Thursday, October 1, 2026
Dear Great Book Guru,
My friends and I have noticed that it is getting more and more difficult to concentrate on the novels we have been reading for our book club. Someone suggested we try a book of short stories. We are certainly willing to give it a try. Any suggestions?
Short Story Sampler
Dear Short Story Stampler, I have a fabulous book to set you and your friends on a great reading track: Colum McCann’s “Thirteen Ways of Looking.” A collection of short fiction - a novella and three short stories, this book delves into the inner lives of its characters in a manner reminiscent of James Joyce.
In the 143-page novella, an elderly judge goes about his day contemplating the indignities of aging, mourning his late wife. planning the rituals of a good meal, while in alternating chapters the police are scanning a myriad of surveillance videos that have recorded his actions up to and including his murder.
We see what he sees but we also see what the videos have recorded and there are huge discrepancies. What really did happen?
The three short stories while wonderful do not have the sharp impact of this novella. An elderly nun catches on camera a glimpse of a man who kidnapped and brutalized her decades ago, a middle-aged woman fears her autistic son has drowned because of her carelessness, and a young writer struggles to complete an assignment.
All are excellent, but if time and attention are short, make sure you read the opening tale. Highly, highly recommended.
Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.
