What I Know So Far

by Gordon Lish

This collection of Gordon Lish's short stories demonstrates the stinging power and urgency of his writing and the strength and vitality of the American short story. Eloquent, sceptical, and humorous, Lish creates a variety of characters who ponder the intensity and extremes of life. Of particular interest is the Salinger story, For Rupert — with No Promises which when first published in Esquire was believed to be the work of John Updike or J.D. Salinger.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

162 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Gordon Jay Lish is an American writer. As a literary editor, he championed many American authors, particularly Raymond Carver, Barry Hannah, Amy Hempel, and Richard Ford.

Reviews

[Bill Hsu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite enjoyable, and some of the pieces are pretty funny. But not as funny as some of the bewildered 1-2 star reviews. These people probably aren't Gary Lutz fans either, eh?

[Cherylann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I originally bought this book because a review on amazon (obviously less reliable that wikipedia) said that a short story published in this collection, "For Rupert-with no promises" was thought to have been written by J.D. Salinger when first published anonymously in Esquire. As Jerome David, selfish brilliant bastard that he is, has sealed all of the rest of his genius away, I was desperate for a fix. I read Epigraph, so I knew Lish was a good writer. What I didn't know was that his story that resembled J.D.'s writing was actually a PARODY on Salinger's "For Esmé with Love and Squalor", the story which just so happens to be my favorite. (I'm planning on naming my first born daughter Esmé that's how serious I am). Gordon, feel free to pick on Holden, but Esmé, seriously? Well after I overcame my anger and resisted tearing the book in two, I read on and things just kept getting worse. The book concludes with a yawn worthy 60 page story also making fun of Salinger. I mean really? Gordon, you had me on your side with Epigraph, but you just lost a valuable fan.
With love and kisses,
Cherylann

[Hailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a story or two in here that caught my eye, but most seemed like a spectacular waste of time, paper and the publisher's money. The majority of his stories leaned toward the pointless side and made me wish I'd picked another book to read. Personally, I hate not liking a book. Usually, I make myself find some redeeming quality just so it doesn't feel like a wasted effort. This time around, all I can say is that his writing wasn't horrible, but it didn't really stand out, either.

[Josh Sherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have rated this five stars if it weren't for For Jerome—With Love and Kisses. I can't believe that story won an award. The single most annoying thing I've ever fucking read. So many of the other stories are great. And I get it: he won an award for that bullshit, so why not include it. But holy fuck was that annoying.

[Leslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

From what I read of it, I didn't see any point to the stories.

[Claire g]

i can’t even rate this

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 stars***

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been intending to read something Commissioner Gordon actually wrote as opposed to something bearing his wide-influencing editing scope, and this was certainly some nice writing. Perhaps it felt a tad refined, even when deliberately attempting to be crude. The structure is his own, which either works dramatically well or results in me missing the point entirely and skimming. Good stuff overall though and highly worth reading.

[Matthew Martens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of interest to the undone and undoing among us, in or out of urban circumstance.