Troublemakers

by John McNally (Editor)

Troublemakers is an often hilarious, sometimes frightening, occasionally off-the-wall collection of stories about men living on the edge. From the streets of Chicago's southwest side to the rural roads of Nebraska to the small towns of southern Illinois, these men tread a very fine line between right and wrong, love and hate, humor and horror.

Each story is a Pandora's box waiting to be opened: a high school boy with a new driver's license picks his brother up from jail; a UPS driver suspects his wife of having an affair but cannot find any tangible evidence of her indiscretion; an unemployed man's life begins to unravel after he discovers a dead man in a tree in his own backyard; two boys spend Halloween with an older thug; a young college teacher's patience is tested by both his annoying colleagues and the criminals who haunt his neighborhood. In story after story, McNally's troublemakers lead readers to a place no less thrilling or dangerous than the human heart itself.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

228 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

John McNally is the author of three novels (After the Workshop, America's Report Card and The Book of Ralph) and two story collections (Ghosts of Chicago and Troublemakers). He's written two books on writing: Vivid and Continuous: Essays and Exercise for Writing Fiction and The Creative Writer's Survival Guide: Advice from an Unrepentant Novelist He's edited six fiction anthologies, on subjects ranging from superheroes to baseball. He also writes screenplays and held a Chesterfield Writer's Film Project fellowship, sponsored by Paramount Pictures. A native of Chicago's southwest side, he presently lives and teaches in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Brooke Rethman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read short stories before. The writing was very good but I am more confused now than when I began

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, John McNally is a hell of a writer. In all of these stories, the characters are either in trouble, trying to avoid trouble, or compelled to rush headlong into some bad decision-making. Like a lot of us, McNally's protagonists suddenly look up and wonder how they got to where they are. In some of the stories, there is a sense of resolution; in others, a feeling that just getting to the next day is a victory in itself.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

As most short-story collections by youngish writers go, this one is hit or miss. But, at least two thirds of Troublemakers is really solid, perhaps even excellent. It makes me want to read more. I will read more.

[Tim Lepczyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some funny stories in this collection. Overall, an enjoyable read, but not stunning.

[Patricia McNair · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books; I often use it in my fiction writing classes to show students the possibilities of the contemporary short story.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review at my blog.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

McNally's debut collection delivers the goods. Both funny and poignant. Looking forward to reading more of his work.