Title: Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It
Author: Maile Meloy
First published July 9, 2009
219 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781594488696 (ISBN10: 159448869X)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
Maile Meloy’s Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It is a breathtaking collection of short stories that captures the raw complexity of human relationships against the backdrop of an austere landscape. In her first return to short stories since her critically acclaimed debut, Meloy delves into the intricacies of modern love and the importance of place.
Through eleven unforgettable stories, Meloy explores the moral quandaries of love, family, and friendship, featuring small-town lawyers, ranchers, doctors, parents, and children, all grappling with the opposing forces in their lives. Innocence and experience, risk and stability, fidelity and desire- Meloy’s characters struggle to find balance in a world that constantly threatens to tip them over.
Set mostly in the American West, Meloy’s lean, controlled prose is full of insight and unexpected poignancy, capturing the battlefields and fields of victory that exist in seemingly harmless spaces, in kitchens and living rooms and cars. Knowing, sly, and bittersweet, Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It is a testament to Meloy’s exceptional literary talent, cementing her place as one of the most promising writers of our time.
About the Author
Meet Maile Meloy, a talented author with an impressive list of works. She has written novels such as Liars and Saints and A Family Daughter, as well as captivating story collections like Half in Love and Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It. In fact, the latter was named one of the Ten Best Books of the Year by the New York Times Book Review.
Meloy has also created an award-winning Apothecary trilogy for young readers. Her exceptional writing has earned her many accolades, including the PEN/Malamud Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
She was even chosen as one of Granta’s Best Young American Novelists. If you’re a fan of Meloy’s work, you’ll be pleased to know that she has a new novel for adults coming out on June 6, 2017, titled Do Not Become Alarmed.
Editoral Review
Maile Meloy’s “Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It” is a thought-provoking collection of short stories that explore the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of life. Published on July 9, 2009, this book has been praised for its sharp writing, insightful characters, and gritty realism.
As a writer, Meloy has carved out a unique niche for herself in the literary world. Her stories are deeply introspective, examining the internal struggles and conflicts faced by her characters.
And yet, she never forgets the importance of setting and context, weaving in the social, political, and historical backdrop that shapes her stories. The book’s title is a nod to the idea that there is no one right way to live life, no one correct path to follow.
Instead, our lives exist in a constant state of flux, constantly shifting and adapting to new circumstances. The stories in “Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It” cover a wide range of themes and topics, from love and loss to family and identity.
Some of the standout stories include “Travis, B.,” which explores the relationship between two estranged brothers; “Liliana,” which examines the reverberations of a traumatic childhood event; and “Red from Green,” in which an environmental activist faces a moral dilemma. What makes this collection so compelling is Meloy’s ability to craft rich, vibrant characters who jump off the page.
Whether it’s a frustrated housewife, a troubled teenager, or a grieving parent, each character is given the space and depth to truly come to life. The stories in “Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It” are not always easy to read.
Meloy does not shy away from difficult subject matter, and some of the stories can be emotionally taxing. However, the payoff is immense.
Each story is a masterful study in empathy, making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles. Overall, “Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It” is a beautifully written and thought-provoking collection of stories.
Meloy’s writing is sharp, insightful, and highly engaging, and the characters she creates are nothing short of brilliant. This book is highly recommended for anyone looking for a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant read.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
