Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules

by David Sedaris
Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Short Story Collections
Technical
  • ID: 3205
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781847375902
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2010-04-01
  • Reviews: 3

This book is a testament to the power of short stories, offering glimpses into lives and moments that resonate deeply. The author's personal connection to storytelling shines through, as she reflects on how stories can transport and transform us. Each tale is crafted to take the reader out of their own world and return them with a new perspective, slightly altered and more aware. The collection is a celebration of the written word's ability to save and inspire, making it a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of storytelling. The author's unique voice and her belief in the transformative power of stories make this a collection that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.

Reviews
Literal Club · 2025-10-17
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer finds the book mediocre and forgettable, which is unusual for them. They express disappointment and confusion about their lack of engagement with the stories.

This reviewer is quite critical of the collection, finding it very mediocre and forgettable. They express disappointment, noting that it's unusual for them to forget a book they've read. The reviewer seems confused about their lack of engagement with the stories, which suggests that the collection did not meet their expectations. It's clear that they were hoping for more impactful and memorable pieces.

Quick quotes

    It was very *very* mediocre.

    The kind of thing I will probably forget I even read at the end of the year, which doesn't usually happen to me.

    I don't know why I didn't like it more.

The StoryGraph · 2025-10-17
inspiring 4.00

The reviewer finds the collection inspiring, highlighting the giants of writing that Sedaris admires. They note that the stories are powerful but acknowledge the challenge in curating such a diverse collection.

The reviewer sees this collection as a tribute to the literary giants that inspire David Sedaris. They appreciate the power and emotional depth of each story, noting that Sedaris's choices reflect his admiration for these writers. However, they also acknowledge the difficulty in curating a collection that varies so widely in theme and style, which might make it a challenging read for some. Overall, the reviewer finds the collection inspiring and emotionally resonant.

Quick quotes

    Each story in the collection is a work Sedaris finds inspiring.

    These are the giants of writing he looks up to, these are the pieces.

    As such, it's a hard collection to review because of its diversity.

Goodreads · 2005-03-29
inspiring 4.50

The reviewer highlights David Sedaris's exceptional reading skills and his ability to memorize stories. They appreciate the emotive power of the stories and the excellent narration.

This reviewer is clearly a fan of David Sedaris's work, particularly his ability to bring stories to life through his reading. They mention that Sedaris reads stories aloud to the point of memorization, which adds a unique depth to the experience. The collection is praised for its variety and the powerful emotive quality of each story, enhanced by the excellent narrators who capture the essence of the pieces. It's clear that the reviewer values the emotional impact and the skillful delivery of the stories.

Quick quotes

    David Sedaris is an exceptional reader.

    Alone in his apartment, he reads stories aloud to the point he has them memorized.

    Each story in the collection is a work Sedaris finds inspiring.

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