American Salvage Audiobook

" This is not the Michigan of Ann Arbor or of the resort towns for Chicago get aways. This is the Michigan of small town and farm poor. These are the stories of those barely coping with everyday life, those who barely get by in the new century. Tired, wounded, deparate, abused, abusing, the characters' strong narration and individual voices come through each of these stories, reaching out for understanding, shelter, one last chance, all so they don't disappear as inevitably everything else around them - the very way of life, even the land and the animals that used to thrive there - seem to be. "

" I loved these stories--the fictional version of Nickel and Dimed : these stories are about people *not* getting by in America. Beautifully written, too. "

" Again and again as I read this collection, I thought this is how I want to write, thought this is why I want to write. A few of the stories perhaps pale next to the gems, but overall this is an excellent, searing collection. 4.5 stars. "

" This was a moving collection of stories about people who are tired and overwhelmed by the circumstances of their lives and their labor-intensive relationships, but who keep trying. Most of the characters need help but refuse to ask for or accept it. There were some really great last sentences that hit you like a punch. "

" Beautiful writing: gritty stories of rural America. "

" at first this book really depressed me, but then i got back into the swing of what life is like when you are poor and trashy. then it just seemed like normal life. "

" wonderful character development. perfect title for the players written about. "

" Reminds me of Knockemstiff as far as subject matter but not so bleak and depressing. Really looking forward to her new novel. "

" I wish this look at the lives of Michigan residents was more uplifting...but I think Campbell does an amazing job with characterization in the short story genre. "

" Extremely likable stories about extremely unlikable people. Campbell's writing is gorgeous, and she has a true talent for making the reader understand her characters. "

" This author is going to be at the Otsego District Public Library on Tuesday May 25th at 7pm. Picked up the book only so I could attend and was floored by how real these stories were. I'm not usually a short story reader, but she grabbed me and held my attention all the way through. "

" I love the snapshots that short stories can provide. This is a book of snapshots, some gorgeous, some haunting, some ugly, but all equally memorable and detailed. Very much worth the read. "

" Outstanding collection of stories. Each is different enough from the rest to show inventiveness, while they retain the author's voice. Looking forward to reading the rest of her work. "

" I keep forgetting how much I HATE short stories. This book was great, other than I wanted it to go on and the stories just end so..... abruptly. Sure, the stories were interesting and the writing was fantastic, but yeah...still a disappointment. :( "

" interesting look at rural life "

" Short stories aren't my thing so I moved on. "

" Gritty and raw. Campbell's descriptions of her characters and their situations hit you in the gut, just like she intends it. Well written, just not my style. "

" I have read about 5 stories so far. Gota say the first was the most gripping. The people in these stories are so real, they are individuals with flaws who are all trying really hard just to make it work- it makes you appreciate just being.... Awesome book "

" These stories will kick your ass and take your lunch money. Worth a read. "

" The characters ran together and the portrayal of Michigan focused on one population. It did keep my interest though. "

" Best collection of short stories I've ever read. "

" That first story is so intense "

" Reminds me of Knockemstiff as far as subject matter but not so bleak and depressing. Really looking forward to her new novel. "

" I keep forgetting how much I HATE short stories. This book was great, other than I wanted it to go on and the stories just end so..... abruptly. Sure, the stories were interesting and the writing was fantastic, but yeah...still a disappointment. :( "

" Incredible collection of short stories. Perhaps a 2nd or 3rd cousin to a winters bone genre. But as we are talking about white trash and crystal meth here its tough to distinguish whose been having sex with who and who is legally related. Wonderful read though "

" wonderful character development. perfect title for the players written about. "

" Again and again as I read this collection, I thought this is how I want to write, thought this is why I want to write. A few of the stories perhaps pale next to the gems, but overall this is an excellent, searing collection. 4.5 stars. "