Holler, Child: Stories

by LaToya Watkins

An extraordinary and unforgettable short story collection about community, home, betrayal, and forgiveness--from a writer whose "spellbinding, buoyant"* storytelling will break your heart as it tends to the wounds.
*Texas Monthly

In Holler, Child's eleven brilliant stories, LaToya Watkins presses at the bruises of guilt, love, and circumstance. Each story introduces us to a character irrevocably shaped by place and reaching toward something--hope, reconciliation, freedom.

In "Cutting Horse," the appearance of a horse in a man's suburban backyard places a former horse breeder in trouble with the police. In "Holler, Child," a mother is forced into an impossible position when her son gets in a kind of trouble she knows too well from the other side. And "Time After" shows us the unshakable bonds of family as a sister journeys to find her estranged brother--the one who saved her many times over.

Throughout Holler, Child, we see love lost and gained, and grief turned to hope. Much like LaToya Watkins's acclaimed debut novel, Perish, this collection peers deeply into lives of women and men experiencing intimate and magnificent reckonings--exploring how race, power, and inequality map on the individual, and demonstrating the mythic proportions of everyday life.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Contemporary, Literary Fiction, Race, Audiobook, African American

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 29, 2023

About the author

LaToya Watkins’s writing has appeared in A Public Space, The Sun, McSweeney’s, Kenyon Review, The Pushcart Prize Anthology (2015), and elsewhere. She has received grants, scholarships, and fellowships from the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, MacDowell Colony, Yaddo, Hedgebrook, and A Public Space (she was one of their 2018 Emerging Writers Fellows). She holds a PhD from the University of Texas at Dallas. Perish is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this short story collection about Black women living in West Texas struggling with generational poverty, dysfunctional relationships, and structural and interpersonal racism. I found LaToya Watkins’s writing realistic and that she used a consistent voice throughout these stories. My rating perhaps reflects my difficulty with short story collections; I just checked, and of the past 20 short story collections I’ve read, I’ve only given one four stars (the rest three stars or fewer). This collection fell into the three-star category because I wanted more of a complete emotional arc from at least a few of the stories – to me they felt like snapshots that could have been developed more or more fully rounded. As with any rating or judgment of art though that may just be a me thing.

[emma]

don't mind me, i'm just adding every short story collection i see to my tbr

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watkins is a brilliant writer and I'm quite surprised to see that this collection has under 1k reviews. Every story was polished, and every detail seemed entirely intentional, there was not a spare word in there, which is not to say that is felt minimalist in any way. I want to read this author in long form expeditiously, her writing is just that good.

Some of these stories are quite abrasive and guaranteed to make you think. These characters exist in nuances that make them so human and equal part hard to root for and all too easy to see yourself in even when your life is entirely different.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the few short story collections that made me sorry when it ended. Brilliant character studies

[Phyllis | Mocha Drop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holler, Child is a collection of short stories largely birthed in West Texas. The history of the region plays into the struggles and challenges that its citizens grapple with throughout the generations as shown in the tellings and remembrances. The stories are reflections and recollections of mostly African American women who search for happiness and purpose amid generational poverty, abusive relationships, familial dysfunction, and systemic racism and discrimination. Some grapple with abject poverty, unplanned pregnancies, deferred dreams, and a plethora of life’s disappointments.

The stories are at times heartbreaking in that we see so much potential lost due to bad choices (ex: collegiate pursuits thwarted due to unplanned teen pregnancy, her college pursuits sidelined because of marriage, the role of religion that limits women’s education, job/career choices, spousal preference, and mobility, etc.). There are repeating cycles of daughters making the same mistakes as their mother despite the mothers’ repeated warnings and interventions. Some of these women are tired and broken – just worn out. Some stories are cautionary tales - reflective in nature, in that women look back and wonder what their lives would be if different choices were made.

Once the book was closed, I marveled at how much there is to unpack from these stories. True to the title, some made me want to holler as one could see the proverbial train-wreck about to happen. Some characters were dealt such a rough hand so early in life (not their fault) that would dump them in a deep, dark hole that it seems like they could/would be doomed or damaged for life. However, hope lines within the pages - so nuanced such that the reader has to truly believe for the characters that they will heal, be whole, get healthy – that somehow, someway, everything will be all right – and that is a beautiful aspect of the stories.

Thanks to Tiny Reparations Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review.

[Danielle | Dogmombookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a collection. The 2nd story Cutting Horse was magnificent and perfect so was the last.

For any that read PERISH and thought it was too horrific, I'd urge you to give this a try. Because wow.

There are themes of loss, regret, of people doing their best, which was nowhere near enough but it was all that was in them, and the resultant sense of feeling severely let down and let go.

There's also a sense of great space, a deafening silence that's weighed down everyone inside like a tomb and our characters walk around like ghosts, not really present, barely filling the space barely disturbing the air.

