This story reminded me a lot of the recent movie with Rose Byrne, "IF I HAD LEGS I COULD KICK YOU." It is also about a mother with a troubled child. In this case, her child is autistic and his disease is growing worse. She, and to a lesser extent her husband, is trying to find ways to help him: music lessons, art, etc. He is fearful of being alone in the world yet does nothing to prevent this (though he is only six). The mother is keeping a journal of people she meets that have an oddity too. When a burglar confronts her, she lets him take everything but asks him to return the journal.
9 comments:
I might well have been in a bad state of mind when trying that film, but it put me off almost immediately. I suspect I will like Li's story better.
I know I've read some of Li's work, but will have to go searching.
I had a lot of trouble with the movie too.
I haven't seen the film, but I do like Rose Byrne. I hear the movie is worth it for her performance.
I have an article for this week: https://casualdebris.blogspot.com/2026/03/chinua-achebe-girls-at-war-and-other.html
I know I read this collection but I don't remember the story.
Reading a Jack Ritchie collection of stories from Manhunt, most not the kind of stories I associate with him. Also reading one of those 99 cent Megapack collections of Richard Deming stories, and enjoying it very much.
I've read 170 stories, 10 collections, so far on the trip. I seem to be reading more short stories and fewer other books.
Opposite for me because of the two book groups.
I bought this book and THINGS IN NATURE MERELY GROW by Yiyun Li in December 2025, but haven't read either yet. I hope to get to some of the short stories soon. I had problems reading short stories when I was sick in January and February and it has taken me a while to get back to them.
Jeff Meyerson wins the Award for Short Story Reading on a Florida Trip. I've only read a fraction of Jeff's impressive accomplishment!
What an interesting-sounding story, Patti! It sounds as though it offers a real perspective on differences and what those differences mean.
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