Uneven and repetitive at times, this collection could easily be edited down several stories, maybe by 5 or 10. But there the several really good pieces that balance those negatives out. ( )

Turns out my ability to read really depressing Native American stories is 112 pages.

Sad and touching

In 1993, I was in Okinawa when I first saw "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven." The short story book was on the shelves of a USMC military store (PX). I didn't buy but thought it was an odd title. While in San Diego, I attended one of his lectures at the University of San Diego back in 2001. His EGO was too big for my taste but being an Injun myself I had to see what the fuss was all about with this guy. A few years later, I had to read the parts of the "Fistfight" at the university in Meridian, Mississippi. I didn't particularly like his writing style, thought Silko's writing more engaging. From what little I read of his memoir, it seems to be his best. Too bad he was canceled; however, it didn't surprise me. ( )

Sherman Alexie is a powerful, poignant, and hilarious writer. This is a fantastic short story collection, and one which I will be glad to teach next semester. ( )