If the River Was Whiskey

by T.C. Boyle
If the River Was Whiskey cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Short Story Collections
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  • ID: 10182
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781101651025
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1990-05-01
  • Reviews: 3

T.C. Boyle's If the River Was Whiskey is a collection of sixteen stories that masterfully blend comedy and tragedy, revealing the quirks and horrors of contemporary society. Boyle's sharp wit and vivid storytelling introduce readers to a diverse cast of characters, from a daredevil stuntman to a retired primatologist struggling with civilization. Each tale is a testament to Boyle's skill as a satirist and his ability to capture the essence of human nature in all its complexity. /n/n The stories in this collection range from the droll to the horrific, exploring themes of romance, family dynamics, and the absurdities of modern life. Boyle's prose is both provocative and tender, offering a unique perspective on the world around us. Whether he's depicting the relationship between a young boy and his alcoholic father or the challenges of romance in a disease-conscious age, Boyle's stories are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Reviews
LibraryThing · 2026-01-16
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer felt Boyle was trying too hard to be clever, and none of the stories resonated with them. They found the writing unengaging and unremarkable.

The reviewer felt that Boyle was trying too hard to be clever, which detracted from the overall reading experience. They found the stories unengaging and unremarkable, highlighting a lack of connection with the narratives. The reviewer appreciates Boyle's talent but feels that this collection falls short of their expectations.

Quick quotes

    I felt like Boyle was trying too hard to be clever.

    Boyle is always worth reading, but none of these stories really resonated with me.

    The stories were unengaging and unremarkable, falling short of my expectations.

Hardcover · Josh Krysak · 2022-07-08
good 3.50

Boyle is a wonderful storyteller, even when the connection isn't there, his writing is captivating. The stories are engaging and well-crafted.

The reviewer finds Boyle to be a wonderful storyteller, capable of captivating readers even when the connection isn't immediately apparent. They appreciate the engaging and well-crafted stories, highlighting the author's ability to create compelling narratives. The reviewer enjoys the writing style and the depth of the stories, making it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    Boyle is just a wonderful storyteller. Even when the connection isn't there - he could write about paint drying and I'd be captivated.

    The stories are engaging and well-crafted, making it a worthwhile read.

    Boyle's writing style is captivating and thought-provoking.

Eric Lanke's Blog · 2014-02-08
excellent 4.50

The story is tight, and the use of detail is masterful, painting vivid pictures with just the right amount of description. The writing is engaging and thought-provoking.

The reviewer praises the tight storytelling and masterful use of detail, which paints vivid pictures. They find the writing engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting the author's ability to create compelling narratives. The reviewer appreciates the depth and richness of the stories, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The story is tight, and Boyle's use of detail throughout is masterful, painting pictures with just the right amount of paint on the brush.

    On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give this one a 9.

    Boyle's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read.

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