This was one of the strongest short story collections I've read and one of my top reads for the month.

I do have to say I wish the dogs had been better featured seeing as I am a dogmom and all.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating collection of short stories I mean out of 11 she for sure snapped with 8 of them. Somebody tell LaToya we need more EXPEDITIOUSLY!!! I’ve really grown to love short stories especially when they’re structured right and I’m not left with to many unanswered questions. Cutting Horse, Moving the Animal, and Time After were my least favorite but still thoroughly engaging as the others.

Her character development was incredible and achieved within only a few pages. We have characters that are layered and seem so realistic that she easily pulls you into their situations. There was a lot trauma, emotion, grief, and depth flowing through each story. The way some of them end I found myself wanting more. But the authors storytelling skills are immaculate you’re literally placed in the center of events that are already happening and you question nothing.

We have a mother being harassed by a journalists regarding her recently deceased adult son, Joshua, who claimed to be the Messiah. Then we have another that follows a woman dealing with past sexual trauma after her teenage son is accused of rape and she turns a blind eye to it. I mean there’s something in every story that stands out and makes you remember the characters. I could really go on and on about this.

Overall, the collection was great lots of trigger warnings and different themes involving sexual assault, loss of a child, marriage, abuse, betrayal, teen pregnancy, and the list goes on. If this isn’t on your TBR I highly recommend you add it. Special thanks to the author, @tinyrepbooks, & @netgalley for my advanced copy!!!

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these fresh short stories and I hope she puts out another collection ♥️♥️♥️

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latoya Watkins throws True to Life experiences into a collection of Short stories. With her writing style and her Courageous topics, Readers can not help but to Identify with her some of these stories. She never disappoints.. And, I'm ready for her next one.

▪︎ My Favorite story was: Cutting Horse 🐎

▪︎ Vigil - Priceless

▪︎ Everything's Fine - Just Speechless

[Courtney Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid stories, intriguing characters and interesting plot lines. I especially loved the first one where the mother let her son be messiah to her granddaughter. Also loved the image of the man riding off on the horse. The ending was always satisfying in a way that was completely unexpected. Would recommend and would read again (and more by this author.)

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holler, Child is a short. story collection consisting of eleven stories centering Black life. There are themes of motherhood, disability, marriage, child loss, racism, and more. Latoya Watkins has a gift for writing the emotional journey of internalized sadness on the page and providing readers with enough nuance to want to keep reading no matter how heavy the narrative feels. Her ability to write the inner life of Black women and to make the reader hold compassion for each character no matter the depth of trauma faced or caused continues to amaze me.

This is a powerful collection of stand along stories that help the reader consider what it means to be in pain, hold onto our pain, and have our inability to let pain go impact our ability to see clearly and not perpetuate the harm that gets caused both on a personal and interpersonal level.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

[Shakila (BooksandThemes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read Latoya Watkin's debut novel 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠ℎ, you know how powerful and impactful her words can be. This collection of short stories is no different. Each story, while short, is one that grabs your attention immediately. I don't normally read many short story books, but if they hit like this, give me all the short stories. I would have loved a full book for quite a few of them! Some of my favorites were 𝑇𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝐷𝑜𝑔 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛, 𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝐶ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑑, and 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙.

The audiobook version was also very good as well! The narrators were phenomenal! And... two of my favorites, Joneice Abbot-Pratt, reading 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑡, and JD Jackson (aka Jakobi Diem), reading 𝐷𝑜𝑔 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛, narrated as well.

This is Latoya Watkins' second book, and she is now an auto-buy author for me. I will most definitely be purchasing a physical copy of this one. I truly hope that we get a full book out of at least one of the stories. If not, I will be patiently waiting for her next book!

[Kenzie | kenzienoelle.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, @tinyrepbooks for this gifted copy! Pub date: TODAY! (August 29, 2023)

*I rarely read short story collections, but when I do I usually love them and wish I read more! This collection was SO well done. It is an absolute talent to be able to have fully fleshed out characters, setting and a compelling story in less than 20 pages and LaToya Watkins did that with every single story. There was honestly not a single dud in the whole book. I was dropped right into Texas and let me just say again just how brilliant the character work was!! I’ve read 400 page books and not gotten a good grasp of who the characters are and she did it 11 times with each story in 10 to 20 pages🤯 These aren’t just stories, they’re STORIES and each deals with heavy themes in such a profound way that will stick with the reader.

*To be completely transparent there were two stories that were centered around something sad happening with a pet and that is something I actively don’t like reading about. Those two stories didn’t work for me personally, but even that being said, I still thought those two stories were so well done… just purely a Kenzie sensitivity😅

[Stephanie Sabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful writing - make sure to check trigger warnings

[Cassia Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holler, Child is a collection of short stories that drop you straight into a difficult place and then proceed to show you how much worse things can get. The stories are raw and stark, grim and devastating.

