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Edge: Collected Stories
These 15 short stories by a writer the New York Times Book Review has called “one of the grand masters of young adult fiction” capture our fears, yearnings, loneliness, self-doubts, and universal need for love and acceptance
M. E. Kerr’s pioneering young adult literature has gained a devoted following for fearlessly breaking rules and confronting conformity. In Edge , her trademark gifts of pulling apart relationships, exposing real emotion, and conveying what it means to grow up are on full display. From handling a teenage girl’s coming out in “We Might as Well All Be Strangers” to asking philosophical questions about God, life, and death in “The Sweet Perfume of Goodbye” to parodying social norms in “Do You Want My Opinion?,” this is a funny, moving, and brave anthology about faith, friendship, family ties, prom night, an unusual act of heroism, and staying true to yourself.
M. E. Kerr’s pioneering young adult literature has gained a devoted following for fearlessly breaking rules and confronting conformity. In Edge , her trademark gifts of pulling apart relationships, exposing real emotion, and conveying what it means to grow up are on full display. From handling a teenage girl’s coming out in “We Might as Well All Be Strangers” to asking philosophical questions about God, life, and death in “The Sweet Perfume of Goodbye” to parodying social norms in “Do You Want My Opinion?,” this is a funny, moving, and brave anthology about faith, friendship, family ties, prom night, an unusual act of heroism, and staying true to yourself.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2015
4 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
M.E. Kerr
46 books58 followersM. E. Kerr was born Marijane Meaker in Auburn, New York. Her interest in writing began with her father, who loved to read, and her mother, who loved to tell stories of neighborhood gossip. Unable to find an agent to represent her work, Meaker became her own agent, and wrote articles and books under a series of pseudonyms: Vin Packer, Ann Aldrich, Laura Winston, M.E. Kerr, and Mary James. As M.E. Kerr, Meaker has produced over twenty novels for young adults and won multiple awards, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her lifetime contribution to young adult literature.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 18, 2015
A mixed bag of YA short stories. I thought it started really strongly with "Do You Want my Opinion" and "The Sweet Perfume of Goodbye" as they were set in other worlds which flipped our norms on their heads. As such they showed quirky creativity, made me smile wryly and gave me a different perspective on certain aspects of life. It's only when M.E.Kerr comes back to today's reality on earth that things go a little flatter.
There are some great gems in here, however, and running themes of alienation, outsiders, not fitting in and the challenges of adolescent life.
Well worth a read.
There are some great gems in here, however, and running themes of alienation, outsiders, not fitting in and the challenges of adolescent life.
Well worth a read.
May 28, 2022
The first few stories were amazing. After the first few stories they just became repetitive and boring and confusing (although that’s on me) (I’m kinda just a stupid bitch with 5 brain cells). 2.5
October 24, 2023
Great stories for YA. Useful for teaching elements of short stories for sure.
October 15, 2015
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
It is surprisingly difficult to find short story collections for younger readers. I suspect, in part, I am simply not aware of them, but I sure do like it when I come across them.
M.E. Kerr is the award-winning author of some very progressive teen fiction, addressing topics such as homosexuality, racism, AIDS, absent parents, and so on. M.E. Kerr is a pseudonym for Marijane Meaker and she has written under other names such as Vin Packer, and Ann Aldrich (among others). She tells us this in a fascinating post-script, "A Personal History by M. E. Kerr."
As with most collections or anthologies, the stories range from truly unforgettable to those that seem almost like filler. But even with those that I didn't care for, I could see a spark and I could understand that there would be an audience for these stories... a youngster for whom the story might touch in a very significant way. "Great Expectations" and "I'll See You When This War is Over" were two such stories.
"I Will Not think of Maine" was one of the haunting, unforgettable stories for me and I think it would resonate with many younger readers.
In fact, many of the early stories in the collection were winners, in my consideration. I was hooked on the collection right out of the gate with "Do You Want My Opinion" which has a fantasy bent to it and addresses issues relevant to our youth, but in a sort of back-handed way. In the world of the story, physical connection (touching, kissing, petting, sex) are the norm, but sharing an emotional connection - asking what someone thinks - is reserved for more intimate encounters. And here a young boy fantasizes about the special girl in class and dreams of asking her opinions (or better yet, her asking for his). It's a brilliant twist and allows the young reader to make the connections to the modern norms.
"The Sweet Perfume of Goodbye" is also a beautiful tale and has a science fiction theme to it. Here a teen is doing research on another planet: the only smell on the planet is a unique, exotic odor released from a body when it is approaching death. What an incredible, haunting theme, and of course allows for plenty of reflection in the typical YA manner.
