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I Didn't Know What To Say, So I Just Said Thanks
In this collection of stories, David Joseph examines human relationships through the manner in which the characters learn to cope with expectations, dreams, and disappointment. He depicts interactions with subtlety, as characters seek redemption and relief in an effort to find gratitude.
Similar to his first book of fiction, The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories, David Joseph displays an ability to draw insights from small moments. The result is a powerful new collection of short fiction. I Didn’t Know What To Say, So I Just Said Thanks captures the awkward silences and empty spaces where time is suspended, and we are forced to consider the complexities of what lies ahead.
Similar to his first book of fiction, The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories, David Joseph displays an ability to draw insights from small moments. The result is a powerful new collection of short fiction. I Didn’t Know What To Say, So I Just Said Thanks captures the awkward silences and empty spaces where time is suspended, and we are forced to consider the complexities of what lies ahead.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
27 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
David Joseph
3 books2 followersDavid Joseph is a recipient of The Paul Cave Prize for Literature, Next Generation Indie Book Award, Independent Press Award, and other honors.
He is the author of four collections of short fiction, and his writing has been published in The Wall Street Journal, London Magazine, The Smart Set, Litro, and Rattle. A recipient of The John Henry Hobart Fellowship for Ethics and Social Justice, he has taught at Pepperdine University and Harvard University, where he received The Derek Bok Award For Distinction in Teaching.
In 2024, Readers Digest named his book I Didn't Know What To Say, So I Just Said Thanks as one of the 38 Best Short Story Collections of All-Time.
He is the author of four collections of short fiction, and his writing has been published in The Wall Street Journal, London Magazine, The Smart Set, Litro, and Rattle. A recipient of The John Henry Hobart Fellowship for Ethics and Social Justice, he has taught at Pepperdine University and Harvard University, where he received The Derek Bok Award For Distinction in Teaching.
In 2024, Readers Digest named his book I Didn't Know What To Say, So I Just Said Thanks as one of the 38 Best Short Story Collections of All-Time.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 29, 2023
I have recently started enjoying short story collections for the eclectic mix they provide in one book. The 19 tales in this book fit that description wonderfully. The common thread running through them is that they have very well articulated characters and deal with everyday emotions and situations.
From the teenager who takes up his father's favorite hobby after a devastating loss to the one who recognizes the kindness of a classmate, the college graduate who works at a filling station and wants his family to be proud of him, the man trying to stay hidden from his pursuers who is drawn to help a woman in distress, a whole range of human interaction is explored.
The examination of grief and how people cope differently with it is very poignantly told in a couple of stories. Some are short vignettes about experiences that have remained with individuals and shaped their lives and others are more drawn out but they are all very interesting to read.
I liked the writing very much as it fleshes out each person in the story and gives them their due. There is conversation, love, conflict resolution, nostalgia and a lot more in this collection.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review of the book.
From the teenager who takes up his father's favorite hobby after a devastating loss to the one who recognizes the kindness of a classmate, the college graduate who works at a filling station and wants his family to be proud of him, the man trying to stay hidden from his pursuers who is drawn to help a woman in distress, a whole range of human interaction is explored.
The examination of grief and how people cope differently with it is very poignantly told in a couple of stories. Some are short vignettes about experiences that have remained with individuals and shaped their lives and others are more drawn out but they are all very interesting to read.
I liked the writing very much as it fleshes out each person in the story and gives them their due. There is conversation, love, conflict resolution, nostalgia and a lot more in this collection.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review of the book.
May 9, 2023
David Joseph’s book, I Didn’t Know What to Say, So I Just Said Thanks, is a remarkable collection of 19 short stories, carefully crafted over a period spanning from 2000 to 2016. Each story is a masterpiece of its own, skillfully concluding with a twist, turn, or thought that leaves the reader with a deep sense of reflection. The characters in each story are multi-dimensional, complex, and skillfully designed to guide the reader through a journey of contemplation.
The stories in this book are overflowing with inspiration, insight, hope, and sorrow, demonstrating how the human spirit perseveres through life’s trials. David Joseph has written each story with grace, tenderness, and an undeniable inspiration that resonates in the reader long after the book is finished. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for thought-provoking literature that nourishes the soul.
The stories in I Didn’t Know What to Say, So I Just Said Thanks offer a captivating exploration of human emotions in various contexts. For instance, one story depicts a teenager learning the significance of fishing after the devastating loss of his father. At the same time, another portrays a young man reminiscing about his high school friend who helped shape the person he is today. The book’s characters are relatable and vivid, and their dramatic endings leave a lasting impression on the reader. David Joseph, an award-winning author with bylines in esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal, employs a gentle yet vivid writing style. The stories in this book are no exception, reflecting a deep appreciation for human nature and the different ways people navigate life’s challenges.
