One Man's Trash

by Ivan E. Coyote

In Close to Spider Man—which won a Danuta Gleed Literary Award—readers were introduced to the crystalline storytelling voice of Ivan Coyote. The talent evident in that first collection is confirmed with One Man’s Trash, a series of connected stories about being queer, searching out new frontiers, and being on the road.

The characters in One Man’s Trash make evident the child in all of us, when heroes and superheroes won the day.

Including the hilarious account of an attempted lesbian wedding in a Las Vegas chapel, and a touching tale of being beguiled by an uncle’s independent-minded girlfriend, these are stories about being on the road: to the northern tundra or the southern desert, through cities and towns, on horses, in trucks and vans, with friends, family, and lovers. In achingly personal tones, Ivan Coyote paints beautiful and honest portraits of life, the road, and the spirits within.

Genres: Queer, Short Stories, Canada, Fiction, LGBT, Gender, Transgender

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Ivan Coyote was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. An award-winning author of six collections of short stories, one novel, three CD’s, four short films and a renowned performer, Ivan’s first love is live storytelling, and over the last thirteen years they have become an audience favourite at music, poetry, spoken word and writer’s festivals from Anchorage to Amsterdam.

Ivan E. Coyote, die k.d. lang der kanadischen Literatur, stammt aus Whitehorse, Yukon, im äußersten Nordwesten Kanadas. Sie liebt Trucks, kleine Hunde, guten Kaffee, gescheite Frauen, Lederarbeiten, Tischlern, Geschichten erzählen, Angeln, Hockey, Knoten knüpfen, Kochen, auf Bäume klettern und ihren Mittagsschlaf. Heute lebt sie mit ihrer Partnerin in Vancouver. Ivan E. Coyote hat bereits fünf Erzählbände veröffentlicht und mit Als das Cello vom Himmel fiel ihren ersten Roman vorgelegt. Sie liebt es, Geschichten zu erzählen, und hat sich neben ihrem Schreiben auch als »Spoken Word«-Performerin einen Namen gemacht.

Reviews

[Care · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivan Coyote proves that they are yet again a national treasure. The stories in this collection, One Man's Trash are sublime. There wasn't a single one that I thought wasn't worth publication, wasn't worth reading. I enjoyed them all. I remember being a tween and having Ivan come and do a school reading for us. One story that stood out over the years was "It Doesn't Hurt," which details the notorious comb-ball sport, reminding me so vividly of something my brother and I did. Coyote hits the nail of childhood nostalgia on the head. My first taste of Ivan Coyote's story-telling at a young age prepared me for the excellent craft I am now encountering as a young woman. The only reason this misses out on five stars is because I didn't like the order of the pieces. The "There" section was much weaker to me than the "Then" and "Now" sections. Ending on a weaker note definitely left me feeling it wasn't perfect, whereas if it had led with the weaker stories, I might have felt differently. However, this has more hard hitters than in Close to Spider-Man though I'd recommend both. Seriously, do yourself a favour and read something by Ivan Coyote.

My favourite's from this collection:

"It Doesn't Hurt"
"Just Reward"
"Mavis for Prime Minister"
"The Safe Way"
"Makeover"
"More Beautiful"

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve written many times before about Ivan E Coyote and how very very good her stories are (they are very very good). I recently made my way though this collection as a set of nighttime reads. You know how usually you can only manage four or five pages in bed before falling asleep? Well this collection is perfect because no story clocks in at more than six or seven, each one is a contained little gem and you go to bed satisfied that you’ve explored something rich and deep without having to dive too far. I suppose it’s like wading to your ankles in the time it takes, but still discovering a submerged treasure. The subject matter is quotidian, the narration a matter of fact first person, and yet it somehow manages (and I suppose it should be my task here to figure out that “somehow” and explain it, but like watching a magician, I’d rather not look too closely at Coyote’s magic for fear of having the whole thing spoiled) to unsettle/resettle the taken-for-granted. Magical!

[Zoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ivan Coyote - in person, in books, in theory, in practice, everything. She's a storyteller with a million stories, because he has a facility for finding the story in the most mundane encounters and events. His stories tend to be plotless yet meaningful, and she shares with us her eye for detail, her ear for the things that often go unsaid, and her voice, rich with humour and insight. He also shares the tongue in his cheek and the twinkle in her eye, both of which are essential Ivan.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently in love with Ivan E. Coyote, that is all.

[Anna]

A shot of joy I so greatly needed right now. Coyote sees the beauty, if not the good, in people, from the curmudgeonly elderly next door neighbour to the fumbling Vegas chapel employee to the foam saleswoman by the industrial river. A love letter to those who so often don't get a love letter.

[Heather(Gibby) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of short stories that really bring them to life. It shows how ordinary moments in life, really are to be treasured.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan Coyote is one of my favourite writers. I love their voice that shows through in all of their stories, the way they feel so familiar and kind, and how genuine they come across.

I will say that this is not my favourite of Ivan's short story collections, I personally prefer Missed Her and Tomboy Survival Guide because they invoked in me a deeper sense of community as a queer person and are a little more honed in their style, but it was still a wonderful read. As one of their earlier collections, the stories are more focused on how Ivan grew up in a general sense and experiences as a younger person exploring Vancouver. It's hard to pinpoint how it's different but it definitely is. I appreciated this book both for the stories and the context it gives to appreciating Ivan's later work.

[Stephen Novik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm gonna hold on to my copy of this book for inspiration. i think it is that good. It's brisk, richly detailed, humorous as hell, and still relevant and relatable.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hear Ivan Coyote tell these stories live. Or read them to a loved one on a road trip. Or read them to yourself on the bus, or in the bathtub. LOVE!

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable once again from ivan coyote

[kdburton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coyote is one of my all time favourite writers and this is no exception.

— owned

[Clare K H · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unexpected gift from my eldest. I truly loved this beautiful non fiction LGBTQ+ short story collection. This book is a keeper.

[Gaya Karalasingam]

I don’t know why, but why not.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Man's Trash is probably my least favorite of Coyote's works that I've read, which is strange, given how near and dear road trips are to me. Yet it wasn't quite there.

Part of that is that several of the stories in One Man's Trash also feature in the other anthologies of Coyote's that I've read. Not always word for word, but beat for beat. If I'd had a longer gap between Coyote books, maybe I wouldn't have noticed, or been put off by it, but as it is, it kind of annoyed me. 

The best story by far was the Las Vegas wedding. It was also one of the only ones that actually felt like a road trip story. It was also, I believe, the longest.

While the one or two page stories make for a quick read, they don't lead me to engage deeply. I think I'll give myself more than a couple months before I read anymore Coyote, though I do plan to continue reading them, or at least trying their novels. And if you haven't read any Ivan Coyote, One Man's Trash is a fine place to start.

[kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a radiant, underrated voice. Like a reckless ride in the passenger seat with someone you love and trust. I think I would die if I met Ivan, but I really hope to someday!

[Phil Della · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this funny little book, and I loved the first story. I thought to myself, if Ivan can continue to write this well then I'm going to be very impressed by this book. While the book did not deliver the same level of quality as the first story, the other stories were still engaging, funny and unique.

That being said, I have to add that the bulk of the stories were vignettes and as such left me feeling unsatisfied. I kept thinking, 'That's it?' The book runs 136 pages with 18 stories. However, the book doesn't start til page 13 and has 15 blank pages scattered throughout, so it's actually 108 pages long. That leaves an average of 6 pages per story. Now, 6 pages could be ample, but each page in this book is surrounded by generous margins. It reminds me of when I was in high school and trying to pass off my term paper with enormous amounts of white space on all sides, just so I could meet the page minimum. All this is to say that these were very short stories. Part of me liked that. I liked flying through this book in no time. It was no slog. The only problem was it left me feeling that the author needed to do more with these stories to make them truly compelling instead of simply amusing. Clearly Ivan Coyote has talent, an engaging writing style and has no trouble offering up amusing character observations for her realistic and offbeat cast. Because of that, I will be reading more from him and his gender-bending point of view.

[Shawn Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

(When I met Ivan at Word on the Lake Writers' Festival I asked what pronoun to use and was told "they" so I have used it in this review).

In person, Ivan weaves stories around a room, and entwines the audience in a common sympathetic adventure, one that leads to tears, laughter, and sighs. I can hear Ivan's voice as I read these stories: the relaxed,winding tone of a story-teller who plays with the audience with self-deprecating observations. By the end insight shines.

Ivan is a lesbian who identifies as a male. These stories include amusing, awkward moments of their life, and I appreciate the little windows on a life that offers moments of pathos and delight. (See "Fear and Hoping in Las Vegas")

The stories are accessible, entertaining, and thought-provoking. I enjoyed the whole collection.

[Knitography · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to Ivan Coyote was an interview she did recently on the CBC; her thoughtful and articulate answers made me want to run straight to the library to pick up one of her books, and I'm glad I did!

Her writing is outstanding - each story a self-contained gem, distilled down to its essence. Her work is streamlined and uncluttered, and each story gives you a moment, an insight into human nature and human relationships. I look forward to reading more of Ivan Coyote.

[Lbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Ivan E Coyote's writing has brought me to tears, and to laughing out loud, then looking around to see if anyone heard.

I also again found myself reading sections and finally an entire story aloud to my husband for his enjoyment.

Her simple, straight forward style is moving and riveting.

I had read two of the stories in another book, but as one was a favourite I didn't mind.

[Tom Whalley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story teller. I love the way she takes the small events of life and Imbues them with depth of meaning. Wicked sense of humour too. A fast read that raises a tear and a laugh from story to story.

[Karena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tuesday, May 11, 2004


A book I picked up at one of the Canadian Book Expos. Coyote is a wonderful writer. If you like short stories that are true-life based, please pick this up. You will be amused. (Met the charming author and had the book signed.)

[Susan Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ivan's style of storytelling. Fresh, down to earth, a politic of acceptance woven in without a hint of preaching. I find myself guffawing out loud and anyone who can do that with the written word is a damn fine writer.

[Beebleberry]

I ran into her at the post office today and I thought "Hey, I should read something by her ... she's a very cool person"

[Pam P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another I read every year. Keeping me sane and laughing. I am getting a new set and donating my old ones.

[Becc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately contained a couple of double-ups other volumes of her stories, which was the only bummer.

Never mind, I'll go another.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite local author!!!!!!!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful storyteller. A collection of mostly humorous short stories. Enough of them in the mighty Yukon to satisfy me.

[Zoe Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of personal essays

Favorites: Mavis for Prime Minister, The Test

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hearing Ivan tell stories is absolutely thrilling -- reading them myself is somewhat less so.