When we talk about love

The book's title is "When we talk about love" by Raymond Carver published in 1989. It is several short stories about pathetic people who have a wee bit of a problem with their alcohol. The stories are depressing because they are so true to life. There is no romantic fantasy in these stories. There is no happily ever after ending.  It is about loss, despair, regret, and a few woulda shoulda's.

You will not feel uplifted after reading this book, and yet the writing is spot on. I read this book for our monthly book club. This book inspired the best, most exciting viewpoint exchanges. It even brought that nostalgic pitter patter rapid heart beat  of memories from the innocence young love and life beginning from the story, "Why don't you dance?".

I was incredibly lucky to have two members know more about the history of the stories from the writer Raymond Carver which also gave more merit to the discussion.

I highly recommend this book if you are participating in a group discussion. It's a fast read. I read it in one day. Some people couldn't stomach the stories. Some refused to read past the first few. But that just goes to show how good the writing is. The fact that it can invoke such emotions proves Mr. Carver was an excellent writer.  People did not want to go to the dark place in humanity that he led them to.

I don't know that I'll read this book a second time. I think it is a little like child birth. You need a little time between to forget the pain before you choose to attempt again.

On a personal note, perhaps the young couple down the street from me should read this book. Maybe if they can see them selves, they could change for the better.  I wish.

The first fight I heard from them was "F U. I hate you" and yet I could hear in the tone "I love you"
This morning's fight was "F U. I want a divorce." Sad, I still hear the "I love you," but the tone was "not as much."

I am positive if this couple went to marriage counseling they could save their marriage, but I don't see that happening. They are still to young which is a shame because I know they do love each other. I'll just keep my fingers crossed for them.