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11 Stories
When Roscoe Jones, a one-time trumpet prodigy, loses his finger, he loses more than his ability to play. Instead of becoming a musician, he becomes the superintendent of the Chicago apartment building where he has lived since birth. Very soon, his life is no longer his own; he fades into the background, plumbing and fixing and toiling for the tenants populating the eleven stories above him. Although they hardly notice him as anything but a working part of the building, he develops a sometimes uncomfortable intimacy with the details of their complicated lives.
Every night, in the privacy of his basement quarters, alone with his secret longings, he plays his trumpet. That is until the evening he climbs to the roof to play in public for the first time in fifty years — and the course of his life is irrevocably changed.
For some, losses may turn, unexpectedly, to gain. For Roscoe, the relationships he forms with the tenants — two, in particular — justify the amputation of his finger and the forfeiture of his dreams. This is a story about sacrifice and service, longing and love — and the abiding hopefulness of the human heart that connects us all.
Every night, in the privacy of his basement quarters, alone with his secret longings, he plays his trumpet. That is until the evening he climbs to the roof to play in public for the first time in fifty years — and the course of his life is irrevocably changed.
For some, losses may turn, unexpectedly, to gain. For Roscoe, the relationships he forms with the tenants — two, in particular — justify the amputation of his finger and the forfeiture of his dreams. This is a story about sacrifice and service, longing and love — and the abiding hopefulness of the human heart that connects us all.
- GenresFictionLiterary Fiction
234 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2013
22 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Chris Cander
12 books268 followersChris Cander is the author of the novels THE YOUNG OF OTHER ANIMALS, A GRACIOUS NEIGHBOR, THE WEIGHT OF A PIANO, WHISPER HOLLOW, and 11 STORIES, and the grade K-5 picture book THE WORD BURGLAR. Visit www.chriscander.com for more info.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 23, 2013
A gorgeous book of stories, as I like to call this novel. Unlike actual books of stories, these stories pack a punch. One issue I normally have with short fiction is that the shorts never go too deep, I never get to know the characters, the plot often is called to carry the day but it is rarely interesting. Not the case with this book of vignettes that occur out of the mind of a single lead character. The pacing is strategic, I never felt the book in any way drag, and the chapters move naturally from one to the other. Every single character is fascinating in his or her own right. I could imagine reading an entire novel about any one of them, but I also didn't feel shafted when I had to move on. Though there is sadness in this book, it wasn't a kind of sadness I found myself regretting at the end. The writing is very well done. I read this one fast; you will too.
September 7, 2015
**I received this book for free from a Goodreads First Reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.**
My apologies to author Chris Cander. I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway two years ago and it has been sitting in my To Be Read stack ever since. When it arrived back then, something about it just didn't appeal to me and I let it languish. What a mistake!
11 Stories is a beautifully written account of a Chicago apartment building superintendent, Roscoe Jones, and his relationships with the varied and colorful tenants in his building throughout the years, told as Roscoe’s life flashes before his eyes in the moments before his death.
I would have easily read this book in one sitting, had I not been recovering from a summer cold and fallen asleep half way through. Do not for one minute think, though, that Ms. Cander’s gorgeous novel was what put me to sleep! As it was I did in fact finish the book when I picked it up the next day and would have happily kept reading had it been a thousand pages longer! I was left scratching my head as to why none of the major publishers have discovered Chris Cander yet. She deserves widespread distribution and the literary world is missing out because of it! 11 Stories was obviously written with loads of literary talent, compassion, care and love.
My apologies to author Chris Cander. I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway two years ago and it has been sitting in my To Be Read stack ever since. When it arrived back then, something about it just didn't appeal to me and I let it languish. What a mistake!
11 Stories is a beautifully written account of a Chicago apartment building superintendent, Roscoe Jones, and his relationships with the varied and colorful tenants in his building throughout the years, told as Roscoe’s life flashes before his eyes in the moments before his death.
I would have easily read this book in one sitting, had I not been recovering from a summer cold and fallen asleep half way through. Do not for one minute think, though, that Ms. Cander’s gorgeous novel was what put me to sleep! As it was I did in fact finish the book when I picked it up the next day and would have happily kept reading had it been a thousand pages longer! I was left scratching my head as to why none of the major publishers have discovered Chris Cander yet. She deserves widespread distribution and the literary world is missing out because of it! 11 Stories was obviously written with loads of literary talent, compassion, care and love.
June 1, 2013
Chris Cander's 11Stories is a well-written novel that tackles the idea of someone's life flashing before their eyes right before their death in a unique way. I thoroughly enjoyed the passages in which Ms. Cander described the passion Roscoe felt for his trumpet and the music he produced. Being a musician myself, I related to his devotion to his old Blessing trumpet. Your instrument becomes more than an object...it becomes a part of your family and earns love, respect, and loyalty from you, and you feel honored to be able to make music with it.
I also thought it was intriguing how Ms. Cander used the different tenants Roscoe was familiar with on each floor in order to piece together his life story. From tenants he barely knew, to a treasured friend, to the great tragic love of his life, you saw the different sides of his personality. His positive traits and flaws were both pointed out through his interactions with these people.
I really enjoyed the book as a quick read, but not necessarily the lightest subject matter.
I also thought it was intriguing how Ms. Cander used the different tenants Roscoe was familiar with on each floor in order to piece together his life story. From tenants he barely knew, to a treasured friend, to the great tragic love of his life, you saw the different sides of his personality. His positive traits and flaws were both pointed out through his interactions with these people.
I really enjoyed the book as a quick read, but not necessarily the lightest subject matter.
October 26, 2013
I had a personal reason to want to like this book, but by the time I finished, it stood on it's own merits. It's a smart book with substance and soul and characters I cared about. I loved the creativity of it's construction. I look forward to Ms. Cander's future works because I believe she lives with far more than just 11 stories inside her.
March 31, 2017
I received this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a series of short stories tied together by the superintendent of an apartment building. It was a fast and easy read and the author told each story with so much care that I became attached to the different characters. And I teared up at the end! A very moving book.
This book was a series of short stories tied together by the superintendent of an apartment building. It was a fast and easy read and the author told each story with so much care that I became attached to the different characters. And I teared up at the end! A very moving book.
May 4, 2014
I received this book through a giveaway. I read the whole thing in a day. It's a really cool concept for a book. Despite the short length, there's a great deal of emotion which causes you to really empathize with a man plummeting to his death.
April 23, 2013
Unique storyline, beautiful writing, thought provoking. Highly recommend this book from Houston author, Chris Cander.
March 11, 2017
Review to follow.
January 30, 2024
Absorbing creativity
This book took me by surprise, as it seemed to begin at the end. As the stories reflect the memories of Roscoe, the reader is drawn into the man's reclusive, yet not uneventful life. Ms. Cander uses a plethora of unusual words that added to this reader's vocabulary.
In a most creative way, the reader is led into a moment of time with various tenants of the residential building. Readers are given a glimpse of interactions between the residents and the building's superintendent, learning secrets - some funny, some sad, some rather pathetic, some romantic. All showcase the wide spectrum of humanity.
I gave this five stars for several reasons. Creative story line, vocabulary, crisp writing, short and concise chapters that says what needs to be said without adding the unnecessary fluff that some writers are prone to employ, and for the very best ending possible. I wondered how she would wrap it up, and was not disappointed.
If I were in charge, I'd make this required reading for college writing classes.
This book took me by surprise, as it seemed to begin at the end. As the stories reflect the memories of Roscoe, the reader is drawn into the man's reclusive, yet not uneventful life. Ms. Cander uses a plethora of unusual words that added to this reader's vocabulary.
In a most creative way, the reader is led into a moment of time with various tenants of the residential building. Readers are given a glimpse of interactions between the residents and the building's superintendent, learning secrets - some funny, some sad, some rather pathetic, some romantic. All showcase the wide spectrum of humanity.
I gave this five stars for several reasons. Creative story line, vocabulary, crisp writing, short and concise chapters that says what needs to be said without adding the unnecessary fluff that some writers are prone to employ, and for the very best ending possible. I wondered how she would wrap it up, and was not disappointed.
If I were in charge, I'd make this required reading for college writing classes.
January 11, 2019
Very Creative & Unique
Intelligently fascinating! I really enjoyed the way the story continued throughout each chapter, yet there was a new story to hold our attention and delight.
Intelligently fascinating! I really enjoyed the way the story continued throughout each chapter, yet there was a new story to hold our attention and delight.
October 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book (though it helped that I met the author at our book club). I found the writing a bit stilted though the story was very good.
January 7, 2018
A brilliant but sad story. The ending to the story was quite emotional. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a touching and somber read.
January 4, 2019
One of my all time favorite books. Each chapter stands alone and reads beautifully. I missed the characters when I finished. Even the ones that got on my nerves. So well developed!
July 3, 2019
Another sensitive book by Chris Cander. I hope she writes another one. Ive read all 3 written by her!
July 1, 2022
Nice ending, but be prepared, it didn't totally make up for the sadness in this book.
August 17, 2022
Another intriguing Chris Cander book. Interesting premise. Did not want the ending to come, but it was beautiful.
September 28, 2023
It is a single novel, not 11 different short stories as the name implies. And it is amazing how we influence other's lives as well as how they influence ours
January 6, 2024
Astounding!
I cannot express my astonishment for this brilliantly written book! I love everything about it! If I could give it more stars I would! Bravo!
I cannot express my astonishment for this brilliantly written book! I love everything about it! If I could give it more stars I would! Bravo!
January 10, 2024
Beautifully written conveying many amazing emotions and thoughts with a very unique overall plot. Happy, sad, beautiful.
August 11, 2025
Short read. Reflective. Impactful.
October 17, 2015
This short novel is a gem. It is about a 9-fingered man who has lived in the same 11 story Chicago apartment building all his life. Roscoe Jones is the super. He learned how to be invisible to the tenants, something his then-super father taught him at an early age. Here's the thing: Roscoe might have been a top notch jazz trumpeter. He was something of a child prodigy on his horn. But now he plays alone in his basement room or (rarely) in his old age) on the building's rooftop.
SPOILER ALERT of sorts: this happens very early in the book, so it has to be mentioned... One night Roscoe falls from the roof after playing a beautiful solo and the author uses this development most brilliantly: his life passes through his eyes as he plummets into an exquisitely, minutely rendered free fall. We hang on in suspense and slow down with him, reading tales of Roscoe's tenants as each floor passes by, a few of them his of them friends, all whom he has helped out, most especially at turning points of their lives, and most especially, one tenant who he fell in love with and has never gotten over. Each vignette or narrative is whole, almost a short story. Bit by bit, we put together a picture of Roscoe's often lonely, haunting life. His maimed hand has crippled him psychologically, yet in some saintly way, his life is whole and meaningful.
When the ending to this narrative finally comes, it is sweet, considering the circumstances. We know Roscoe Jones from the inside out. For a first novel, I found this to be most awesome and unusual in a quiet, understated way. But it is probably one of those books that is not for everyone.
SPOILER ALERT of sorts: this happens very early in the book, so it has to be mentioned... One night Roscoe falls from the roof after playing a beautiful solo and the author uses this development most brilliantly: his life passes through his eyes as he plummets into an exquisitely, minutely rendered free fall. We hang on in suspense and slow down with him, reading tales of Roscoe's tenants as each floor passes by, a few of them his of them friends, all whom he has helped out, most especially at turning points of their lives, and most especially, one tenant who he fell in love with and has never gotten over. Each vignette or narrative is whole, almost a short story. Bit by bit, we put together a picture of Roscoe's often lonely, haunting life. His maimed hand has crippled him psychologically, yet in some saintly way, his life is whole and meaningful.
When the ending to this narrative finally comes, it is sweet, considering the circumstances. We know Roscoe Jones from the inside out. For a first novel, I found this to be most awesome and unusual in a quiet, understated way. But it is probably one of those books that is not for everyone.
May 16, 2013
I used to live in a high rise building in NYC and love the idea of getting a glimpse into each of the residents' lives. The characters in each of the short stories were captivating. Their varied and interesting lives, each one intersecting with Roscoe's life in a unique way, were fascinating to read about.
Roscoe's story of loss is more than just about losing his finger. He gains and loses parts of himself as he develops relationships with the buildings' tenants. And the end of the story really leaves you thinking...
I highly recommend it to fiction lovers!
Roscoe's story of loss is more than just about losing his finger. He gains and loses parts of himself as he develops relationships with the buildings' tenants. And the end of the story really leaves you thinking...
I highly recommend it to fiction lovers!
October 10, 2013
I won a copy of Chris Cander's book 11 Stories from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed reading 11 Stories and thought the concept was very creative. I don't want to give away the story. So, I wont say very much. But, the supporting characters were interesting and the main character Roscoe Jones makes you care what happens to him. The story has woven layers that work well together to take you on a journey with him. 11 Stories takes a unique approach to a man's life flashing before his eyes. Definitely a good read.
July 29, 2016
This story is beautifully crafted, and intricately woven. It explores the lives of the people of an apartment building - all 11 Stories of it, through the eyes of the man who kept it running smoothly for most of his life. Life, love, hate, happiness, redemption, disappointment and fulfillment.... with the strains of music of the lives intertwined. Chris Cander's writing is magical. Avoiding spoilers, so keeping this circumspect, but I completely fell for this book!!
May 25, 2013
11 Stories is a beautifully written tale about a quiet, dignified building superintendent and how he impacted (and was impacted) by the tenants of his building throughout his life. I love Chris Cander's gift for thoroughly developing characters in just a few pages. She leaves you thinking about the fate of each character long after you have finished the book.
January 27, 2014
I enjoyed how this novel was set up, as a series of short stories within the novel. There was one chapter (4, I think) that seemed not to fit, as it hardly had any room for the main character, Roscoe. All others are told from Roscoe's perspective. I look forward to more from this author.
April 15, 2018
I loved the poignant narratives of the characters, the theme of real life being hidden beneath the surface. Seeing it all from the narrator Roscoe's point of view and learning about his life and how he experiences the world was beautiful.
August 28, 2016
I really enjoyed the vignettes of all the lives of those living in an apartment complex, and how their lives intertwined with the super. A quick, poignant read that makes you reflect about your own life.
September 12, 2014
I read it in one sitting and thought it was well-written.
August 21, 2013
It was if Chris wrote several short stories about each of the tenants that lived in Rosco's building. Entertaining to get know the different people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews