Dec 24, 2022·edited Dec 24, 2022Liked by Alicia Kenworthy
Alicia, I still remember Jones's story "A Rich Man" that I read in The New Yorker and also used it to teach: took it right to the classroom. Here's a link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/08/04/a-rich-man You may have to subscribe to read.
I enjoyed reading this, but it has left me feeling somewhat discombobulated. I hadn't heard of Edward p Jones but I have a book called The Treasury of American Short Stories so I Looked in it. No Jones 😨
Haha my mom gave me the same feedback. I blame her interrupting me every 5 minutes while I tried to edit. And oh no!! « Old Boys, Old Girls » is in the New Yorker if you Google it.
Thanks, Alicia. I can't seem to access it as I don't have a subscription, so I shall have a trawl around the libraries i belong to see if I can get hold of it.
Although not well-versed on Edward P Jones, I was aware of the approach of introducing characters according to their age. From what you describe, it lingers as some of the chaos experienced in San Francisco lately. New Orleans was always a mixed bag, though I felt it had a stronger sense of unity regardless, or perhaps it was just my own experience from so much time in the French Quarter.
I love that you mentioned instant coffee. There was an incident, oh yes. On Christmas morning I felt my way to the kitchen counter to discover the coffee maker was taking holiday. One Safeway in Daily City was open three hours only, including the Starbucks inside. The kicker: A fun sparkling corset I bought while sleep-shopping during Black Friday arrived the day before, so I tried it on and fell asleep in it while reading. My coffee deprived brain could not get out of it so I just put on whatever my hands could reach to rush in the final open hour.
Unfortunately, my hand was reaching in the sleepwear undies type of drawer and I just kept going until I looked covered. I was so tired I many have even spit on the Starbucks counter while talking to the person blankly starring at my shining corset, lace leggings, lace hip scarf, oversized faux fur jacket, giant wide brim straw hat, and beach flip flops. I figured I could hide under the hat, though strangers now tell me hello and smile. However this combo happened I’m sure this was my most genuine San Franciscan moment ever. Probable church goers watched as I sprinkled a bit of the instant coffee I bought on top of Starbucks finest. I have no idea how I drove! And now, I always a sprinkle a bit of instant onto my no-moo hot cacao and it is sooo good.
As I was walking toward my front door a person of the neighborhood, a.k.a. “Day Robe,” sees my shine sparkling a quarter block away and cat-calls, “Wooooooooo!”
I need to find or start a book club, hopefully somewhere above L.A. proper and below Santa Barbara. There’s no place like a new home!
Alicia, I still remember Jones's story "A Rich Man" that I read in The New Yorker and also used it to teach: took it right to the classroom. Here's a link: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2003/08/04/a-rich-man You may have to subscribe to read.
Oh fabulous, thank you Mary!! Did you cross paths with him at GW?
Hi, Alicia, He came the semester I was off and then the next year I left to finish my novel _Who by Fire_--so, like ships in the night. xo ~ Mary
I’m so happy Edward Jones’ work is in your life now! He is an all-time all-star.
Thank you, Sherman! I’m so glad too. Coincidentally enough, his work is featured just adjacent another name I recognize in this collection... ✨
Hahaha! Yeah, "What You Pawn I Will Redeem" is likely the best thing I'll ever write.
I can't wait to read! I have it bookmarked for my next sleepless night.
Thanks for the glowing recommendation! I look forward to reading him while riding the Metrobus
I enjoyed reading this, but it has left me feeling somewhat discombobulated. I hadn't heard of Edward p Jones but I have a book called The Treasury of American Short Stories so I Looked in it. No Jones 😨
Haha my mom gave me the same feedback. I blame her interrupting me every 5 minutes while I tried to edit. And oh no!! « Old Boys, Old Girls » is in the New Yorker if you Google it.
Thanks, Alicia. 😁
Clearly that treasury needs an update ;)
(But also um, I love the word 'treasury' for a story collection!)
Ah, it was published in 1981. I suppose that might explain the absence of Edward P. :-)
Thanks, Alicia. I can't seem to access it as I don't have a subscription, so I shall have a trawl around the libraries i belong to see if I can get hold of it.
Wow, that story was great. But, yeah, dude be writing long ass stories
🤣🤣 so glad you read it!!
Although not well-versed on Edward P Jones, I was aware of the approach of introducing characters according to their age. From what you describe, it lingers as some of the chaos experienced in San Francisco lately. New Orleans was always a mixed bag, though I felt it had a stronger sense of unity regardless, or perhaps it was just my own experience from so much time in the French Quarter.
I love that you mentioned instant coffee. There was an incident, oh yes. On Christmas morning I felt my way to the kitchen counter to discover the coffee maker was taking holiday. One Safeway in Daily City was open three hours only, including the Starbucks inside. The kicker: A fun sparkling corset I bought while sleep-shopping during Black Friday arrived the day before, so I tried it on and fell asleep in it while reading. My coffee deprived brain could not get out of it so I just put on whatever my hands could reach to rush in the final open hour.
Unfortunately, my hand was reaching in the sleepwear undies type of drawer and I just kept going until I looked covered. I was so tired I many have even spit on the Starbucks counter while talking to the person blankly starring at my shining corset, lace leggings, lace hip scarf, oversized faux fur jacket, giant wide brim straw hat, and beach flip flops. I figured I could hide under the hat, though strangers now tell me hello and smile. However this combo happened I’m sure this was my most genuine San Franciscan moment ever. Probable church goers watched as I sprinkled a bit of the instant coffee I bought on top of Starbucks finest. I have no idea how I drove! And now, I always a sprinkle a bit of instant onto my no-moo hot cacao and it is sooo good.
As I was walking toward my front door a person of the neighborhood, a.k.a. “Day Robe,” sees my shine sparkling a quarter block away and cat-calls, “Wooooooooo!”
I need to find or start a book club, hopefully somewhere above L.A. proper and below Santa Barbara. There’s no place like a new home!
Yay! Def. highly recommended