The Collected Stories of Amy Hempel

It took me awhile to get through this book. Not only is it simply packed full with stories, but Hempel's writing is deceptive. She carefully selects each word and creates stories that appear simplistic until you are completely sucked in layer by layer. Many of the stories read more like poetry, requiring slow reading and much reflection. The way the stories (and even the sentences) turn is often surprising and occasionally shocking.

Hempel can be classified as a "writer's writer." Her stories are for those who enjoy lingering over the page and dissecting writing to uncover the meanings.