The Granta Book of the American Short Story, Vol. Two

Edited by Richard Ford, this anthology contains 44 short stories. I personally really enjoyed just about 42 of 'em. (There were a couple I didn't hang with, but I won't name 'em 'cause it was probably just my mood at the time -- and the beauty of an anthology such as this is that you can just skip all around in one book, an activity in which I love to engage!)

Anyway, the stories range from oldies by the Misses Welty and O'Connor to brand new ones by my man Junot Diaz and several other youngbloods. I especially enjoyed Z.Z. Packer's "The Ant of the Self" and "Grit" by Oxford, Mississippi's very own Tom Franklin.

There's no single consistent theme that ties these stories together, as admitted by editor Ford in his lengthy (a little too, if you ask me) introduction. But, always on the lookout, I did spot a couple of recurring themes: alcoholism, parenting (or being parented).

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

The best book I've read in a long time. No wonder the boy won the Pulitzer!
Diaz's work features the freshest language around, combined with courageous content. I've also read two of his other pieces -- short stories -- one of which led me to The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao -- and I've been thoroughly impressed with all of it. I look forward to much more from Junot Diaz.