I <3 Curtis Sittenfeld. This woman can do no wrong.
I’m here to talk about her newest book, You Think It, I’ll Say It. But, first, we have to talk a little bit about the author.
My appreciation for her work began when I read American Wife at the recommendation of a friend. Said friend is highly intelligent and often has, oh, let’s say, more educated entertainment preferences than I do. Read: she regularly watches documentaries; I’m still holding out hope for a Bridget Jones 4.
So, I was appreciative but skeptical of her recommendation, thinking that anything she read would be totally over my head. However, a few pages into American Wife, I was hooked. While Sittenfeld does have a polished style of writing, her fiction is easy to follow and, most importantly, incredibly entertaining.
Next, I read Prep, which was actually Sittenfeld’s debut novel. I liked but didn’t love it, though I still picked up Sisterland when it was published because I had loved American Wife so dang much. I really enjoyed Sisterland, and while I doubt I’m the only one who did, I feel like the only one since most people I know leave out this novel while chatting about Sittenfeld’s works. Same thing goes for The Man of My Dreams. I stumbled upon that 2006 novel only about a year ago, and I wondered how I had missed such an amazing, insightful book for so many years.
In 2016, Sittenfeld won my everlasting love and devotion with Eligible, her fantastic modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Not only did she seamlessly and brilliantly move a classic story into a contemporary setting – which many have tried and, in my opinion, completely failed to do – but she infused it with her easy, earthy style of writing that I find so appealing, therefore making her signature mark on a time-honored work.
The second I discovered that Sittenfeld had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. I didn’t even look at the description that accompanied the press release; I just went to my library’s website and clicked “Request” on the title. I probably would have even purchased this one had I not been pretty high up on the library waiting list to receive it. It’s rare that I purchase books these days (the Cottage, as one might expect from the name, has little room for overflowing bookshelves), so you know that’s serious talk.
Now, let’s get to the reason you’re wading through this Ode to Curtis: the new review.
You Think It, I’ll Say It is a collection of short stories. I know, I know – who reads short stories? And in today’s world where everyone is trying to write the next best-selling, full-length novel, who writes short stories? (I guess when you’ve had, like, five best-selling novels, you feel like you’ve conquered that literary hurdle.)
I usually make it a point to stay away from short stories. I somehow feel they’re read only by highly educated people, like professors of postmodern literature at ivy-covered universities. Or, something like that. Whatever the reason, short stories just never appealed to me. Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels this way, because Sittenfeld actually sent out a Goodreads email to her fans, encouraging us to read her book even if we’re not “short story people.” (Another reason to <3 Sittenfeld—she unabashedly knows her audience.)
So, You Think It, I’ll Say It came in from the library, and, ladies and gentleman, even when venturing into a different literary form, the incomparable Sittenfeld does not disappoint.
I didn’t really know what to expect from this collection. It’s a trim, little book that felt, for some reason, really satisfying to hold in my hands (print books for life!). It contains 10 individual stories, though none of them are related (at least, not that I can tell), and each story is its own little vignette. Reading each story is like looking at a scene through a window; you’re eavesdropping on the people inside, coming in mid-conversation or mid-event.
However, these short stories tease you with the juiciest part of an encounter, and then often cut you off before the characters can come to a satisfactory resolution. Going back to the eavesdropping metaphor, it’s like the window you’re listening at is either abruptly shut, or it’s like you’re walking away until you simply can’t hear what’s being discussed anymore. Despite minimal introductions to the characters, you quickly become invested in their stories, and many of the endings leave you wanting more.
Although it was a bit frustrating, I really liked that Sittenfeld didn’t tie up each story with a neat little bow. She mirrored reality, in which sticky situations are rarely fully and/or easily resolved. It’s a unique writing style, though whether it’s unique to short stories or to Sittenfeld, I don’t know. Full-length novels can feel contrived because of their need to tie up loose ends, and I appreciated the raw edges of the scenes that the author created. Plus, as soon as the next story starts, you forget about the previous one because you become completely involved with the new characters and situations unfolding before you. So, you’re annoyed, but you move on quickly.
What I loved best about this collection – and about all her works, really – is Sittenfeld’s uncanny ability to make every scenario, every character, and every relationship relatable. It’s like she’s describing a scene from your life — or, more likely, what was going on in your head during that scene in your life. She’s particularly good at honing in on what it feels like to be awkward in your own skin, which is also a prevalent theme in both The Man of My Dreams and Prep. You encounter a vast array of characters in the short stories, but you’re somehow able to identify with all of them on some level. Sittenfeld taps into the insecurities that plague us, bringing them to life in a way that is both reassuringly and unnervingly familiar.
Another thing I really enjoyed about the stories is how uniquely they unfolded. About halfway through each one, I would expect the story to progress in a cliché manner. I would go, “Oh, okay. This is what’s happening. I know how this will end!” (Forgive me, Curtis, for foolishly expecting so little of you.) And, each and every single time, I was wrong — the story would go in a completely different direction than I thought it would. Mind you, it wasn’t always an exciting direction, but it would be different. In a world where I constantly feel like I am listening to the same song, watching the same movie, and reading the same book over and over again, the predictable unpredictability of each short story was joyously refreshing.
In case you’re wondering, my favorites of the group were “Plausible Deniability,” which is one of the few stories told from a man’s point of view; “The Prairie Wife,” because of the “twist” at the end; and “Volunteers are Shining Stars,” because of its dark humor and how it kept me on the edge of my seat. I also really enjoyed “Vox Clemantis in Deserto” because it completely captures the previously mentioned social awkwardness that is quintessentially Sittenfeld.
But, really, all the stories are easy to fall into; the entire book makes for an enjoyable, quick read. The nice thing about short stories, I discovered, is that you can take breaks in between them without losing the plot, so this is a nice pick for when you might be interrupted more than usual while reading.
Are you a reader of short stories? Who are some of your favorite authors? Sound off below!
And, check out the inspired recipe — Pan-Seared Salmon with Company Guacamole!
Update! Reese Witherspoon is planning to adapt You Think It, I’ll Say It into a TV series starring Kristin Wiig! Check out the deets: https://www.bookbub.com/blog/2018/04/24/you-think-it-ill-say-it-tv-show
Thank you for this excellent review! I’m two to three Sittenfeld books behind but I may just skip straight to this set of short stories. You’ve made them sound quite delightful and the short story format may be perfect for a new mom with less reading time to spare!
I also loved An American Wife! This book is on my TBR list, and now I’ve added Eligible as well. Thanks for the great review!
Hurray!!! Queen Curtis can do no wrong. I hope you like the new works you read from her!!