Title: How We Are Hungry: Stories
Author: Dave Eggers
First published January 1, 2004
218 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781400095568 (ISBN10: 1400095565)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
In “How We Are Hungry: Stories,” Dave Eggers presents a collection of poignant and thought-provoking tales. From the haunting “Another” to the surreal “On Wanting to Have Three Walls Up Before She Gets Home,” each story explores the complexities of human emotions and experiences.
“The Only Meaning of the Oil-Wet Water” and “Quiet” offer quiet reflections, while “Climbing to the Window, Pretending to Dance” and “She Waits, Seething, Blooming” burst with energy and passion. With vivid prose and unforgettable characters, Eggers invites readers to delve into the depths of the human soul and emerge with a greater understanding of ourselves and each other.
About the Author
Dave Eggers has authored ten books, with his most recent works including Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?, The Circle, and A Hologram for the King.
A finalist for the 2012 National Book Award, Eggers is also the founder of McSweeney’s, an independent publishing company located in San Francisco. McSweeney’s produces a quarterly journal of new writing called McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, as well as a monthly magazine called The Believer.
In addition, McSweeney’s publishes a nonprofit book series that uses oral history to shed light on human rights crises across the globe. Eggers is also known for co-founding 826 National, a network of eight tutoring centers throughout the United States, and ScholarMatch, a nonprofit organization that connects students with resources, schools, and donors to make college a possibility.
He resides in Northern California with his family.
Editoral Review
“How We Are Hungry: Stories” by Dave Eggers is a collection of short stories that explores the human experience in a variety of settings and situations. Eggers is an American author, editor, and publisher, known for his unique storytelling style and his commitment to social justice issues.
This book was first published on January 1, 2004, and is considered a seminal work in the genre of contemporary short fiction.
The stories in “How We Are Hungry” are diverse in their themes, but they all share a common thread of human connection and the desire for meaning in life. The collection includes nine stories, each with its own set of characters, setting, and conflict.
Some of the stories are set in the United States, while others take place in foreign countries, such as Cambodia and Ethiopia. The stories are all told from the perspective of the main character, allowing the reader to experience their thoughts and emotions firsthand.
One of the standout stories in the collection is “Up the Mountain Coming Down Slowly,” which follows a group of aid workers in Ethiopia as they try to help a starving village. The story is a poignant commentary on the complexities of foreign aid and the struggles of those who are trying to help.
Another memorable story is “After I Was Thrown in the River and Before I Drowned,” which tells the story of a young man who is struggling to come to terms with his past and his uncertain future. The story is a beautiful exploration of the human psyche and the search for identity.
Eggers’ writing style is both poetic and accessible, allowing the reader to become fully immersed in the world of each story. His characters are complex and fully realized, with their own unique personalities and quirks.
The pacing of the stories is also expertly crafted, with each one building to a satisfying conclusion.
One of the strengths of “How We Are Hungry” is its ability to tackle difficult social issues without being preachy or didactic. The stories are filled with compassion and empathy, allowing the reader to see the world through the eyes of the characters.
However, there are some weaknesses in the collection. Some of the stories feel underdeveloped, and there are a few instances where Eggers’ writing style becomes overly sentimental.
Overall, “How We Are Hungry: Stories” is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of short stories. Eggers’ writing is beautiful and evocative, and his characters are fully realized and engaging.
The book is a must-read for fans of contemporary short fiction, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended for: Fans of contemporary short fiction, those interested in social justice issues, and anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.