Two Nurses, Smoking: Stories
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
"A new collection of stories by the visionary 'master of the form' (The Observer), David Means"-- Provided by publisher
David Means Book order
David Means is an American author whose short stories often capture the atmosphere of the American Midwest and industrial regions, as well as life along the Hudson River. His works are known for their piercing insight into the human psyche and complex interpersonal relationships. Means masterfully uses detail and atmosphere to create impactful literary images that resonate with readers.
- 2022
- 2019
Instructions for a Funeral
- 208 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Following the publication of his widely acclaimed, Man Booker-nominated novel Hystopia, David Means returns to his signature form: the short story. Instructions for a Funeral finds a universally admired practitioner in newly expansive territory.
- 2019
A River in Egypt
- 48 pages
- 2 hours of reading
In his masterful story 'A River in Egypt', David Means paints a portrait of a moment. Cavanaugh and his young son are suspended; trapped in what a nurse calls 'the sweat chamber', where the boy will be tested for cystic fibrosis. Cavanaugh has brought distractions - spasmodic action figures, malformed toy trucks - but they do little to alter the frustration of the sick child screaming, or to alleviate the anxiety of the time spent waiting for 'some exactitude in the form of a diagnosis'.
- 2016
At the bitter end of the 1960s, after surviving multiple assassination attempts, President John F Kennedy has created a vast federal agency, the Psych Corps, dedicated to maintaining the nation's mental hygiene by any means necessary. This book presents a destabilized, alternate version of American history.
- 2012
Celebrated for its diverse range of voices and experiences, this collection of stories spans various locations across America. Garnering prestigious accolades such as the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and a nomination for the National Book Critics Circle Award, it has earned significant critical acclaim, solidifying its status as one of the finest story collections of the era.
- 2010
THE SPOT is an old blacksmith shed in which a gang of men tweeze apart the intricacies of a botched bank robbery. THE SPOT is at the bottom of Niagara Falls, where the body of a young girl floats as if caught in the tangled currents of her own tragic story.
- 2005
The Secret Goldfish showcases David Means' exceptional storytelling through a series of vivid short stories. It features a trio of adventurous kids involved in a crime spree, a goldfish observing the unraveling of a marriage, and a man plagued by a series of lightning strikes. This collection highlights Means' unique vision and mastery of the short form, solidifying his reputation among contemporary American writers.