Grass Fires

By Dan Gerber

Book Overview

The varied inhabitants of Brainard, Michigan, examine their lives and losses in very distinct, matter-of-fact voices. A heart attack victim crashes into his brother-in-law's funeral parlor in the title story; the deaf-mute of "Conversation" begins his tale with the simple sentence, "I don't think I've really had a conversation with anyone since my father died."
Dan Gerber's characters are capable of extraordinary compassion and everyday cruelty, and reveal themselves in an unnerving series of layers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0870136828
• ISBN13: 9780870136825
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Michigan State University Press
• Length: 185 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Worth a re-read

This was the collection of stories that helped me find my voice as a writer. While reading Grass Fires, it became clear to me how important it is to tell your story in a patient and relaxed manner. Let the reader quietly observe the story's characters as the events unfold; nothing dramatic or spectacular or shocking needs to occur to hook the reader, so long as your voice is honest and observant. I was amazed, and still am, at Mr. Gerber's ability to tell a simple story that, I know as a writer, is extremely difficult to pull off. These are simple stories about everyday people, going about their everyday lives, while dealing with those little complications that keep us reading.

Welcome to Brainard -- You're really going to like it here.

I have read, re-read, and re-read Grass Fires. It is one of the few short-story collections where I have savored every sentence. Each story captures you from the first paragraph, drawing you deeper and deeper into each character as Dan Gerber peels away the layers. The descriptions are crisp and unique. Dan Gerber, I am sorry to say, is one of America's best kept secrets.P.S. Grass Fires is currently out of print, but well worth the search. And, no, I will not sell my copy!