Not usually a huge fan of short story books, but this one was superb. I really liked it, and fell in love with Margaret Atwood. It was clever, witty, sad, funny, and amusing at the same time. I like her writing style and I will definitely read a novel of hers soon, still haven't decided yet. If you have suggestions, leave them in the comments. ( )

Although this volume is supposed to be humorous it bored me. I love Margaret Atwood but this is not her best. ( )

This is Atwood at her best, reflective, with a touch of acerbic humour, and a little cynical in places. Not actually stories, more like ideas, vignettes, all of them clever and thought-provoking. As expected some sparkled, some merely glowed but there are no duds. It's a slim book yet not to be read in one or two sessions, but rather to be dipped into and savoured in individual bites. I started noting favourites but the list got too long. These were at the top of the list: Encouraging the Young; Gateway; Our Cat Enters Heaven; Chicken Little Goes Too Far; and best of all, The Tent. ( )

Some very interesting and lovely mini-essays, and some a little tedious, even at their small size. A nice break and worth the time. ( )

Some of these stories were great, but some of them went right over my head. ( )