The Secret Names of Women (CMU Series in Short Fiction)

Rating:
Summary: Exciting collection with unforgettable characters
Review: "The Secret Names of Women" is a pure joy -- really. I've already recommended it to all four of my English classes. It's the best collection of stories I've read since Robert Olen Butler's "Tabloid Dreams." That's a hefty compliment from me. Don't let the title fool you. "Secret Names..." could and would appeal to anybody -- male or female -- who appreciates good, honest, solid, funny, smart stories. If you like to curl up with Alice Munro, Andre Dubus, and William Trevor, do yourself a favor and buy this book TODAY. You'll be glad you did.

Rating:
Summary: A collection of impressive range and voice
Review: I was really impressed by the range and depth of Ms. Barrett's stories. From a purely technical view, each story could be used as a model for writing certain kinds of stories. Aside from that, though, are the strong, interesting characters that lead the reader through the pieces.

Stories that stood out for me were Elvis Lives and Hush Money. In Elvis Lives, we follow three Elvis impersonators that signed a contract they can't get out of. I won't say anymore so as not to ruin the story, but I will say that this story won the Edgar Award for best mystery short story. Hush Money involves Marilyn Monroe and how she "found" her voice, the one that "sounds like she just finished having sex."

There are stories in this collection for all tastes, and all told with such clear mastery of the craft that we all should admire.

Rating:
Summary: Strong Characters With Poignant Stories
Review: I was really impressed by the range and depth of Ms. Barrett's stories. From a purely technical view, each story could be used as a model for writing certain kinds of stories. Aside from that, though, are the strong, interesting characters that lead the reader through the pieces.

Stories that stood out for me were Elvis Lives and Hush Money. In Elvis Lives, we follow three Elvis impersonators that signed a contract they can't get out of. I won't say anymore so as not to ruin the story, but I will say that this story won the Edgar Award for best mystery short story. Hush Money involves Marilyn Monroe and how she "found" her voice, the one that "sounds like she just finished having sex."

There are stories in this collection for all tastes, and all told with such clear mastery of the craft that we all should admire.

Rating:
Summary: Exciting collection with unforgettable characters
Review: The beginnings of each of Lynne Barrett's stories in this collection grabbed me in the gut, my place of excitement, the place where I know my truths reside. I couldn't wait to complete the stories.

As I read each piece, my feelings rose out of my guts, twirled around in my head, and then descended, much like the trajectory of the fireworks that are part of the July 4th celebration in the background of "Macy Is The Other Woman." I experienced delight, surprise, and then dismay at losing the characters when the stories ended.

Rationing the stories (no more than one per day as I commuted to and from work) helped a lot, stretching out the experience. I read slowly, savoring each piece. The women in this collection reminded me of women I have known, women I have wanted to know, and women I have been nervous to get to know. I'm glad for the opportunity to have visited with them all through this collection.

Rating:
Summary: A collection of impressive range and voice
Review: Without a doubt, one of the best collections of short stories I've ever read. Barrett proves herself to be a virtuoso talent. Whether she's uncovering the true source of Marilyn Monroe's voice, following a team of Elvis impersonators on the road, or chronicling the personal lives of tweenage girl-band members, every word has the glint of truth -- it's as if the author has actually done all these things.

I think anyone who aspires to write short stories should read this book to learn how to construct a story in such a way its seams will be invisible. The stories are polished and perfect. Barrett is skilled at her craft, and this book leaves me wanting more.