11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reasons to weep, Mar 2 2006
By Nathan Tyree "Author of Mr. Overby is Falling" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Reasons to Live (Paperback)
I first found Amy Hempel in college. A perceptive, smart instructor assigned me "The Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried." It was a shock to the system. For the first time in years words on a page made me weep. I was instantly hooked on Amy Hempel.
This is, I believe, her greatest collection. From first page to last it is an extraordinary look into the human condition. The two real standouts are the aforemention "Al Jolson" and a story called "Nashville Gone to Ashes."
Nashville is about the recent widdow of a veterinarian. Saying it that way seems to short it a bit. Like all of Ms Hempel's stories, Nashville is about human suffering, courage, love, despair and being human.
Read these stories and you will weep.
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another amazing Hempel offering!, Mar 9 2005
By CoffeeGurl - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Reasons to Live (Paperback)
I knew this would be a great collection when I spotted this at the bookstore. Reasons to Live contains a collection of fifteen wonderful, witty and sometimes poignant short stories that make you think of the loss of opportunities one has in life. Amy Hempel, who also wrote the beautiful Tumble Home, writes with aplomb and insight of a classic writer. My favorite stories are "Nashville Gone to Ashes," "Going," "Pool Night," and "Why I'm Here." Once again, Amy Hempel has floored me with another impressive, beautiful collection. I will definitely give her other books a whirl.
22 of 27 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reasons to read "Reasons to Live", Mar 27 2000
By Erika R. - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Reasons to Live (Paperback)
1. Amy Hempel is one of the best kept secrets of modern fiction. 2. The stories say so much without saying too much. 3. The characters earn your compassion. 4. "In the cemetary where Al Jolson" is buried is the greatest short story I have ever read. 5. If you have ever grieved or felt loss, you will relate to these stories.