Jackson R. Bryer

Why I like This Story, edited by Jackson R. Bryer, is an extensive and eclectic collection of essays written by current authors about their favorite American short stories. The essayists have eclectic tastes, ranging from the most recognizable classic writers such as Cheever, James, and Melville to more obscure or contemporaries. Five of them unknowingly picked another contributor as their inspiration, and many seemed to know and reference each other. Bryer prefaces the book with the assumption that writers are the best judges of each other’s work. Due to their unique appreciation for how difficult writing short-form fiction can be, their perspective and insight can be particularly valuable. Since the essays are penned by accomplished authors, they are also of a higher quality than most reviews and more interesting in their approaches than the typical jargon-laden or pretentious analyses. Bryer points out that many of the essays reveal as much about the essayist as they do about the stories discussed. The 48 entries in Why I Like This Story vary in terms of their tone, length, style and readability. While some essays are very personal and reflective, others border more closely on high-brow literary-assessment. Bryer’s collection invites browsing and entices the reader to search out some stories and authors that may be unfamiliar. He helpfully provides introductions to each selection that point out where the original tales can most easily be found. Why I Like This Story would be a good choice for aspiring writers (and appreciators) of American short fiction- both traditional and new.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Camden House (Boydell & Brewer, Inc.) for an ARC of this book in exchange for an objective review.… (mer)