These two stories ("...Maine" and "...Goodbye") open the collection and it is easy to see why they've been placed at the front as they really do entice and engage the reader and I was eager to read on. Of course, as I say, not all the stories were as captivating to me, but it's a rare book of short fiction that would have all the stories appeal to a single reader. But I think that this has many above-average stories and it is a book worth reading, and definitely needs to be on the shelves in our school libraries.
Looking for a good book? Edge: Collected Stories by M.E. Kerr is an above average collection of YA fiction that engages readers and sometimes addresses difficult topics in unique ways. It is worth a read.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
It is surprisingly difficult to find short story collections for younger readers. I suspect, in part, I am simply not aware of them, but I sure do like it when I come across them.
M.E. Kerr is the award-winning author of some very progressive teen fiction, addressing topics such as homosexuality, racism, AIDS, absent parents, and so on. M.E. Kerr is a pseudonym for Marijane Meaker and she has written under other names such as Vin Packer, and Ann Aldrich (among others). She tells us this in a fascinating post-script, "A Personal History by M. E. Kerr."
As with most collections or anthologies, the stories range from truly unforgettable to those that seem almost like filler. But even with those that I didn't care for, I could see a spark and I could understand that there would be an audience for these stories... a youngster for whom the story might touch in a very significant way. "Great Expectations" and "I'll See You When This War is Over" were two such stories.
"I Will Not think of Maine" was one of the haunting, unforgettable stories for me and I think it would resonate with many younger readers.
In fact, many of the early stories in the collection were winners, in my consideration. I was hooked on the collection right out of the gate with "Do You Want My Opinion" which has a fantasy bent to it and addresses issues relevant to our youth, but in a sort of back-handed way. In the world of the story, physical connection (touching, kissing, petting, sex) are the norm, but sharing an emotional connection - asking what someone thinks - is reserved for more intimate encounters. And here a young boy fantasizes about the special girl in class and dreams of asking her opinions (or better yet, her asking for his). It's a brilliant twist and allows the young reader to make the connections to the modern norms.
"The Sweet Perfume of Goodbye" is also a beautiful tale and has a science fiction theme to it. Here a teen is doing research on another planet: the only smell on the planet is a unique, exotic odor released from a body when it is approaching death. What an incredible, haunting theme, and of course allows for plenty of reflection in the typical YA manner.
These two stories ("...Maine" and "...Goodbye") open the collection and it is easy to see why they've been placed at the front as they really do entice and engage the reader and I was eager to read on. Of course, as I say, not all the stories were as captivating to me, but it's a rare book of short fiction that would have all the stories appeal to a single reader. But I think that this has many above-average stories and it is a book worth reading, and definitely needs to be on the shelves in our school libraries.
Looking for a good book? Edge: Collected Stories by M.E. Kerr is an above average collection of YA fiction that engages readers and sometimes addresses difficult topics in unique ways. It is worth a read.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2017
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Disclaimer: This book was received through to publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“"Ideas are personal," someone said. "Bodies are all alike, but ideas, are individual and personal."”
A collection of short stories written by renowned author M.E. Kerr. From alternate universes, to stories of coming out, letting go and just growing up in general. Whimsical at times, serious at others, it’s a very eclectic and enjoyable collection.
The stories, while good, do feel a bit dated. None of them feel like timeless pieces. I was left feeling slightly disjointed from characters outside my time. It reads a little like a required reading in high school. Some of the stories are fanciful, set in alternate realities or worlds that really make you consider your own. It’s a very good coming of age novel, with plenty of stories about growing up. The writing style was brilliant. It was smooth, simple and very easy to devour quickly. However, while certain stories played all the right notes some stories didn’t. There were a few that left off far too vague or open-ended. It feels almost as though the whole story has been for nothing, or the ending doesn’t feel like a close at all. If I could pluck a few stories out this book would, no doubt, be a five star novel. A nicely varied anthology suitable for any young adult, if a little on the poorly aged side.
Disclaimer: This book was received through to publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“"Ideas are personal," someone said. "Bodies are all alike, but ideas, are individual and personal."”
A collection of short stories written by renowned author M.E. Kerr. From alternate universes, to stories of coming out, letting go and just growing up in general. Whimsical at times, serious at others, it’s a very eclectic and enjoyable collection.
The stories, while good, do feel a bit dated. None of them feel like timeless pieces. I was left feeling slightly disjointed from characters outside my time. It reads a little like a required reading in high school. Some of the stories are fanciful, set in alternate realities or worlds that really make you consider your own. It’s a very good coming of age novel, with plenty of stories about growing up. The writing style was brilliant. It was smooth, simple and very easy to devour quickly. However, while certain stories played all the right notes some stories didn’t. There were a few that left off far too vague or open-ended. It feels almost as though the whole story has been for nothing, or the ending doesn’t feel like a close at all. If I could pluck a few stories out this book would, no doubt, be a five star novel. A nicely varied anthology suitable for any young adult, if a little on the poorly aged side.
