White Man's Problems: Stories

by Kevin Morris

Short stories by an author who offers “shrewd, bitingly funny commentary on his own privileged class” (Time).   In nine stories that move between nouveau riche Los Angeles and the working class East Coast, and strike a balance between comedy and catastrophe, Kevin Morris explores the vicissitudes of modern life. Whether looking for creative ways to let off steam after a day in court or enduring chaperone duties on a school field trip to the nation’s capital, the heroes of White Man’s Problems struggle to navigate the challenges that accompany marriage, family, success, failure, growing up, and getting older.   “Kevin Morris is that rare writer who bridges the class divide, illuminating the lives of working class characters and affluent professionals with equal authenticity and insight. White Man’s Problems is a revelatory collection that marks the arrival of striking new voice in American fiction.” —Tom Perrotta   “The echoes here are of a former generation of American writers—John Cheever, John Updike, Raymond Carver.” —USA Today   “Life undermines the pursuit of success and status in these rich, bewildering stories . . . A finely wrought and mordantly funny take on a modern predicament by a new writer with loads of talent.” —Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Audiobook, Humor

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose it is a compliment to have your work compared to Cheever, and indeed, that is the author I was thinking of as I read Morris's short stories. His protagonists tend to come from the upper crust; they think only of themselves and lack real warmth and emotion. Perhaps I should mention that while Cheever is an author whose writing I admire, I don't really like it.

Morris is a fine writer...technically. He just has to work harder at making the reader care about blue bloods who drive away from their problems in luxury automobiles.

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Men—both in fiction and in reality—often get a bad rap, sometimes justifiably and sometimes unfairly. While some of the characters in Kevin Morris' thought provoking and beautifully written collection, White Man's Problems , certainly deserve whatever is coming to them, many are simply struggling with the challenges and dilemmas of everyday life, no matter at what stage of life they are, or what problems they're confronting. The end result is a collection of stories about complex characters, some more flawed than others.

I first heard of this collection when I saw that Matthew McConaughey had recorded an audio version of the opening story, "Summer Farmer." I stuck with the written version, and there were instances where I honestly was awestruck by Morris' use of language. While the characters in these stories are mostly average, everyday people, Morris' writing is definitely not. Here's one example from "Summer Farmer" which gut punched me:

"It is true of any of us that, should a stranger meet us at the intersection of elevator and automobile when the chill cloud of memory hits; if he should recognize the subterranean cascade of longing and remorse; if he knows well the depthless sadness of not seeing a child rise into the brace-face, the inappropriate midfriff, the biology major, the bride; he would be privy not just to the naked basis of our being but to our utter defenselessness to the lateral and vertical rhythms and movement of this world."

Umm, yeah.

Among my favorite stories in the collection were: "Here Comes Mike," a story about faith, courage, and family, which looked back at the life of a high school basketball player whose life of promise was derailed, told through the eyes of his youngest brother; "The Plot to Hold Hands with Elizabeth Tremblay," which recounted the exploits of a high school student with a crush on a fellow student; "Miracle Worker," about a lawyer who takes on the once-powerful patriarch of a formidable family on behalf of a former employee; and the title story, which looked at a divorced father who can't stop making mistakes while chaperoning his young son's class trip to the Washington, DC area.

Not all of the stories are perfect; a few (including the aforementioned "Summer Farmer") seemed almost unfinished, leaving me a little confused and disappointed, because they were so powerful up to that point. But overall, this is a strong collection, buoyed by memorable characters, emotionally resonant situations, and excellent storytelling. Definitely one I'm glad I stumbled on, and one I'm pleased to heartily recommend.

See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine addition to the postmodern literature of suburban angst, this short story collection is perfect for fans of Tom Perrotta, Andre Dubus III, and Jim Gavin. White man’s problems these may be, but Morris’s themes feel universal in scope.

(This is by far the best self-published book I’ve ever reviewed, and I’m delighted that it’s being repackaged for wider release. See my full review at Foreword.)

[Kristen Peppercorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

First I would like to say that I was very happy to receive a free copy of this book from the First Reads program on goodreads.com.

"White Man's Problems" by Kevin Morris is a very diverse collection of short stories. The author developed such dynamic characters that with each and every short story in this book, I got completely immersed in the story. I would like to read more about any one of these characters. I think that if any one of these short stories were expanded into full length novels it would certainly excel.

The writer really knows how to evoke emotions from the reader. Some characters are sweet and funny, some are grumpy and stressed while some are overworked family men. My favorite short story from the collection, although it is hard to choose just one, would have to be Mulligan's Travels. Throw a dog into any story and I'm a sucker. The story of Here Comes Mike had me literally laughing out loud. I was brought back to my carefree high school self with The Plot To Hold Hands With Elizabeth Tremblay.

My least favorite short story in this collection is White Man's Problems. It is a story of a man named Hansall who chose to chaperone his son's field trip in order to try and win custody over him. At first I liked it because I also went on a field trip just like the one described when I was young. I soon realized what a terrible father and altogether corrupt man the father was. It was disappointing how he behaved. People like him don't deserve their kids when they don't appreciate them. I also found the ending very abrupt and lack-luster. It gave me no closure.

Overall, White Man's Problems by Kevin Morris is a good read. It can transport you from reality into the worlds that the author created. It evokes some powerful emotions that cover almost all the bases. Each story left me wanting more of the wonderful characters and the well-developed plots.

[Stefani · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's tough to write about middle-aged angst realistically while also creating characters that will be loved and admired by readers. By nature, the problems of middle-age men—excluding serious, life-threatening illnesses or job loss—tend to revolve around dissatisfaction with life, jobs, relationships, etc...feel inconsequential, even middling against the enormous scope of modern-day global issues like ISIS and world hunger. Authors like Cheever and Updike used to portray the lives of dissatisfied suburbanites in an era when revealing your marital unhappiness was tantamount to social suicide. They were cutting edge! But, as time wore on, the traditional tethers of adulthood—marriage and children—seemed to be less permanent as more people divorced or didn't marry at all. Somehow the stifling nature of a suffocating marriage is less poignant when it's entirely possible to reinvent oneself by moving on.

As with many books of short stories there were a blend of good stories and those I would have preferred to have skipped over. The last story, White Man's Problems was the best, in my opinion. A divorced man accompanies his son on a sleepover school trip, where his shortcomings as both a father and human being are revealed.

As a sidenote, I had no idea until I read the book that the author was a coproducer of Book of Mormon!

[Joel Lacivita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a number of John Updike novels and short stories and this seems to be the aim for Morris's excellent collection of stories. They are indeed filled with white men's problems but I think many people can relate to the trials and tribulations of the protagonists.

The stories are subtle, and at the same time, very moving. His prose is outstanding, and that alone pulled me into each and every story. I liked them all. My favorite? I would say Mulligan's Travels, which starts off with a discourse about how all the great technologies at our fingers tips don't always work and if they do work, it can be hard to remember exactly what the proper procedures are to make it work. He then counters with a story about a dog being trapped under a car. It brings up the point that technology is great but we still live a physical world and there are many aspects that require hands abilities.

His character development is fantastic, as is displayed in Here Comes Mike, along with the last story, White Man's Problems. The magic is in fact his development of the characters. Some readers may be looking for more obvious meanings and not like this book but within all these stories, are subtle commentaries about the human condition which add up to some very heavy insight.

With all the Hunger Games and Divergents out there, it's great to see someone writing about a white man's problems.

[Dan Greenleaf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of these stories are engaging but there are a number of issues that prevent me from suggesting it to others. First, the endings are unresolved and unsatisfying. While the stories may build a well-structured narrative, they (or we) are all left hanging at the end. I assume the author intends for us to make our own conclusions or endings. But I find it annoying and uninspired.

The other main issue with the stories is I have little interest or empathy for most of the main characters. In many cases they are, as a friend often relates, douchbags. They are well off, professional, gifted but complete jerks. I could care less about their "problems," most being self-inflicted.

Just not worth the time and energy. There are too many more interesting and compelling works to read.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

a series of stories about things that happen to guys of all ages, what they think, feel, and how they react. Not always very flattering to the characters, and the stories seemed to have no real conclusion. It left me wanting more.

[Stephenie (Insta: reading_and_running_ ) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an Audible book of short stories. I honestly thought this would be a deeper look into the problems that white men face. I was left wondering if this was satire. The protagonists are all privileged, entitled, and pretty terrible. They all appeared to have white collar jobs and connections. The “problems” they had were all self made- don’t have an affair if you don’t want your marriage to blow up, don’t fight your soon-to-be ex for custody just to spite her if you don’t want to spend time with your kid. FFS I have nothing good to say.

[Colleen Tillett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rarely pick a bad book. I’m usually passing out five-stars liberally.
I had just finished Green Lights, excellent read, when I saw he was one of the narrators on this book.
I was confused by the title, and realized it had nothing to do with the actual book.
Some of the stories are good, some complete trash.
I felt completely disconnected with this book.
I’m reading 200 books this year, so I muddled through.

I do NOT recommend this book, but to each his own.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of short stories that simply didn’t go anywhere. Throughout the book the timelines seemed arbitrary and conflicted. The point of view and character voices were flimsy. Each story lacked a sense of movement or intention.

The author created these rather specific, detailed build ups that went nowhere.

Overall, I would absolutely not recommend this book. A bit of à miss.

[Logan Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology. The writing was great, introspective, and detailed but simple. The characters felt real. Morris reminded me a bit like a modern Hemmingway. I look forward to reading more from him.

[Cristhian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es tan postmoderno que no decido si es bueno o malo o si está todo hecho con esa intención de dejar a uno indeciso. Los géneros y paisajes que se expresan son tan dispares tanto en calidad como en forma que no sé como calificar todo así que lo dejo tal y como me dejó la obra a mi: indeciso.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly men at their worst.

[Carly Bedingfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kept thinking I might like the next short story more, but overall didn't like it. Hard to relate to or find interesting.

[Therese Brink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories about everyday life and problems of suburban, white people. Reminds me of a sad "Sienfeld".

[Brig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flashes of brilliance.

[Steve Bera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected. A collection of short fiction stories with little intrinsic lessons for life. Minimal entertainment value, but nice descriptive writing. Cannot recommend.

[el · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok, but it didn't age well imo.

[Steve Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

why can't i give this book zero stars?

this is the kind of book where the author is very visible. take me seriously! morris seems to say. rich white guys have problems, too! i found this sentiment—implicit in which, i think, is the belief that somehow rich white guys have become marginalized in our culture—at best pathetic and annoying, like the book was begging me for approval, and at worst offensive.

on top of that, morris’s prose is often choppy and awkward, and most characters besides the protagonists are under-developed. women in these stories exist mostly to be beautiful and throw themselves at the protagonists. people of color are only there to bring about epiphanies in white characters about how we’re all the same.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of short stories. Mr. Morris has an eye for capturing depth and texture in the mundane problems of the title. I read it in one sitting, but the characters stayed with me long after. I would highly recommend.

* Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion

[Erik Eckel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating and reviewing this book is a challenge. I felt that, for me, the collection began slowly. And it's dark. But there is no doubt Kevin Morris hits his stride in the closing stories. He outright reaches passing speed in "Miracle Worker" and finishes cleanly with the compelling piece that provides this collection its title, "White Man's Problems."

[Kme_17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from first read. This collection of short stories is focus on the male point of view. It is an interesting read. These stories have characters that sometimes are hard to root for. However, the author style keeps you reading. I think if you enjoy short stories with intriguing conflicted characters you will like this one.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads' Giveaway. I really enjoyed it. Especially the stories "Here Comes Mike" and "Rain Come Down". So many of the characters in the stories seemed like people I know. I hope to read more by Morris.

[Jay C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasonably entertaining group of stories, some quite humorous. I suspect the author's personality crept into a lot of the main characters' and, if true, I don't think I would like him very much... :-)

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

listened to summer farmer on audible read by Matthew McConaughey. I have to say that I'm not real sure where the author was trying to go with the story. it's about two men in an elevator talking about the loss of a child, it just kind of drifts on its own not really complete.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book and would recommend it in that or any format. The stories were well put together and humorous. Most of the characters were not as "likable" as they were "identifiable" which made it all the more real. Very nice.

[Faye Ridpath · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.

I really didn't understand most of these stories.

Some started out really well, but most fizzled at the end.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads giveaway. It is a good collection of short stories with dynamic characters and good storytelling. A good read for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

[Phyl · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories were just mostly dull.