As I said last week, I am spotlighting Ivan E. Coyote for the entire month of February, for short story Monday.
I just finished reading her collection of shorts titled Loose End. All the stories in Loose End are about 2-3 pages long. I am really impressed by this collection. Ms. Coyote is a master storyteller. Usually when I read a collection there are some stories I love, like, or hate. This is not the case with Loose End, I loved every one!
There is one common theme through the collection, that of homosexuality and identity. Ivan has been through her fair share of gay bashing but even so, she embraces who she is with style, grace, and dignity. Her writing is fresh and crisp and easy to relate to. I may not be gay but I have been through of my share of bigotry as a Jew, at least as a child. I also have a cousin who is gay and he use to have a hard time of it.
I really don’t get it at all. It’s not like heterosexual people have to go into the bedrooms and watch or experience “gay sex.” I think it’s crazy that it is 2012 and there are still people who are discriminated against. Are you listening U.S. Republicans? It’s crazy! Perhaps if you could be more comfortable with yourselves, you could stop focusing and even blaming others for your problems. Yes, I’m advocating that you get a real life and leave others out of it.
Well written, provocative, sad, and funny, Loose End has it all!
5/5
Did you review Loose End? Please leave a link in the comments.
Stories in Loose End that I reviewed:
Short Story Monday is hosted by John at The Book Mine Set.
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I love short stories, and I REALLY love when all of the stories in a collection are winners! I’m with you on homosexuality – I think it’s more important to focus on giving everyone the opportunity to work and have work pay, to help our elderly and disabled, to support our veterans when they come back, to give people a quick hand up when they fall – THOSE are the values that I hold dear.
Yeah, I’ve never been clear on why someone else’s faith, orientation, race, etc would matter to someone else if no one is being hurt or in danger of being hurt.
Anyway, I second everything you said about Ivan’s writing, and I’d throw in humorous as well, often even while tackling serious issues.
Julie, Yes I agree. Rather then campaining on not giving people their human rights, talk about real issues! To me civil and human rights should not be voted or campained on. Civil and human rights/ equality should be a given!
John,yes humorous while takling serious issues. Like I said, she is a master!
This sounds great. I have been looking out for Ms. Coyote since you mentioned her last week, and that seems to be her hallmark; humorous ways of looking at important issues.
Living in the east it is clear how far Canada has come with respect to human rights, but there is still a ways to go everywhere in the w
Medea,that’s so true.
Beautifully said, Teddy! And thanks again for introducing me to another interesting author.
Patricia, I hope you give her a try sometime.
Interesting short stories