Status Updates From All the Sad Young Men

This is kind of a disturbing story. Roger basically gaslights his wife to control her and so he can get his work done.

It works out in the end, and he gets a lot of money, but it really hurts his wife and is genuinely a bit disturbing.

Interesting last short story I guess.

This was a sad story but it really is a story on the cost of success. George O’Kelly doesn’t marry Jonquil because, at the time, he wasn’t rich. But to get rich cost their love, because it’s no longer the same. George has become “performative”. It’s no longer the innocent love before. He wants to win her over, and to make her his own …

Hot and Cold blood is a critique on the priority of money in society. Jim wants to be a good person but he’s stuck trying to find a balance between his own needs and the needs of the others.

It’s a relatable story, and it’s easy to become cynical. I like how in the end, he still helps out the old man.

“But if they still sit in the audience after they’re grown, somebody’s got to work double time for them”

This is yet another story with a good ending as a house wife learns that she is, in fact, not a “good sport” and must grow up and become an adult.

I really liked the subtle irony and the character development in this story!

Rag Martin-Jones is finally a short story with a happy ending. Or so that’s what I think. You can never know when the whole story is an illusion.

After my college hiatus I hope to finish this book by the end of my winter break.

Merry Christmas!