You can read my review here:http://greyplane.com/2009/01/08/birds... ( )

My writing professor says that Moore is one of today's best short story writers, but I don't see it. Nearly all of her characters are interchangeable between stories, nothing ever happens, and the characters are unlikable. I admit, of course, to occasional brilliant descriptive writing and the intrigue of reading about characters you desperately hope you don't end up like, but overall it's a very frustrating and uninspiring read. ( )

This collection of short stories is very well written with wonderfully subtle, finally drawn characters that will remind you of yourself, but really, so many of the stories are just so sad. ( )

Beautiful stories, obviously. This is also the book that everyone says YOU MUST READ THIS. So, of course I am resistant to it. I did like it, but I also felt like each story hit a similar note...which is probably a good thing for a collection, but is a bad thing for a reader. All of her stories (in here, nowhere else) have this feeling of spending a day in a musty house to me...not sure if that makes sense. ( )

At first, I thought this was a novel. I believed the author was introducing characters that would later tie together. By chapter 3, I realized my misconception! This was a book of short stories! Then I began to let go of each character, instead of holding on for further connection. Each story was well written and displayed a wide range of real life understanding and experiences. My only negative critique is that most ended on a sad or sour note.. with limited hope. ( )

Lorrie Moore is one of the funniest, most profound authors writing today. She mainly writes about women who are existentially stuck, but this volume also throws in an aging lothario and a gay couple for good measure. But really, it's all about her women. And did I mention she's hilarious? ( )

I put this book in the bag where I keep my laundry soap and quarters. Once a week, it came with me to the laundromat and I read it as my clothes swirled and soaped themselves to cleanliness. These stories are funny and gorgeous, filled with curious and fascinating characters. Moore has a way of looking at the world that is keenly inventive yet totally unerring. I looked forward to laundry night and that's weird. -Amy Louise

My all time favorite book of stories, hands down. Graceful, gently feminine, honest, and very strong. ( )

Short stories. "when was something truly small and when was it a matter of distance" ( )

Lorrie Moore writes those kinds of short stories, dangerous stories that can lay you flat as you move from absurdity to tragedy to the quotidian. The 12 stories of Birds of America, published in 1998, explore the uneasiness of life — relationships and loneliness, expectation and disappointment — with a diamond-edge wit and tender humour.

(Read more at Fourth-Rate Reader.) ( )

lorrie moore may be the funniest, sharpest writer today, and she's at her best with short stories. these blindside you with an amazing tenderness. i especially love 'willing'. ( )

Lovely short stories. "Which is More Than I Can Say For Some People" is a great title, and a great story. ( )