Generational trauma keeps perpetuating and no one is safe from betrayal and abandonment. Parental warnings are never heeded, as though familial patterns must play themselves out again and again, wreaking perpetual havoc.

The author’s voice is strong and sure, her characters springing to life on the pages, daring us look away. Their tales are harrowing and heartbreaking. The first two (‘The Mother’ and ‘Cutting Horse’) and the last one, ‘Time After’, are perfectly-crafted stories. ‘Time After’ moved me to tears.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful collection. These stories are all really character studies. She fits so much life and so much depth to each person in only 20ish pages. I'm glad I picked this up from the NBA longlist.

[Booked.Shaye BWRT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. Period.

Each short story , was almost better than the last.
I also recommend listening to the audio version ! It did something to my spirit !!

5/5 please read. I love short story books. & this one is definitely high on the list. All of the stories had me feeling like I was either right there in the rooms. Or if I was sitting in my grandma house listening to her pass down stories. I felt so connected to the stories in the book. I re read almost all of them. I loved the titles.

I haven’t read her first novel Perish. But now it’s on my list.

[Colton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dont really know how to rate a story collection. I really enjoyed the experience of reading 5 out of the 11. The last one was my favorite — very strong, and elicited an emotional response in me.

Overall, I feel like there were stronger story collections this year that were deserving of being longlisted for the National Book Award.

[bookwhoreforever · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was first recommended this book by my creative writing professor who said my own short stories reminded her of this author and her writing style. i only read the first story of the book, and kept it moving. yet, this year i was reminded of it again and thought that maybe i should read the entire thing and im so glad i did.

as a black woman, a person who has lived in black communities and who has experienced whether personally or peripherally the many themes and situations watkins explored, i felt extremely satisfied at how these were articulated. on a personal note and as a writer, i can always feel that there has been meaning on the minuscule and random day to day realties that occur within black communities and relationships. i think one thing very prevalent in each story despite differing plots is the act of silence or rather dissociation that occurs. and it is true - the many problems that have been relegated to just "reality" or "life" are never really discussed.

thats why it felt so ... empowering? uncomfortable? freeing? to see watkins dive into the inner thoughts and workings on situations that have felt (to me) to pass with no regard on how we as people end up there. some stories i felt like crying, not just because it was sad, but because it was truthful and yet unchanging.

overall, amazing, spectacular, show stopping. i got this at the library but i think i will buy my own copy as i plan to reread it forever :).

[Tamisha booklovertamisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holler Child is an amazing collection of short stories. I’m usually not a fan of this genre, but I read Perish and was looking forward to any book from this author.

Each story was captivating, drawing me into the depths of the characters struggles and obstacles. I loved each story but my favorites were:

🧍🏾‍♀️ The Mother - a mother is hounded by journalists about her cult-leading son

💥Holler Child - a woman who was sexually assaulted has to face a son accused of the same crime

💦 Sweat - a woman has reached her wits end with her husband and wants him to suffer like she has

🧍🏾‍♂️Paternal - girl meets boy, gets pregnant, boy leaves girl…how is she supposed to cope with a new baby all alone?

⏰ Time After - a story of love, acceptance, and living life as your authentic self

I’m still thinking about these characters and their stories long after I finished reading. Run, don’t walk, to pick this book up!

[Danielle]

Don’t feel like I can give this a star rating. There were some stories that really hit me. And others that I felt like I didn’t completely understand. But the stories were full and covered a variety of lives and experiences.

The audiobook was a lovely listening experience with a few narrators reading different stories.

[Nicole Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see where this would be quite moving to people. Personally, I tend to avoid short stories since I feel like they lack the opportunity to really develop characters and stories. Here, we see more of snapshots of various lives vs contained stories with a designated beginning, middle and end. Many of the stories were sad and depressing, but well written.

[Christopher Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the consistency of setting, character, and brevity of each short story, it felt more like a collection of character case study’s of a certain town rather than separate short stories. But I think because of this nothing really stood out in the end but overall good quality read

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Holler, Child reminded me why I love short story collections. I could barely finish the book because I wanted to tell everyone about the story I had just read. My favorites were "Holler, Child, The Mother, and Cutting Horse." Highly recommended collection.

[Oscreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense collection. Took me by surprise.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What we do for love. A few tender memorable moments amongst the harsh struggles of poverty and sacrifice. Inter-connected stories from West Texas.

[Isabella Kassa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did this not make the shortlist!?!? Check TW but I loved it

[Morgan Porzsolt-Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and beautiful.

[The Lesbian Library (Maddy)]

Rating to come soon. I really loved some of the stories but I couldn’t stomach others due to animal death/cruelty so it’s making it hard to rate

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The single best short story collection I’ve read in years.