Anthony Bukoski

There is proof of skill when an author hits the same concepts over and over, yet still finds something new to say every time. Such is evidenced by this collection. It would be easy to complain that Bukoski spends too much time in one place – a depressed Michigan, the Polish community, a strong Catholic presence, a Vietnam veteran. But, in spite of the opportunity to lapse into redundancy, each story brings something new to the table. Even similar details resurface in these stories (as one quick example, the proper way to clean the burnt coal from the fire), but they are reformed and reburnished to shine a new light on a different subject.

Let’s look at this from a different perspective by talking about my least favorite story, “The Tools of Ignorance”. It is the story of a catcher with promise who works his way up to Double-A ball. However, his cavalier attitude (to the game and to women) results in him losing his way and losing his opportunity. He finds himself back at the old neighborhood with nothing more than a job as a bartender. The story is somewhat familiar and predictable. However, it is still moving and well-written. Why do I use this to make a point about the book? Because in any other book, this could be one of the best stories. But in this collection, it is far too simple. The gripping thing about Bukoski’s stories is that they are intricate and there is much there for the exploring. “The Tools of Ignorance” stands out for its simplicity – as if it were just something Bukoski wrote for a lark.

What predominates are the unusual and complicated stories such as the man who has his own confessional, or the veteran who thinks he is a pig, or the woman who watched a boy sleep for one year in a diner. Bukoski pulls us into the contrastingly normal but unusual worlds he has created. Yes there are the constant refrains, but they blend together in very different and enjoyable melodies.… (mer)