she's not as original, nor as funny as before, 18 Feb 2006
I love short stories, and I really enjoyed Jill McCorkle's "Crash Diet", as well as her first novel "The Cheerleader". But "Final Vinyl Days", a collection of stories mostly about unhappy/problematic people who either rationalize or realize that their life isn't so bad (that seems to be the universal plot), doesn't live up to those two other books. Her characters don't have the energy her older characters used to have. And several of them tend to reminisce about their past too much -- it's one digression after another and the stories slowly move. There isn't enough variation among the characters/stories either, they all seem to be written in very similar tones/moods/personalities. This isn't one of her works that I would recommend buying.

However, one of her best stories (in my opinion) is in this book, "Life Prerecorded". It is realistic, doesn't depend on weird circumstances to make a plot, and is full of insight (also appears in "Writer's Harvest2" which is a better buy, I think). A good interview with McCorkle also appears at the end of "Final Vinyl Days".

Beautiful!, 16 Dec 1998
Beautiful! Each and every word. A fascinating one-day read that showcases a variety of the struggles of life.

McCorkle's Best Yet, 25 Sep 1998
The only criticism I have of this book was that each story was not turned into a novel, as I did not want to leave the characters as each story ended. As I read this book on the beach, I found my mother giving me strange looks. Turns out, I was laughing out loud. I spent the rest of the afternoon reading passages aloud to her. Maybe it is because I am southern, but I can always relate to McCorkles characters. I am bound to find one of my friends or relatives in her work. I think this is some of her best work to date, and I look forward to more!

Bad & Boring!, 01 Sep 1998
What's happened to McCorkle? Her third novel showed some promise, even though it was rambling and predictable and awkwardly constructed. Nothing much ever happens in her books, either. You are reading along and get to page 200 and you go: "When is something going to happen?"

Her most recent books and stories are outrageous imitations of the more successful Southern writers. What's next? Her "own" version of the Ya-Yas? Wait and see.

Stories to which you'll laugh, cry, and relate., 16 Jul 1998
Beware! Reading this book will cause you to laugh aloud, possibly causing those with whom you live to question your sanity. Such stories as "Your Husband is Cheating on Us" and the book's namesake, "Final Vinyl Days" show the author's ability to remind the reader of places, events, or people they've known. Her delightful sense of humor can brighten up the more sadder portions, giving the reader a sense of well-being and ownership of the story. This book is truly a slice of life which makes for delicious reading.

she's not as original, nor as funny as before, 18 Feb 2006
I love short stories, and I really enjoyed Jill McCorkle's "Crash Diet", as well as her first novel "The Cheerleader". But "Final Vinyl Days", a collection of stories mostly about unhappy/problematic people who either rationalize or realize that their life isn't so bad (that seems to be the universal plot), doesn't live up to those two other books. Her characters don't have the energy her older characters used to have. And several of them tend to reminisce about their past too much -- it's one digression after another and the stories slowly move. There isn't enough variation among the characters/stories either, they all seem to be written in very similar tones/moods/personalities. This isn't one of her works that I would recommend buying.

However, one of her best stories (in my opinion) is in this book, "Life Prerecorded". It is realistic, doesn't depend on weird circumstances to make a plot, and is full of insight (also appears in "Writer's Harvest2" which is a better buy, I think). A good interview with McCorkle also appears at the end of "Final Vinyl Days".

Beautiful!, 16 Dec 1998
Beautiful! Each and every word. A fascinating one-day read that showcases a variety of the struggles of life.

McCorkle's Best Yet, 25 Sep 1998
The only criticism I have of this book was that each story was not turned into a novel, as I did not want to leave the characters as each story ended. As I read this book on the beach, I found my mother giving me strange looks. Turns out, I was laughing out loud. I spent the rest of the afternoon reading passages aloud to her. Maybe it is because I am southern, but I can always relate to McCorkles characters. I am bound to find one of my friends or relatives in her work. I think this is some of her best work to date, and I look forward to more!

Bad & Boring!, 01 Sep 1998
What's happened to McCorkle? Her third novel showed some promise, even though it was rambling and predictable and awkwardly constructed. Nothing much ever happens in her books, either. You are reading along and get to page 200 and you go: "When is something going to happen?"

Her most recent books and stories are outrageous imitations of the more successful Southern writers. What's next? Her "own" version of the Ya-Yas? Wait and see.

Stories to which you'll laugh, cry, and relate., 16 Jul 1998
Beware! Reading this book will cause you to laugh aloud, possibly causing those with whom you live to question your sanity. Such stories as "Your Husband is Cheating on Us" and the book's namesake, "Final Vinyl Days" show the author's ability to remind the reader of places, events, or people they've known. Her delightful sense of humor can brighten up the more sadder portions, giving the reader a sense of well-being and ownership of the story. This book is truly a slice of life which makes for delicious reading.

