Jen’s Reviews > The O. Henry Prize Stories 2014 > Status Update

You Remember the Pin Mill by David Bradley. I am not connecting with the writing style. DNF and 0 stars.

You Remember the Pin Mill by David Bradley. His one is in second person. Oh YAY. Out of four stories so far, one was four stars, the other three ONE. I’m giving this 25% and if the average star rating is two or below, I’m DNFing this bad boy. Life is too short!

Petur by Olivia Clare. What the absolute F*CK was THAT?!? Single son at 36-ish, on a trip to Iceland with his mom for her 61st birthday and a volcano has them trapped there. His mom is severely mentally ill. What was the point of that story?!? 1 star.

Valentine by Tessa Hadley. Another story that takes place in Britain. What even WAS that?!? 1) it was boring and 2) a train wreck and 3) depressing. I don’t want to read from the POV of a stupid teenage girl who basically became the star of her own made for tv Lifetime movie. Not cool re: no forgiveness though. Grace is good to extend to others.

Valentine-Tessa Hadley

Talk by Stephen Dixon. At first, I wasn’t a fan. I was leaning more towards two stars, BUT. That ending. It made me realize that the story is about basic kindness, from us to others. Having empathy and compassion. Just reaching out and having a simple conversation can brighten someone’s day. 4, don’t be wrapped up in ourselves, stars.

Stephen Dixon- Talk

The Gun by Mark Haddon. I didn’t like the way this was written and I’m not into stories from a ten year old boy’s perspective and I’m not into guns being used by idiot children or owned by irresponsible owners. 1 star.

Mark Haddon-The Gun