Don't Erase Me: Stories

by Carolyn Ferrell

This remarkable debut collection introduces a wholly new original young voice to fiction by and about African Americans. Ferrell's remarkable stories show young people on the verge of being erased from society--but determined to endure. They are black or biracial, poor or from broken families, almost-adults navigating a treacherous world. Yet their voices--incandescently street-smart--speak of passion, of connection, of hope wherever they can find it.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Contemporary, African American

163 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Carolyn Ferrell is the author of the short-story collection, Don’t Erase Me, which was awarded the Art Seidenbaum Award of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize program, the John C. Zacharis Award given by Ploughshares, and the Quality Paperback Book Prize for First Fiction. She has also received grants from the Fulbright Association, German Academic Exchange (DAAD), City University of New York MAGNET Program, and National Endowment for the Arts. Ferrell’s stories have been anthologized in Best American Short Stories 2018 and The Best American Short Stories of the Century, among other places. She teaches writing at Sarah Lawrence College and lives in New York with her husband and children.

Reviews

[Paul Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are enough albums I have bought only to find that the track I already knew and liked is the only track I like.



"Portable Library", the first story here, is that track. It’s brilliant, all about this gay black teenager in the Bronx perpetually poised between being despised and being ecstatic. One of my favourite stories! Really perfect!



The rest of these sad tales of black teenagers (don’t look for anything jolly here) are written in a very dense street talk, strictly from one or another kid’s point of view, and plenty of essential background info missed out, so it’s often hard to know what the hell is going on.



But mostly what’s going on is that step-fathers are diddling step-daughters or boyfriends are beating on girlfriends or kids are school are making probably-gay kids’ lives a living hell. You know, same old, same old.



Of course it's just possible I wasn't the target audience for this book.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, ok. I'm reading this book now, but I read it a few years back when I was teaching Creative Writing at Pitt. It's different for me now, just because I'm not completely focusing on the subtelties of the language or the way the stories are being told. What still stands out to me are the characters. This collection brings forth the stories of those pretty much maligned by society, mainly inner-city kids in New York. Their stories are heartbreaking and rich and tough. "Proper Library" is one of my favorites. When I taught it at Pitt, my students were quick to trash it; they felt they could not relate. But we all kind of dug into it by challenging each of our own preconceived notions and prejudices, and in the end, most if not all the class thanked me for introducing this book to them.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's one for the pre- and post-MFA crowd, because, really, that is the audience for a story collection like this (and, yes, I did first read it when I was doing my MFA). Basically this is a masterpiece of voice-inflected fiction. So five-star review for that alone. If you give yourself up to the narrative voice in these stories, they are mesmerizing - and heartbreaking. Maybe a bit one-note for a collection. All different, for sure, but also all the same. Brilliant control of voice, though, and this was one of the great collections of the late 1990s. And what about that title?

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible book of linked stories. I've read the first story now about three times, and I think it is the best. Unfortunately the experience suffered from reading each story as a break from Tolstoy. It's hard to compete with Tolstoy. I should go back and read it straight through to get a sense of the flow. But that will have to wait.

[amie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not for me. I typically like short stories but all of these different characters felt like the same person.

[Anna Acosta · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are 8 stories in this collection that mostly focus girls living in urban neighborhoods. The themes are problems that are encountered in any neighborhood, but many times in neighborhoods where there is poverty: absent fathers; incest; domestic violence; and, most importantly, teenage pregnancy. More than half the girls see having a baby as a road to happiness. I connected with this book because I was also a teenage mother.

[Bryanheidel heidel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed every moment of this book. I really connected with the voice that she used to represent young women and men. They felt authentic to young people themselves as opposed to written through the lens of what adults think about young people. I also really loved the prose. It's hard for me to put my finger on exactly what i liked about the prose, but it really spoke to me. It was also really funny which I appreciate in a book.

[Matt Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vivid, poetic tone and impressively differentiated voices of the characters in this story make the reader hope for the best for them, even when that seems near impossible.

[sheena d! · Rating 5 out of 5]

all about that voice. whew!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FROM JACKET)Here are voices unlike any you have heard before. Carolyn Ferrell's dazzling debut collection of stories features young people, mostly girls, on th verge of being erased from society but determined to endure. They are black or biracial, poor or from broken families, almost-adults navigating a treacherous world. Yet their voices-incandescently street-smart-speak of passion, of connection, of hope wherever they can find it.
Ferrell validates these character's lives with penetrating sympathy and spirit. Her stories uncover the particular heartache of the young that comes from being different. In "Miracle Answer" the black daughter of a white mother views her double loyalties with both sass and sorrow. "Country of the Spread Out God" sets tale of unrequited love in the unlikely midst of family court. The narrator of "Proper Library"-featured in "The Best American Short Stories"-is a sensitive boy named Lorrie who finds being gay oddly protects him.....

[Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Ferrell writes as eloquently as she speaks in person. Her writing is clear and approaches the topic of people's real lives and struggles. She captures a picture of urban life that is gripping. I would recommend this collection of stories to anyone looking for a novel perspective on the human struggle. It is so obvious through Carolyn's work that she has much experience writing and can relate to people and the human condition very well.

[Adrienne Francis · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a bit hard for me to read because I am not used to reading different versions of spelling but even so I managed to finish the book and it opened my eyes to the things which the characters in the book have to face. This book helped me to realize that other tribes and nations have different way of life and culture although not very strongly. All in all, it helped me to realize that I have a lot to be grateful for.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 4 starts aren't exactly because I think the writing itself is worth 4 stars, but I think it tells stories that should continue to be told and I think it tells them with a pretty authentic and respectful voice.

[Gary McDowell]

read the first story... Adam Rensch

[Associated]

belongs to: Karen

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent collection of stories though the edgier ones show the writer's strengths.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferrell's story "Proper Library" is one of the best stories I have ever read. The ending sentence is a killer! I loved it!

[Reuel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't remember anything about this book. I think it was something either Kate or Lia was reading and recommended to me.

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, outstanding collection of heartbreaking short stories.

[Nanaz Carlson · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring, poorly written, had trouble finishing. will not pick up another book from this author