi and Bobby are able to get things on track. Lauren and her friend georgia Rose and the terible gift Georgia Rose had...the gift of foresight. Florrie, the cake lady who is married to Earl Mingo and their unconventional marriage. Florrie's cakes keep her family together and her home safe. Martha Resnick is writing a letter to Phil Donahue, the only adult she feels she has a constant connection with in her life, at least she can count on him to show up every morning. All these people and many more are like the people you may know and Lee Smith is able to bring each of their stories and many more to the page with humor and a keen ear to the south.

Rating:
Summary: Listening to wonderful southern voices
Review: Lee Smith continues to be a unique voice of the south. Cakewalk is a collection of short stories that bring together a diverse group of people that only Lee could create. Debbi has left her old life behind and has started a life with Bobby who has a job with dolphins at hte Seaquarium. It is just a matter of time before Debbi and Bobby are able to get things on track. Lauren and her friend georgia Rose and the terible gift Georgia Rose had...the gift of foresight. Florrie, the cake lady who is married to Earl Mingo and their unconventional marriage. Florrie's cakes keep her family together and her home safe. Martha Resnick is writing a letter to Phil Donahue, the only adult she feels she has a constant connection with in her life, at least she can count on him to show up every morning. All these people and many more are like the people you may know and Lee Smith is able to bring each of their stories and many more to the page with humor and a keen ear to the south.

Rating:
Summary: cute stories
Review: The stories were good but I think I've been spoiled by Lee Smith's novels. I like more depth but as I said, the stories are cute.