I'm Glad I Kept Reading, 18 Feb 1998
After reading about 50 pages of July 7th I had some doubts about whether I would finish it. A variety of characters were introduced fairly rapidly, and I thought gee this should be one of those books where they list all of the personae on a page before the book begins. I did finish July 7th and really enjoyed it. The author uses a McGuffin of a convenience store murder to establish the story, but the book is really about a group of related people in a small town in North Carolina. While JM has at least one serious message to present, the novel is essentially an intelligent, witty development of her characters during a 24 hour period of their lives. A central event is the birthday party of "Granner" the gift loving matriarch of the clan (She thought it a shame that her birthday and Independence Day didn't coincide so she has her clan celebrate July 4th on her birthday July 7th).

she's not as original, nor as funny as before, 18 Feb 2006
I love short stories, and I really enjoyed Jill McCorkle's "Crash Diet", as well as her first novel "The Cheerleader". But "Final Vinyl Days", a collection of stories mostly about unhappy/problematic people who either rationalize or realize that their life isn't so bad (that seems to be the universal plot), doesn't live up to those two other books. Her characters don't have the energy her older characters used to have. And several of them tend to reminisce about their past too much -- it's one digression after another and the stories slowly move. There isn't enough variation among the characters/stories either, they all seem to be written in very similar tones/moods/personalities. This isn't one of her works that I would recommend buying.

However, one of her best stories (in my opinion) is in this book, "Life Prerecorded". It is realistic, doesn't depend on weird circumstances to make a plot, and is full of insight (also appears in "Writer's Harvest2" which is a better buy, I think). A good interview with McCorkle also appears at the end of "Final Vinyl Days".

Beautiful!, 16 Dec 1998
Beautiful! Each and every word. A fascinating one-day read that showcases a variety of the struggles of life.

McCorkle's Best Yet, 25 Sep 1998
The only criticism I have of this book was that each story was not turned into a novel, as I did not want to leave the characters as each story ended. As I read this book on the beach, I found my mother giving me strange looks. Turns out, I was laughing out loud. I spent the rest of the afternoon reading passages aloud to her. Maybe it is because I am southern, but I can always relate to McCorkles characters. I am bound to find one of my friends or relatives in her work. I think this is some of her best work to date, and I look forward to more!

Bad & Boring!, 01 Sep 1998
What's happened to McCorkle? Her third novel showed some promise, even though it was rambling and predictable and awkwardly constructed. Nothing much ever happens in her books, either. You are reading along and get to page 200 and you go: "When is something going to happen?"

Her most recent books and stories are outrageous imitations of the more successful Southern writers. What's next? Her "own" version of the Ya-Yas? Wait and see.

Stories to which you'll laugh, cry, and relate., 16 Jul 1998
Beware! Reading this book will cause you to laugh aloud, possibly causing those with whom you live to question your sanity. Such stories as "Your Husband is Cheating on Us" and the book's namesake, "Final Vinyl Days" show the author's ability to remind the reader of places, events, or people they've known. Her delightful sense of humor can brighten up the more sadder portions, giving the reader a sense of well-being and ownership of the story. This book is truly a slice of life which makes for delicious reading.

I'm Glad I Kept Reading, 18 Feb 1998
After reading about 50 pages of July 7th I had some doubts about whether I would finish it. A variety of characters were introduced fairly rapidly, and I thought gee this should be one of those books where they list all of the personae on a page before the book begins. I did finish July 7th and really enjoyed it. The author uses a McGuffin of a convenience store murder to establish the story, but the book is really about a group of related people in a small town in North Carolina. While JM has at least one serious message to present, the novel is essentially an intelligent, witty development of her characters during a 24 hour period of their lives. A central event is the birthday party of "Granner" the gift loving matriarch of the clan (She thought it a shame that her birthday and Independence Day didn't coincide so she has her clan celebrate July 4th on her birthday July 7th).

wonderful & haunting, 28 Jul 1999
I received this book when I was going through an emotional depression. It was realistic, believable, interesting, gripping and has stayed with me for two years. Like all of McCorkle's books, a masterpiece.

Worst book I have ever read!!!!!!!!!, 14 Apr 1999
This book was terrible. In the past year I have read over 200 books and this is the worst!!! The first two chapters were good and had lots of potential, but the rest of the book is psycho!! It changes to the inside of the main character's mind. I hoped with every page it would get better, it didin't. SAVE YOUR MONEY, THIS BOOK IS TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can not express how bad it is.

the cheerleader, 13 Mar 1999
This is my favorite book. i think it is extremely well-written and the plot is just intriguing. jo spencer is such a complex, yet realistic character, and i think everyone can relate to her. at first it seems as if this book could be potentially of little substance or about trivial matters, but i assure you it is not. it is just good--mostly because jo spencer is such a real, wonderful character.

she's not as original, nor as funny as before, 18 Feb 2006
I love short stories, and I really enjoyed Jill McCorkle's "Crash Diet", as well as her first novel "The Cheerleader". But "Final Vinyl Days", a collection of stories mostly about unhappy/problematic people who either rationalize or realize that their life isn't so bad (that seems to be the universal plot), doesn't live up to those two other books. Her characters don't have the energy her older characters used to have. And several of them tend to reminisce about their past too much -- it's one digression after another and the stories slowly move. There isn't enough variation among the characters/stories either, they all seem to be written in very similar tones/moods/personalities. This isn't one of her works that I would recommend buying.