Overall, I Didn’t Know What to Say, So I Just Said Thanks is an entertaining and enlightening book that immerses readers in a world of captivating storytelling. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literature that explores the human condition and inspires reflection. David Joseph’s book will leave an indelible impression on anyone who reads it.
The stories in this book are overflowing with inspiration, insight, hope, and sorrow, demonstrating how the human spirit perseveres through life’s trials. David Joseph has written each story with grace, tenderness, and an undeniable inspiration that resonates in the reader long after the book is finished. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for thought-provoking literature that nourishes the soul.
The stories in I Didn’t Know What to Say, So I Just Said Thanks offer a captivating exploration of human emotions in various contexts. For instance, one story depicts a teenager learning the significance of fishing after the devastating loss of his father. At the same time, another portrays a young man reminiscing about his high school friend who helped shape the person he is today. The book’s characters are relatable and vivid, and their dramatic endings leave a lasting impression on the reader. David Joseph, an award-winning author with bylines in esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal, employs a gentle yet vivid writing style. The stories in this book are no exception, reflecting a deep appreciation for human nature and the different ways people navigate life’s challenges.
Overall, I Didn’t Know What to Say, So I Just Said Thanks is an entertaining and enlightening book that immerses readers in a world of captivating storytelling. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literature that explores the human condition and inspires reflection. David Joseph’s book will leave an indelible impression on anyone who reads it.
April 8, 2024
I Didn’t Know What To Say, So I Just Said Thanks is a collection of short stories written by the author David Joseph, published in May 2023. It is a collection of 19 beautifully crafted short stories, written between 2000 and 2016.
Each story is a masterpiece in its own right, with a twist, twist, or thought that will leave you pondering. The characters are multi-faceted, complex, and expertly crafted to take you on a journey of self-discovery. Inspiration, insight, hope and sorrow are at the forefront of this collection, as it shows how the human spirit survives life’s challenges. David Joseph has crafted each story with elegance, compassion, and an unmistakable inspiration that will leave you with a lasting impression. This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to nourish the soul. In one story, a young man learns the importance of fishing after the tragic death of his father. Another story tells the story of a young man who remembers a friend who helped shape him into the man he is today. The characters are real and relatable, and the dramatic endings will leave you with a lasting impression. The author, David Joseph, who has won several awards and has bylines in prestigious publications like the WSJ, writes in a gentle yet engaging way. The stories told in this book reflect a deep understanding of human nature and how people cope with life’s difficulties. All in all, it’s an enjoyable and educational book that takes you into a world of compelling storytelling. It’s a must read for anyone who loves literature that delves into the human experience and inspires thought. David Joseph will leave an imprint on everyone who reads it. The book is 268 pages long which makes it a pretty interesting read. Highly recommended from my side.
Each story is a masterpiece in its own right, with a twist, twist, or thought that will leave you pondering. The characters are multi-faceted, complex, and expertly crafted to take you on a journey of self-discovery. Inspiration, insight, hope and sorrow are at the forefront of this collection, as it shows how the human spirit survives life’s challenges. David Joseph has crafted each story with elegance, compassion, and an unmistakable inspiration that will leave you with a lasting impression. This book is an essential read for anyone who wants to nourish the soul. In one story, a young man learns the importance of fishing after the tragic death of his father. Another story tells the story of a young man who remembers a friend who helped shape him into the man he is today. The characters are real and relatable, and the dramatic endings will leave you with a lasting impression. The author, David Joseph, who has won several awards and has bylines in prestigious publications like the WSJ, writes in a gentle yet engaging way. The stories told in this book reflect a deep understanding of human nature and how people cope with life’s difficulties. All in all, it’s an enjoyable and educational book that takes you into a world of compelling storytelling. It’s a must read for anyone who loves literature that delves into the human experience and inspires thought. David Joseph will leave an imprint on everyone who reads it. The book is 268 pages long which makes it a pretty interesting read. Highly recommended from my side.
July 16, 2023
This is a collection of short stories, all based in America and across all types of characters and situations. They are all very different, but all written with the same quiet, calm tone. You are an observer of these stories, like watching through the window. They are all very nice and interesting in their own way.
