This issue of McSweeney's was completely brilliant! There is a strong theme, a thesis even, running between all the short stories in three small volumes. First, I read a hypothetical document making the case for war with seven countries in the near future. Written in the style of a Pentagon memo, this part almost manages to convince you of the necessity and inevitability of these conflicts.

However, the real message then arrives in the form of two sets of stories - from the U.S. and abroad. These make it clear that any analysis of dictators, oil revenues, and WMDs is neglecting the true complexity of the situation. The short stories give a glimpse to the tensions, fears, and pride that are common to all peoples. ( )

The format of this issue was great - I adored the portability of the two little books, and the simplicity in their arrangement. I really enjoyed the excerpt from Arkansas, and I also liked both Pentimento and the other two part story, the name of which I can't fully remember at the moment. All in all, another excellent piece by McSweeney's. ( )