Books Like...
'Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?' by Raymond Carver is a collection of short stories that delves deep into the pain and struggles of everyday life, portraying normal people facing issues such as infidelity, economic desperation, and loneliness. Carver's writing style is described as spare, punchy, and economical, getting right to the heart of the matter with human stories that are relatable and thought-provoking. The stories are said to be superbly constructed, expressing the power of narratives in shorter lengths and showcasing the author's expertise in playing with different forms and styles of the short story medium.
The book is praised for its ability to transport readers into the lives of its characters with simple yet powerful narratives. Carver's writing is likened to jazz music, conveying a depth of emotions and experiences with minimalistic yet impactful storytelling. Readers appreciate the book for its exploration of the human condition, its engaging storytelling, and its unique ability to capture the essence of ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
If you liked Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?, here are the top 71 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Runaway' by Alice Munro is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of seemingly ordinary women facing a variety of challenges and crises. The stories are interconnected, exploring themes of love, betrayal, isolation, and change. Munro's writing style is described as haunting, lyrical, and evocative, with characters that engage, surprise, and linger in the reader's mind long after finishing the book. The narratives are often set in Canada, depicting domestic dramas and everyday life experiences with a touch of surrealism and sincerity.
I’ll die,” said Robin, on an evening years ago. “I’ll die if they don’t have that dress ready.” They were in the screen porch of the dark-green clap-board house on Isaac Street. Willard Greig, who liv... - #2
Save:'Birds of America' by Lorrie Moore is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of various characters dealing with themes of love, fear, loneliness, and relationships. The stories are character studies, showcasing individuals who are facing sadness, illness, disability, and personal traumas. Moore's writing style is described as witty, humorous, and real, with strong character development and a keen eye for the mundane aspects of life.
The book offers a range of stories that explore the uneasiness of life, relationships, and loneliness with a blend of wit and tender humor. Moore's stories cover a broad variety of characters with a unified perspective, creating a readable collection that resonates with readers through its subtle, finely drawn characters and poignant storytelling.
“Nothing,” she said. They smiled at her and dropped names. Scorsese, Brando. Work was all playtime to them, playtime with gel in their hair. At times, she felt bad that it wasn’t her hip. It should ha... - #3
Save:WHEN I was in the third grade I knew a boy who had to have fourteen shots in the stomach as the result of a squirrel bite. Every day at two o’clock they would come to get him. A hush would fall on the...The "funny, wise, and wonderful" (USA Today) book of short stories that won the National Book Award and established Ellen Gilchrist as a leading writer of the American South.
In her second collection, Ellen Gilchrist creates an unforgettable group
... - #4
Save:'Elementals: Stories of Fire and Ice' by A.S. Byatt is a collection of short stories that play around with different aspects of fire and ice, often incorporating elements of fantasy and fairy tales. The stories explore themes of memory, sadness, and alienation, with a focus on the metaphorical opposition between hot passion and cold rationality. Byatt's writing style is described as elegant, sensual, and filled with gorgeous descriptions that bring the stories to life.
Patches of time can be recalled under hypnosis. Not only suppressed terrors but those flickering frames of the continuum that, even at the time, seem certain to be forgotten, pleasantly doomed to none... - #5
Save:'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' by Haruki Murakami is a collection of 24 short stories that take readers on a journey through strange and whimsical worlds. The stories are full of surprises, strange twists, and infinite spaces, showcasing Murakami's talent for describing the little nothings in between moments where time seems to stand still. Each story becomes a small journey in itself, with complete and believable worlds that blend the real and the surreal in a compelling and engrossing manner.
The writing style in 'Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman' is thought-provoking and unique, with Murakami's ability to meld the real and the surreal into compelling narratives. The stories range from day-to-day strangeness to psychological breaks, exploring themes of loneliness, disconnect, and multiple realities. Murakami's magical realism is beautifully envisioned, and even in his short stories, the depth of ideas is as realized as in his novels, with graceful and fast-moving writing that carries readers through each tale.
To put it in the simplest possible terms, I find writing novels a challenge, writing short stories a joy. If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting ... - #6
Save:'The Safety of Objects' by A.M. Homes is a collection of 10 short stories that delve into the lives of characters dealing with identity, sexuality, psychological issues, and misplaced desires in the seemingly mundane setting of suburban, middle-class America. The stories explore dark and unsettling themes, pushing the boundaries of comfort and delving into the depths of human emotions and behaviors. The writing style of A.M. Homes is described as daring, fierce, and imaginative, with a touch of dark wit that adds layers of complexity to the narratives.
It is the first time she’s left her children like that. She gets back onto the plane thinking there’s something wrong with her, that she should have a better reason or a better vacation plan, Europe n... - #7
Save:A waitress recounts a story to her friend, about "the fattest person I have ever seen."
... - #8
Save:'Cathedral' by Raymond Carver is a short story that emphasizes the theme of not judging others based on appearances. Through the perspective of the narrator, the story explores the transformation of his views towards a blind man named Robert. Initially critical and judgmental, the narrator gradually learns to see beyond stereotypes and societal labels, leading to a personal epiphany about his own life and relationships. Carver's writing style offers a straightforward narrative in first person, providing insight into the narrator's evolving mindset and highlighting the themes of acceptance and self-reflection.
This friend of mine from work, Bud, he asked Fran and me to supper. I didn’t know his wife and he didn’t know Fran. That made us even. But Bud and I were friends. And I knew there was a little baby at... - #9
Save:"Ambiguity Machines: An Examination" is a collection of short stories and novellas that intertwine complex scientific themes with rich character development and lyrical prose. The narratives delve into speculative fiction, exploring multiple realities and futuristic worlds that are both alien and relatable. The writing is characterized by its ornate language and vivid imagery, which evoke a sense of wonder and provoke thought, as readers encounter landscapes filled with characters and ideas that challenge their perceptions of reality.
The stories in this collection range from the beautifully poetic to the emotionally profound, showcasing Singh's masterful storytelling abilities. Each piece presents unique explorations of concepts such as corporate autocracy, space travel, and ancient legends, often blending the familiar with the strange. The author employs a style that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating, leading readers on a journey through possibilities that are as captivating as they are challenging to navigate.
At last Vishnumitra saw the king. The city was alive with beasts, mechanical and organic; there were elephants in the procession, stately and benign, draped with silk and brocade, bearing jeweled howd... - #10
Save:'Where I'm Calling From' by Raymond Carver is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of ordinary people facing themes of alcoholism, dysfunctional relationships, and quiet desperation. Carver's writing style is described as spare and simple, yet powerful, capturing the realism of everyday life with stark characterizations and abrupt endings that mirror the unpredictability of life's challenges.
The stories in the book are mostly vignettes that focus on small moments and interactions, showcasing the complexities and struggles of the characters. Carver's narratives are often set in suburban settings, exploring themes of loneliness, failed relationships, and the darker aspects of human nature with a touch of hope and resilience shining through the despair.
I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but they were arguing. Then it got quiet and she started to cry. I elbowed George. I thought he would wake up and say something to them so they would feel guilty...
