Make Me Work: Stories

by Ralph Lombreglia

With truth, wit, and a masterful high style, Lombreglia captures a varied cast of quirky characters who, with awkwardness, humor, and sometimes grace, struggle with tensions between creativity and commercialism, technology and humanity, alienation and connection.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Monica Madaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read both of his collections.

I suppose these stories are a little upbeat for contemporary tastes, or, as his twitter account suggests, even for contemporary events, but that's what I like about him.

I particularly liked the title story, "Make Me Work," where the protagonists have more interesting things to do than pursue a narrative of male jealousy very far.

I also liked "One Woman Blues Revival" not least for its recognition that not all baby boomers are affluent.

[Ehmbee Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Me Work is a collection of nine literary short stories—all written by Ralph Lombreglia and all containing some of the best dialogue and most well-defined characters in the genre. As such, it’s the kind of book that makes its readers better writers and, for that reason alone, it’s one of the best fiction books I’ve read in years.

The only downside, in my opinion, is that it doesn’t contain what I would argue is his best short story: Men Under Water. So, if you’re curious about Lombreglia, but you don’t want to commit to an entire collection of his works, I’d recommend you start there. Fair warning, though: if you DO read Men Under Water, you’ll more-than-likely be putting Make Me Work on your “to read” list, as soon as you finish.

[Sarah Vezeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a recommendation from my sister-in-law, and I have to admit I liked reading the stories set in the Boston area.

[Alexis]

(So far the first story is set in Vermont.)