Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing Audiobook

" Incredibly skilled writer. Loved the title story! Not all of the stories resonated with me (like my other 5-star books), but I give it a 5 based on the amazing writing and fantastic storytelling. "

" One of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. A collection of short stories, each one packed full of emotion and character development. This is Peele's first book, which you would never believe considering the maturity of her writing. I can't wait to see what this author does next! "

" Some fine work in this first collection. Sincere, well-crafted stories with just enough attention paid to the music of the sentences (enough to create ear-pleasure, but not so self-consciously to distract from the characters and events). Here's a favorite sentence about goats using hay as bed and meal simultaneously: "The goats slit their yellow eyes blissfully, grabbing mouthfuls of whatever was in reach, while at the other end, their puckered assholes winked turds into it." The word "winked" here tells me that this writer pays attention and waits patiently for just the right word. The strongest stories in the collection - fine prose, complex characters, surprising yet subtle turns, and wonderful endings -- are "Mule Killers," "The Still Point," and "Kidding Season." "

" Sometimes I wished I were reading Maile Meloy instead, but I will say Peelle's characters will stick with me. There's an ache and longing that permeates these stories--in a good way. "

" Another book that failed to really grab me though some of the writing is quite wonderful, especially in the first story. "

" Drawing from a simple landscape, Lydia Peelle explores the complicated emotions that accompany being human. She is able to avoid the pitfall I tend to see of an overly complicated story-line, and her use of rural backdrops allows the emotional aspect of her stories to really shine through. Her two standout stories are, without a doubt, Phantom Pain and Shadow on a Weary Land. Her other stories are beautiful as well, but some left me searching for more than what was given, not necessarily in a good way. Regardless, this is a book I would recommend as an easy, quick, and touching read. "

" Beautiful Short Stories by an emerging and soon to be well know young author. "

" Absolutely beautiful stories. Some more haunting than others, but I enjoyed each one for different reasons. Recommend if you want a good, short read. "

" For her story, "Mule Killers", alone Lydia Peelle's collection of stories is worth the price of admission. A powerful, close-to-the-bone writer. "

" not bad. a few good stories...worth the time. "

" Evocative writing; captures an America now lost, along with the souls who inhabited it. "

" These short stories are gems, each one beautifully rendered. I can't say enough good things about "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" or "The Mulekillers," in particular. "

" This is really 3 1/2 stars. The writing is outstanding and the stories are bleak...portraits of feeling disconnected in the world. Quick read.... "

" One of the best story collections I've read in a long, long time. "

" This was a very well-written collection of short stories. I enjoyed it for a change of pace, but I still find the short story somewhat unsatisfying compared to a full-length novel. "

" I'd give five stars to "The Still Point" and "Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing," but three to the rest of the stories. Those stories are expertly crafted, while the rest are just so-so, not bad but not fantastic. "

" reminds me of Alistair MacLeod... "

" Great, compelling stories. The characters make me glad not to be them yet I feel like I know them and find them completely sympathetic. Go figure, because some of them are fairly un-heroic. "

" A slice of rural life, the South, and how development is changing the characters lives. Well written. "

" A beautifully written collection with compelling narrative pull. "

" Beautiful writing, imagery. Super depressing storylines. "

" Reasons for and advantages of reading this book: it's short "

" Enjoyed some of the stories but they really didn't feel like one cohesive collection. "

" Excellent, terse, well-crafted Tennessee stories... "