this writer is wonderful. Her stories and uplifting and come from her ...
580608
this writer is wonderful.  Her stories and uplifting and come from her own experiences raising her children.  Great book
4774596
The author is a marvelous writer.  His stories flow along as though they are being told to you in person.  They manage to be funny, sad, and wonderful all at once.  Though they are about Native Americans, they could be about anyone's family.  It occurred to me that if you substituted methamphetamine for alcohol these stories would apply to a large swath of rural America, including my own native state of Utah. The characters the author gives us are ordinary people struggling with their lives and trying to find dignity in situations that are sometimes of their own creation and sometimes not. We are often left to wonder if the stories the characters tell us are entirely true or whether they have rearranged the events to protect their own psyches, or perhaps someone else. I found myself wondering sometimes which matters more in life: the exact truth, or the way we deal with events?  These are the kinds of deep issues that the author manages to raise without ever overtly raising them. He also makes us think very much about poverty and culture and what they do to people of all races, both for good and for ill. That the author manages to make us laugh out loud while we think is some kind of miracle, and I thank him for it.
409567
Fantastic stories.  Especially Bobbi Ruggiero's.  This lady can write!
3046138
This author repeatedly and consistently produces stories that are compelling and deeply thought provoking. The reader can count on an uplifting and hopeful experience.
4111337
This is a wonderful book of stories, and to make it even better, it is wonderfully made.  I have been reading some of the stories that are new to me--so many I have read before--and am surprised all over at what a good and moving writer she is.  I am looking forward to using this as a text in my American Short Story course.
417044
I loved this collection of short stories. They are indeed, happy stories. One of my two favorites was 'The Man with One Leg'. I was lost in the story, it was very interesting. The other was 'Swim Up the Niagara'. This was an inspiring story as well as one that touches your heart. When perspective is changed and we have faith in ourselves, we are able to do amazing things. If you're looking for a pick me up or just a collection of happy stories, this is the one for you. Great writing, David.
4201400
La kelly was a wonderful author and had a heart for both God and helping people find Him. This heart comes out in her writing in a way that everyday people can relate to it on a personal level. I hope someday some of her other stories will make their way to print so we can enjoy them.
582932
This amazing author has been/is a gift of life to those who are dying, and her up-lifting book inspired me to help others as well.
2471276
What a wonderfully eloquent writer.  You get the feeling you are there with the author sharing the texture of her daily life and the people who make up her world.  The book is simply a joy to read and should be part of a book club.  I just cannot praise Cross Creek and the author enough.  I will want to visit the her world at Cross Creek.
4788913
This author writes beautifully. The stories are not your usual trashy lesbian stories but each story is truly unusual and wonderful. Especially one called "The Old Woman". I enjoyed reading these stories; I got very emotional. Thank you very much, Q. Kelly.
3348945
Her stories A Good Man is Hard to Find and What Rises Must Converge are brilliant. Overall a great collection of her works.
127831
I liked that Ms. Macdonald is such a wonderful writer - as a reader, it's a non-stop treat. I didn't like feeling her pain as much as I did. It's the blessing and the curse of being such a wonderful writer. I'd recommend it to anyone who is struggling with the loss of someone close to them. To anyone who loves being outdoors. To anyone who loves that there's still wildness in our "civilized" world, and that there always will be.
1750824
This writer is excellent.  Her stories are very original. I cannot put them down. I haven't read one yet that I didn't love.  This book was inspiring.
2409469
The writer is one who has that wonderful way of taking into the stories.  Wonderfully written.
There is nothing that I did not like about the book.
Note:  This book is one you can read cover to cover or go slowly and reflect on each story.
4599188
Heathers writing is wonderfully captivating, refreshing and inspirational. I found myself eager to read the next story, to see where she found something extraordinary hidden in the ordinary. Her stories speak to life's sacredness and show us how to look at life with more compassion and trust. She models the way with stories of vulnerability and perseverance, to give us a glimpse at how to look at situations anew, with hope and healing for our journey. Heathers writing continually points to Gods love, amazing grace, presence and peace. Check out the "Try-its".
1779371
This is a wonderful collection from a talented author. Jess Taylor's writing takes you on a journey, and as in the first story, which gives the book its title, you might end up in a clearing in a forest observing something.
Lovely, subtle and powerful, these stories gain their own momentum and energy, and before you know it, you are totally in the story.
Encore, please. Looking forward to your next book.
3267046
I loved this collection very much.  You can almost see inside the soul of the writer and feel both her joy and her heartache.