The First Paper Girl in Red Oak, Iowa: Stories

by Elizabeth Stuckey-French and Elizabeth Stuckey French

Book Overview

Welcome to the curious world of Elizabeth Stuckey-French.??Her exuberant collection is peopled with characters who walk a thin line between reality and delusion, trying to break out of their molds and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385498934
• ISBN13: 9780385498937
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 203 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Witty, Charming, Moving Stories

This first book signals the begining of a great literary career (as demonstrated by her second book, the novel "Mermaids on the Moon"). Stuckey-French melds fascinating characters and perceptive observations with some extremely poignant situations to produce a read that had me at the brink of tears several times. I read this book on a plane, and was stunned that this book isn't making more waves (I didn't want to land). If you want funny, cutting, and moving modern fiction delivered in nice little packages - this is a great place to start. Another reviewer here disparaged this book as self-absorbed and too strange; just keep in mind this this comes from a guy who gives Grisham's latest (and lots of other pulp-trash books for people with little imagination) rave reviews (4 stars)...There is nothing wrong with Grisham - he is good at what he does. But to compare his formulas to the artistry of Stuckey-French is a grave error.This world is in fact populated by people stranger and more interesting than any fiction, and Stuckey-French comes real close to capturing this - and the wonderful moments of transcendence that we all too often let slip by.If you would rather read a writer with actual talent - and support someone other than the high-volume, faux-artist, coporate author-types like Grisham - BUY THIS BOOK.

Excellent. Amazing.

I have never been a fan of short stories, but if more were like these I'd be a real fan. The author is incredibly good at character definition, and she can create a character in just a phrase. I really felt as if I knew these some of these people. Here's an example: "It was useless to appeal to Tippy's sense of right and wrong. She played Joni Mitchell songs on her guitar and told her friends she'd written them, figuring the 1960s were too long ago for anyone to remember." My only complaint: It was TOO good! I became so immediately involved with some of the characters that I wanted the story to go on and on. The author never hits a sour note. Her style is so comfortable, you'll want to read the stories one right after another. But don't read them all in one sitting -- savor each one! Oh, and I LOVE the cover, with the little girl jumping rope!

An interesting collection of short stories

This is a very interesting piece of fiction. The stories in The First Paper Girl In Red Oak, Iowa are quirky, poignant, intelligent and funny. What amazes me most is the character development in the short stories. Stuckey-French is able to create wonderful and life-like characters in a brief story. My favorites are "Junior," "The First Paper Girl In Red Oak, Iowa," "Famous Poets," and "Blessings." Each story has its own brand of quirkiness and hidden message. Also, I love the backdrop of the Midwest. I have never been there -- I've always been an East Coast girl -- but the vivid descriptions made me feel as though it was my own hometown. This is a great book. I highly recommend it, especially to Midwesterners.

Enjoyable Stories

I was first attracted to this book, because I am originally from Red Oak, Iowa, but I believe everyone will enjoy this book, whether they are from Red Oak, IA or New York City. The collection of stories are all enjoyable and I recommend that everyone takes a look at this book.