Birds of America - Lorrie Moore

Birds of AmericaStarting reading Birds of America today, Lorrie Moore's 1998 collection of short stories that has received consistently high praise. So far (3 stories in), it meets all expectations.

The short story seems to be going through a resurgance recently (although for Canadians, because of Alice Munro  and Mavis Gallant, it never really left town).

It may be unfair but Moore reminds me of Raymond Carver, also a brillant American short story writer. Same quirky plots, beautiful language, dark but funny vision, and unexpected use of images and words.

Reading Moore's story, Willing, the main character Sidra makes an awkward comment to her would be lover. Moore writes about the unfortunate, ill timed phrase "it came out wrong, like a lizard with a little hat on." How good is that?