However, one of her best stories (in my opinion) is in this book, "Life Prerecorded". It is realistic, doesn't depend on weird circumstances to make a plot, and is full of insight (also appears in "Writer's Harvest2" which is a better buy, I think). A good interview with McCorkle also appears at the end of "Final Vinyl Days".

Beautiful!, 16 Dec 1998
Beautiful! Each and every word. A fascinating one-day read that showcases a variety of the struggles of life.

McCorkle's Best Yet, 25 Sep 1998
The only criticism I have of this book was that each story was not turned into a novel, as I did not want to leave the characters as each story ended. As I read this book on the beach, I found my mother giving me strange looks. Turns out, I was laughing out loud. I spent the rest of the afternoon reading passages aloud to her. Maybe it is because I am southern, but I can always relate to McCorkles characters. I am bound to find one of my friends or relatives in her work. I think this is some of her best work to date, and I look forward to more!

Bad & Boring!, 01 Sep 1998
What's happened to McCorkle? Her third novel showed some promise, even though it was rambling and predictable and awkwardly constructed. Nothing much ever happens in her books, either. You are reading along and get to page 200 and you go: "When is something going to happen?"

Her most recent books and stories are outrageous imitations of the more successful Southern writers. What's next? Her "own" version of the Ya-Yas? Wait and see.

Stories to which you'll laugh, cry, and relate., 16 Jul 1998
Beware! Reading this book will cause you to laugh aloud, possibly causing those with whom you live to question your sanity. Such stories as "Your Husband is Cheating on Us" and the book's namesake, "Final Vinyl Days" show the author's ability to remind the reader of places, events, or people they've known. Her delightful sense of humor can brighten up the more sadder portions, giving the reader a sense of well-being and ownership of the story. This book is truly a slice of life which makes for delicious reading.

I'm Glad I Kept Reading, 18 Feb 1998
After reading about 50 pages of July 7th I had some doubts about whether I would finish it. A variety of characters were introduced fairly rapidly, and I thought gee this should be one of those books where they list all of the personae on a page before the book begins. I did finish July 7th and really enjoyed it. The author uses a McGuffin of a convenience store murder to establish the story, but the book is really about a group of related people in a small town in North Carolina. While JM has at least one serious message to present, the novel is essentially an intelligent, witty development of her characters during a 24 hour period of their lives. A central event is the birthday party of "Granner" the gift loving matriarch of the clan (She thought it a shame that her birthday and Independence Day didn't coincide so she has her clan celebrate July 4th on her birthday July 7th).

wonderful & haunting, 28 Jul 1999
I received this book when I was going through an emotional depression. It was realistic, believable, interesting, gripping and has stayed with me for two years. Like all of McCorkle's books, a masterpiece.

Worst book I have ever read!!!!!!!!!, 14 Apr 1999
This book was terrible. In the past year I have read over 200 books and this is the worst!!! The first two chapters were good and had lots of potential, but the rest of the book is psycho!! It changes to the inside of the main character's mind. I hoped with every page it would get better, it didin't. SAVE YOUR MONEY, THIS BOOK IS TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can not express how bad it is.

the cheerleader, 13 Mar 1999
This is my favorite book. i think it is extremely well-written and the plot is just intriguing. jo spencer is such a complex, yet realistic character, and i think everyone can relate to her. at first it seems as if this book could be potentially of little substance or about trivial matters, but i assure you it is not. it is just good--mostly because jo spencer is such a real, wonderful character.

McCorkle always a pleasure, 03 Aug 1998
Crash Diet reveals McCorkle's strengths as a writer of the New South, which I first enjoyed several years ago in July 7th and Tending to Virginia. It's like I was never gone; her comic style intertwines effortlessly with the truly sympathetic in this collection of short fiction. There are lots of voices here, all of women grappling with changes in their lives that have brought chaos, rather than order. The pieces were written across a span of years and the author's propensity to drop topical references to our disposable culture can be a little distracting when moving from one story to another, as you inevitably pause to recall just when "Falcon Crest" or "The New Newlyweds Game" was hot. But that's just a little itch, and it doesn't date the material.

A wonderful Book of Short Stories about women, 15 Jun 1998
I usually don't read short stories, but I read a review of this book and decided to take a chance. I'm glad I did. Ms. McCorkle does a wonderful job of portraying various types of women. It is perfect bedside reading.

Surprisingly good!, 03 Jun 1998
The women featured in these short stories are wonderfully strong, deep, resonant characters. I was impressed with the author's range--she is masterful and moving with everyone from confused teenage girls to lonely elderly widows. Each of these stories is a gem. I loved this book and recommend it highly.