I had forgotten that this collection included previously published stories as well (even though it says so on the cover, durrrr) and was feeling kinda disappointed at first because I just want more, more, more(!!!!) Alexie, but I really loved revisiting stories I hadn't read in years. Some I loved even more than before--a few got the ol' waterworks going, which I don't think had happened before--and his new stories were great, too...shorter, but some really packed a punch. It was interesting to see it all together, how his writing has developed over the years. It has also inspired me to go back and re-read (or read anew) previous collections of his. Hats off, Sherman! ( )

Not an easy book to read but a great book nonetheless. Many of these stories carry Alexie's signature emotional right-hook. I can't imagine reading this whole book in one sitting; a lot of the stories caught me right in the chest and had me taking breaks between them. Naturally, some stories worked better than other. I prefer his longer pieces to the 1-2 page micro stories, although for micro fiction they were still good. Very much recommended for fans of short stories and fiction in general. ( )

Before I start this review, it's necessary to highlight the accusations of sexual assault and harassment against Sherman Alexie made by multiple women, accusations he says are true. I believe these women. I also acknowledge the ways in which this and other behavior has impacted the publishing of stories about Native people, by Native people, and I encourage folks to read books by Native authors other than Alexie (especially Native women and Two-Spirit people.) I'm happy to offer recommendations if people need them.

This was definitely, as advertised, a mix of new and older stories, and coming off of literally just finishing The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, and having read Ten Little Indians about a year ago, there were maybe more older stories than I would have liked. Additionally, the two stories in the collection that involve Black people (one from the perspective of a white man, another from the perspective of a man from the Spokane Tribe,) don't come off as particularly good or like they grapple with race in a way that is graceful. I am white, but oof, folks. A yikes all around. So the new stories did not feel particularly new, and I have already read the old stories, so I'd say if you have already read some Alexie, you can skip this collection, and if you haven't, well, you could read a different one. Also there's a weird throwaway line about how sleeping with booksellers and others on book tours is one of the perks and boy has that not aged well! ( )

Spectacular writer. Not always a fan of short stories and I didn't enjoy every one of these BUT several of these are just about perfect. Written from the perspective of a Spokane Indian with one foot in the rez and one foot itching to get out, the various tales all ring true. Moreover, despite their distinctly local milieu, the characters and their reactions & lives are universal. Highly recommended. ( )

Sherman Alexie writes about contemporary Native American culture with an insider's perfect blend of wit and warmth. Good stuff here, though some stories shine brighter than others. I especially enjoyed "The Search Engine."

New to Alexie? Start with "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian." It may seem like a book for children, but it's insight and humor is scissor-sharp and good for all ages. ( )