Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Past Perfect, Present Tense

Past Perfect, Present Tense

Description
Compiled for the first time, here are all of Newbery Award– winning author Richard Peck’s previously published short stories and two brand-new ones. From comedy to tragedy to historical to contemporary; from "Priscilla and the Wimps," Peck’s first short story, to "Shotgun Cheatham’s Last Night Above Ground," which inspired both A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder, to "The Electric Summer," Peck’s jumping-off point for Fair Weather, readers will thrill at Peck’s engaging short fiction. Complete with the author’s own notes on the stories as well as tips and hints for aspiring writers and two new stories, this vibrant and varied collection offers something for everyone.

From AudioFile
Two new and 11 previously published short stories are combined with advice on writing from the author. Peck reads the literary advice himself, and, while he is far from a professional narrator, there is quite a bit of charm to hearing him talk about the fine art of writing fiction. The stories run the gamut from historical to gothic to realistic. Before each grouping, Peck tells listeners how he came to write the stories, and the inside view is fascinating. Lara Schwartzberg and Paul Boehmer are less successful; their narration is more serviceable than sparkling, with Schwartzberg's attempt at a British accent in the creepy "Waiting for Sebastian" a particular disappointment. Still, Peck's dry wit and enormous skill rise above most of the narration problems. This will certainly find a secure niche in writing classes. S.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.


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