Book Review: The McNeese Review Volume 49 (2011)

First, I'll start by saying that I for some of this book, I'd probably be partially biased because it contains writings by my former English professor for Honors College, Dr. John Wood, and a former classmate, his son, Dafydd Wood.  Of course, there are writings by both of them that I love and writings that I don't care for, too. However, in general, those writings would make me a little biased.

Still, there are plenty of other writings in the book.  Some of them are very strange and some are relatable.  Stories I can easily remember are "Feeding Instructions" by Lisa Graley which when first reading the title, seems like it might have been about taking care of a dog or a cat.  Once you get into it, you realize it is about taking care of an elderly woman.  However, there's a bit more to that.

I also remember "Scalping."  That was written by Sean Ennis.  I never thought that I would enjoy reading anything having to do with scalping, but I felt myself oddly drawn to reading the story (though not like scalping anybody!)

"Average Secrets and Problems" by George Hovis also stands out once the end of the story is reached.  However, to write about it would give away the secret.

One of the best set of poems that I read was by Julie Kane. It was called, "Five Things I Hate that Other People Seem to Love."

All of the other writings were good, too, but these stood out to me.  The entire McNeese review is worth buying and reading.  You will find you are expanding your literary tastes from the normal because these stories and poems are different from the traditional novels and short stories that you had to read in school.  However, that is a great thing!  Everything is enjoyable.