That said, I am very glad that I read his first collection of short stories before this one, otherwise I probably wouldn't have stuck with this. The writing is still lovely, the scenes are brought to life, and the colours are vivid. But, this collections just wasn't as good for me. The magic was not there. I didn't care or connect with most of the characters, at least 3 of the stories I ended up skim reading because I was bored. That is my personal opinion, and I know that other people feel differently. What could have been improved? Maybe more time taken in the construction? Or like the first one, taking the inspiration from a different country with the history and the heritage that highlights the other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That said, I am very glad that I read his first collection of short stories before this one, otherwise I probably wouldn't have stuck with this. The writing is still lovely, the scenes are brought to life, and the colours are vivid. But, this collections just wasn't as good for me. The magic was not there. I didn't care or connect with most of the characters, at least 3 of the stories I ended up skim reading because I was bored. That is my personal opinion, and I know that other people feel differently. What could have been improved? Maybe more time taken in the construction? Or like the first one, taking the inspiration from a different country with the history and the heritage that highlights the other.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2023
Exploring the small moments of life
I'm an avid reader of literary fiction, especially when people and relationships are core to the story (and uniquely interwoven). My affinity for short story collections began with the author's debut title, and I savored this second collection with as much joy.
Seemingly small moments in time are expanded to deeply explore the complexities of life: relationships, feelings, situations. Something I thought very unique, and particularly enjoyed, about this book is the way it is written. Moments -- and stories -- feel suspended in time, allowing me time to absorb the characters and storyline while also stirring thoughts of my own.
Beautifully written and deeply felt, this collection has a forever place on my bookshelf. I highly recommend it as a personal treat, gift to a fellow literary lover, or book club selection.
I'm an avid reader of literary fiction, especially when people and relationships are core to the story (and uniquely interwoven). My affinity for short story collections began with the author's debut title, and I savored this second collection with as much joy.
Seemingly small moments in time are expanded to deeply explore the complexities of life: relationships, feelings, situations. Something I thought very unique, and particularly enjoyed, about this book is the way it is written. Moments -- and stories -- feel suspended in time, allowing me time to absorb the characters and storyline while also stirring thoughts of my own.
Beautifully written and deeply felt, this collection has a forever place on my bookshelf. I highly recommend it as a personal treat, gift to a fellow literary lover, or book club selection.
August 21, 2023
Eloquent first person short stories, told from the perspective of American men.
Beautifully written, well crafted and tight. But for me unrelateable and because of that each sorry blurred together and I don’t think they’ll stay with me.
For the right reader, though this would be a wonderful emersion.
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author, David Joseph for the ARC
Beautifully written, well crafted and tight. But for me unrelateable and because of that each sorry blurred together and I don’t think they’ll stay with me.
For the right reader, though this would be a wonderful emersion.
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author, David Joseph for the ARC
October 1, 2023
A collection of short stories which has its own lesson learned which few of the stories I really liked and relatable. I find the writing was good and a great read when travelling and at the same time contemplate on areas of our life.
3.6/5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.6/5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2023
One of my favourite collections.
I bought this because of the main title and the feel of the short-story titles.
Thoroughly enjoyed these, they are well written, diverse and thought-provoking.
My favourites are probably the first and last in the collection, but they all explored different aspects of relationships, people we encounter in life and how we grow.
I bought this because of the main title and the feel of the short-story titles.
Thoroughly enjoyed these, they are well written, diverse and thought-provoking.
My favourites are probably the first and last in the collection, but they all explored different aspects of relationships, people we encounter in life and how we grow.
October 11, 2023
This is a nice collection of short stories that explore different emotions and situations. Each is different but connected by how it makes the reader think and feel emotion. I love short stories or vignettes that I can pick up and read a couple and move on.
April 24, 2024
I love how well this was written. The stories stayed in my mind for days. I love it a lot and have it re-read it a couple of times as well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 15, 2023
A great find! Loved this book of beautifully written observational stories. They give a real sense of authenticity through their simple yet emotive themes and language.
September 17, 2023
David Joseph has a knack for telling a lot in just a few lines. He knows how to identify that small moment that makes or breaks a person, a life and then he makes the reader a part of that story!
Such an emotional collections, full of heartbreak at times, but there;s always hope in life and that shines throw in almost every story!
Truly a remarkable collections of short stories and I am glad I took a chance on it!
*Book from BookSirens with many thanks for the opportunity!
Such an emotional collections, full of heartbreak at times, but there;s always hope in life and that shines throw in almost every story!
Truly a remarkable collections of short stories and I am glad I took a chance on it!
*Book from BookSirens with many thanks for the opportunity!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews