Remote Feed: Stories

by David Gilbert and David Bowles

Book Overview

The masterfully crafted stories that comprise Remote Feed mark the auspicious debut of a daring and remarkably perceptive writer. From war-torn Bosnia to a college sorority house to kill-or-be-killed Hollywood, David Gilbert uses bold prose and dark wit to paint a devastating picture of "normal" life on the brink of desperation and paranoia. His insights into the minor tragedies, disappointments, and desires that shape us reflect a deep understanding...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684852934
• ISBN13: 9780684852935
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Like Joyce's epiphanic style, only . . . good

That the cover of the paperback makes this look like some kind of e-mail techno-novel is the only regret David Gilbert needs have (what an embarrassment --there's an extruding button with underneath it, as if the book were interactive), because these stories are fantastic. Most are wrapped up, after the manner of Joyce, with an epiphany, or, if you prefer, there's the anti-epiphany of "At the Deja-vu" -- will we never learn? it almost asks. Or, maybe, will -you- never learn? He falters on occasion, but as a first collection, it kills. The best line (at least to me, a guy who just graduated college and yet continues to date sorority girls) is from the story about the sorority girl: "On Saturday night it's impossible to distinguish between levels of hysteria." So true.

Original, witty, brilliant

These stories are truly entertaining, and incredibly well written. Amusing and original and well worth your time. I look forward to more!

ONE OF THE BEST FIRST SHORT-STORIES COLLECTION I EVER READ

Or will ever read, I'm sure. Everything works here. "Remote Feeds" not only shows a great and young new writer with a style of his own but, also, an expert reader (shades of DeLillo, shadows of Cheever) who has learned the lesson well and is more than happy being a new link in the Big Chain of the Big Ones. Never feel this way about a rookie since I read the novel "Jernigan" by David Gates. Time proved I was right then, I'm sure I'm right again. Read this now and rejoice. Long live the short-story.

Okay, the next Chekhov

Now that I've read the book, I'm updating my review. I give it a 9 (I reserve 10 for the likes of Chekhov). I am greatly impressed by the thematic underpinnings of this collection. Great images. Sharp details. Witty, witty, witty. David is tapping into that ol' millenial angst better than any writer I've read so far. And I have to disagree with you, John; I'm reminded of Salinger, Cheever, O'Connor, and Denis Johnson. My only gripe, (and this is indeed a small gripe), is the plethora of pop-culture references. Seven and a half times out of ten (I did the math on this) those references are unnecessary. Nonetheless, I'm awed, and, dare I say, envious.

Moody, funny, brilliant stuff

Picked up a galley at the bookstore where I work, and this stuff is great. I'm not a short story freak because they all seem to be about suburban families in some unaccountable moral crisis, but Gilbert's work is totally different. My favorite is one about CNN reporters on a first-lady watch in the Galapagos, treating her like some kind of rare animal species. All the time, there's a terror from their recent stint in Bosnia, the death of a friend, but none of it is labored or overdone. The narrators are always engaging and different, from a sorority girl to a bored janitor, and it's nice to see a young writer trying on roles other than his own. One of Gilbert's stories is in the Liam Neeson issue of GQ, so check it out to see if you like his stuff. I'm glad others are writing here...after looking at the same old books all day, it's a relief to take something truly unique.