In Other Rooms, Other Wonders

Stole this from my mother, and then didn't get around to it until she'd already needed to get another copy for one of her two book clubs. Oops! Anyway, I was suitably entertained by this collection of short stories, but feel as if I somehow missed whatever got the book to be a finalist for the National Book Award. I could possibly attribute it to the weird pace of winter break reading? It was certainly enjoyable, however, and I'd guess that a more careful read could uncover some real treasures in Mueenuddin's storytelling.

read up until the last story, but it took me months to get through the book; not because the writing is difficult or the subject matter is uniquely disturbing, but just because of the irritation I felt every time I read it. the only positive thought I have on this book is that I liked how the stories were loosely interconnected. theoretically, also, the idea of these stories as brief windows into various people's lives is interesting, but I'm sure it's been done before, and much better.

this book felt... not pretentious, but something along those lines. it's one of those things you read not particularly for your interest in its contents but for the impression it gives other people. I found myself barely invested in most stories, and my enjoyment of those I found interesting was dampened by unimpactful and unsatisfying endings that I feel contributed nothing good.