Down and Out

by J. Andrew Briseño

stories from the everyday people in small-town Paris, Arkansas.

284 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[amelia]

marvelous and surprising, with such a unique voice and so many real moments filtering through all the mounting chaos of these stories. it's really good. and I'm not just saying that because the author is my new colleague, either.

[izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the day and age of soundbites, Down and Out shows how folx band together to enjoy the little things and help each other out. Unfortunately, it also shows how missing even the smallest bit of a broader picture drastically changes the story. Briseño uses a reality show about a small town, a concept that could easily be tiresome or trite, and weaves short stories intermingling the lives of the people of Paris, Arkansas. Times are tough once the local factory shuts down, and they learn that being on a reality TV show isn't always everything it's cracked up to be. I found both the good and bad of the townsfolk very relatable, and I found myself unable to put the book down, even on my second reading.

Let's just say I won't be watching Project Runway or Masterchef any time soon.

[Andy Briseño · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the funniest book about a town dying that's ever been written. If you ever wondered what would happen if "A Rose for Emily" became a reality television show, this is the book for you. It's sort of like if Swamp People and the Breakfast Club had a baby. I mean it's a good one.