August 17, 2015
I truly did not enjoy this collection of stories. I enjoy YA and I enjoy short stories, but these skits were hardly short stories. They felt very formulaic (set the scene, present a dilemma, often a shocking conclusion).
I can’t fault the writing style itself, except that it did not really grip me.
The entire time that I was reading I said to myself, “This feels like some MG from decades ago.” It reminded me a lot of the collections of stories I used to read when I was in junior school. Lo and behold, when I get to the end of the book it shows that most of these stories were indeed published decades ago, and three in the early 2000s.
Now, I enjoy books published long ago, but many of these stories felt quite out of touch with kids today. My favourite was We Might As Well All Be Strangers, which I actually felt was the most relevant and most enjoyable.
These stories show great variety – parodies, satires, romances, family – but it almost felt more like I was reading Kerr’s résumé rather than reading a book for enjoyment.
I can’t fault the writing style itself, except that it did not really grip me.
The entire time that I was reading I said to myself, “This feels like some MG from decades ago.” It reminded me a lot of the collections of stories I used to read when I was in junior school. Lo and behold, when I get to the end of the book it shows that most of these stories were indeed published decades ago, and three in the early 2000s.
Now, I enjoy books published long ago, but many of these stories felt quite out of touch with kids today. My favourite was We Might As Well All Be Strangers, which I actually felt was the most relevant and most enjoyable.
These stories show great variety – parodies, satires, romances, family – but it almost felt more like I was reading Kerr’s résumé rather than reading a book for enjoyment.
November 22, 2015
Perfect for reading on public transportation, Edge is a solid collection of short stories. Spanning a wide range of subjects, the stories are creative, thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. Short story anthologies can really be a mixed bag, forcing you to slog through mediocre stories to find the occasional gem. Edge didn't fall into this trap, offering an interesting the read the whole way through. However, it could have done with more female representation: almost all the protagonists were boys, and girls rarely appeared outside the role of love interest, which was especially disappointing coming from a lesbian author. The one story to feature a lesbian character, however, was definitely worth it, and the coming-out conversation with her grandmother was unforgettable.
July 19, 2015
A conscientious objector leaves for an unknown future as the town’s young men head off to war at the beginning of World War II, a teen visits someone else’s dad in prison who had never seen his own since his own son refuses to come, a young woman tells her mom she’s gay – these are stories about understanding one another and understanding yourself, about that kind of courage we all might have experienced, about growing awareness of ourselves and others – the very stuff of what life means.
This is the best collection of stories I’ve read in years and is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand oneself, family and friends – A MUST READ.
This is the best collection of stories I’ve read in years and is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand oneself, family and friends – A MUST READ.
July 2, 2016
This collection of short stories is about teens dealing with a bunch of different issues such as coming out, death and religion. All of them were good.
My favorite story, "We Might As Well All Be Strangers" is one of the shortest ones in the book, but the message is nice. I've actually read this one before since it was included in a different book called "Am I Blue?" I wish more grandparents were like the main character's grandmother. She's compassionate and understanding. The way she compares being Jewish as a kid during the Holocaust to her granddaughter being a lesbian is a really good analogy.
I was provided with a free copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
My favorite story, "We Might As Well All Be Strangers" is one of the shortest ones in the book, but the message is nice. I've actually read this one before since it was included in a different book called "Am I Blue?" I wish more grandparents were like the main character's grandmother. She's compassionate and understanding. The way she compares being Jewish as a kid during the Holocaust to her granddaughter being a lesbian is a really good analogy.
I was provided with a free copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2015
I like Kerr's novels because they're so dramatic and amusing, but I thought this short story collection was genuinely good. The stories were much more subdued, and there wasn't one that I didn't like. This is definitely a worthwhile read for people looking for collections of YA short stories - it even has a nice mix of realistic fiction (contemporary and historical) and science fiction.
Received from NetGalley.
Received from NetGalley.
July 27, 2015
DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Read my full review and others at:
http://eyesandbooks.weebly.com/review...
Overall a good selection of short stories aimed at the YA audience.
Read my full review and others at:
http://eyesandbooks.weebly.com/review...
Overall a good selection of short stories aimed at the YA audience.
April 11, 2016
As a collection of short stories it's hard to give a fair review. Some I liked, some I didn't. Some I wanted to know more and more about, which is probably why I usually avoid short stories. Definitely worth a read though! The first story especially had me captivated.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews