Big Cats: Stories

by Holiday Reinhorn

Big Cats opens with "Charlotte," in which a young girl with a broken pelvis spies on her voluptuous neighbor during a long, hot summer night, setting the tone of irrepressible curiosity and yearning that is evident throughout the collection. In "Get Away from Me, David," a bank manager tries to overcome his haunted past as he deals with the aftermath of a minor earthquake and the body of a customer who died in the lobby. "Big Cats" pits two teenage girls against each other in an escalating catfight at the zoo where they work, culminating in a blowout in front of the lion cage.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Book Club

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 6, 2005

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to say about this collection of stories. It is a really fast read, and would do well for a person going on a plane trip, but directly after reading it, a lot of the book kind of coagulates together in your brain. For me, this was due to the fact that with the exception of a few stories, stylistically, they seem to have the same narrator (despite the fact that in actuality the narrators vary in age, location, and sex).

Most of the stories end in abrupt wasy that ostensibly leave the reader to draw their own conclusions, but nothing much happens for conclusions to be drawn with. I did enjoy "Last Seen," and "The White Dog." "Big Cats" wasn't too bad either, but again had an ending that seemed like Reinhorn was just sick of the storyline and wanted to end it. I'm all for really good short stories that end in this manner and leave you guessing, as long as it is done well. To that end, I'd reccommend Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman or It's Not the End of the World by Kate Atkinson.

[Christy Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a problem of high expectations. I thought it would be great and it wasn't even good.

If you want some time killer short stories, it isn't bad.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author is remarkably good at writing the beginnings of stories. It seems to me that she never came up with an idea that she wanted to finish. Most of the stories in this collection ended abruptly. Those that had some kind of wrap up went kind of druggy at the end. Reading it was an exercise in frustration, getting interested in one idea after another, and then, nothing.

Charlotte ***
Get Away from Me, David ***
Big Cats *
Golden Pioneers **
F--k You *
My Name **
Good to Hear You ***
The Heights **
By the Time You Get This ***
Seashell *
Africa *
The White Dog ***
Last Seen *

[John Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great group of stories! Though by one author, each one is unique with its own unique circumstances and quirky characters and situations. Holiday Reinhorn (great name!) is a wizard of words, crafting characters and telling their stories, giving us many insights. If you like your stories tied up neatly with a nice bow, this collection is not your cup of tea. If you prefer a nebulous finish, leaving your imagination to roam dig in!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Rainn Wilson’s autobiography and his book, Soul Boom, I wanted to read his wife’s short stories. Wilson calls her a genius and I totally agree with him. The stories are unique and original. Sure hope she writes more!

[Erika Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book and think everyone should read it. Both brilliant and humorous. Love stories that both perfectly portray the human experience and make light of it.

[Jeffrey James]

I think I need this to digest a little longer before I can rate it.

[Kristín Runólfsdóttir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short stories. Gives you a peep into the lives of different people, flawed characters...
Well done.

[Steve Garriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky modern fiction with lots of different angles and characters. Took a chance after reading Wilson's The Bassoon King and I'm glad I did. Very talented writer.

[Leanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a really disappointing book, particularly because I went into it with high expectations. Rainn Wilson (the author's husband) recommended it in a random book list online (he did disclose that Reinhorn was his wife) so I figured it was probably pretty funny, since he is a comedy genius. Not so.

This collection was like a poor man's version of Lorrie Moore. The stories all sort of tried to be absurd, dry, and funny, and there were a few good lines and little moments where they got a grin out of me, but overall I just felt sort of bored. Don't read this if you are looking for hilarious short stories - read Birds of America or Bark by Lorrie Moore instead.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, SIEGFRIED AND ROY gave this book a blurb which is about the most amazing thing ever: "Big cats we know about. We also know about big imagination, bug talent, the ability to entertain. Holiday Reinhorn has all these things, plus a really big heart. We think her stories are magical."

Reinhorn's stories shine most when she uses this adult-child-discussing-parent's-past perspective - "Golden Pioneers," "The Heights" and "Good to Hear You." "Seashell" was also wonderful, as was "By the Time You Get This." A worthy collection.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fast-paced short-story collection, Reinhorn lets you see both the façade a character presents and the woundedness beneath it, by showing the contrast between what people do and say, and what they’re secretly thinking and fearing. The stories have a confessional tone, giving the feeling of an actor in a movie speaking directly to the camera. Because there is little distance between narrator and reader, characters who are bewildered and deeply flawed also manage to become sympathetic.

[Owen Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are quite impressive. They are definitely not life-changing, but they were full, powerful, and perceptive. Then again, I would read a lot of other stuff before reading these stories such as the work of George Saunders who should be read over and over again. Still, I think this writer should be watched as I think she might do some great things in the future.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this collection after reading "Last Seen," which is absolutely incredible, chilling, and unique. The other stories kind of disappointed me, although there were some really great, wonderfully observed moments. On the whole, though, I felt like the hand of the writer was too evident.

Fun fact, though--she's married to Dwight from The Office! =)

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This book took me from laughter to shock to sadness.

Well written, fast paced and interesting.

I was extremely upset at the story about the young girl and the hot tub but other than that loved this book compilation.

[Uzma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me some time to read so I can't remember all of the stories. Some were better than others of course. I liked the title story and the last story Last Seen. I'd like to hear/read an analysis on that because it was certainly intriguing hmmm pretty good collection over all I guess

[danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great descriptive language, strong female characters. Whimsical locations.

[Stephanie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each story in this collection is unique but not strained. I especially love the final piece, "Last Seen."

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short stories.

[Shannon]

I'm gonna read these because the author is married to Rainn Wilson ("Dwight" on the Office). Yes, that is the only reason. SO WHAT.

[Kristine · Rating 2 out of 5]

disappointing. The first three stories are good, the rest...not so much.

[Susi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinda a rough book for me. Plus it is short stories and I prefer novels.

[Stephen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Contrived. People don't talk like that. Act like that. Who do you think you are? Is this written about martians?

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some insightful moments but overall slightly disappointing.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I met this author in person and adored her. An interesting collection of well-fleshed out short stories. Very vivid and genuine characters.

[Ranran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give most of these stories three stars, but "Get Away From Me, David" is so fantastic that it bumps up the rating by a star all by itself.

[Tamsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorites were "Golden Pioneers," "Good to Hear You," and "By the Time You Get This."

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not impressed with this short story collection. This was incredibly disappointing, considering all the rave reviews.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. Each on was a snippet of life, and I really loved it.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it