She Wasn't Soft by T.C.Boyle
A few weeks ago, after reading reviews for T.C. Boyle's short story 'Chicxulub', I decided to read it. Actually I devoured it and was hungry for more by Boyle. I was also convinced that more people should read the story and set up a little challenge. Here is the link for my review of 'Chicxulub'.
No one took me up on the challenge, however I am determined to read more by T.C. Boyle. He has many published collections of short stories and novels. I went to my local library and picked out one of his short story collections, 'After the Plague'. Do to my ARC commitments, I was only able to read one story from the collection, so far.
The Story I read was 'She Wasn't Soft'. It is quite different than 'Chicxulub' but is still has lots of depth. Paula Turk, a 28 year old biathlete knows that she is destined for greatness. She competed to win. However, her boyfriend Jason, owns a surf and dive shop and doesn't want anything more. At 33, he only keeps his shop open part time, pretty much when he feels like it. His parents bought the shop for him, hoping that he would make something of himself but the shop doesn't make a profit due to the short time he keeps it open.. It he prefers to surf and hang out on the beach.
On Paula's birthday she wanted to stay home by herself and eat healthy food, to prepare herself for an upcoming competition. However, Jason wanted to take her out and celebrate and she gave in and went. While at the restaurant, Paula's fiercest competitor came in. Paula wanted to avoid her but Jason was drunk and made a scene.
I don't want to risk spoilers so am not going to tell anymore of the story. I really enjoyed this story, as I said, it does have lots of depth. It didn't wow me like 'Chicxulub' did but there are some nice twists that kept the story moving along and it was well written. Boyle really know how to capture the human spirit both good and bad. I recommend this story.
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I haven't taken you up on the challenge, YET. But as soon as I do and get a review written, I'll be adding my link!
I'll probably looking for another one online. Actually, I think the New Yorker had a few.
John Mutford said... February 1, 2010 at 9:21 AM
I don't know why I avoid him, but I do. It must have been something I read about his work a long time ago. I'll *try* and read the two stories, I promise.
Nan said... February 1, 2010 at 12:27 PM
That's great John. I am looking forward to reading more by Boyle.
Teddy Rose said... February 1, 2010 at 3:21 PM
I haven't yet read anything by T.C. Boyle, but I can see that I should from your comments. :-)
Literary Feline said... February 1, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Wendy, Read 'Chicxulub' first. It is excellent!! I forgot to include the link for it in this review but I have corrected that. Just click on it and you can read it free in The New Yorker, on the web.
Teddy Rose said... February 1, 2010 at 10:39 PM
I still plan to take the Chicxulub challenge--just haven't gotten around to it yet.
Ali said... February 1, 2010 at 11:50 PM
I've just decided to start reading some short stories. Sounds like T>C> Boyle and Chicxulub especially should definitely be on my list.
Anonymous said... February 2, 2010 at 8:03 AM
I just love T.C. Boyle - both short stories and novels. If you want to try a funny story, "I Dated Jane Austen" is available (complete with illustrations) on his website. Here's the link:
http://www.tcboyle.com/page2.html?8
JoAnn said... February 2, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Awesome Ali!
Carol, Chicxulub is the kind of short story I would have liked to have read back when I was first trying short Stories.
It wasn't until I came across a really great one that I started to like them. It was 'Interpreter of Maladies', a collection by Jhumpa Lahiri that got me hooked.
Teddy Rose said... February 2, 2010 at 9:19 PM
JoAnn, thanks so much for the link "I Dated Jane Austen"! I will have to read it. The title itself made me chuckle.
Teddy Rose said... February 2, 2010 at 9:25 PM
JoAnn, I just went over to Boyles blog to read it. My eyes are pretty bad as it is, I just wasn't able to read that fuzzy print.
Teddy Rose said... February 2, 2010 at 9:40 PM
Teddy Rose,
Oh, that's too bad. I read it in one of his collections I own and was thrilled to find it online to be able to share. Sorry it didn't work out :-(
JoAnn said... February 3, 2010 at 3:04 AM
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