Short stories are always, in a sense, small canvases. Since short story writers have less space in which to express themselves, it follows that each of their words must carry more weight and do a better job of conveying meaning to their readers. David Means takes this idea to its logical extreme. Each of the stories in "Assorted Fire Events" is so carefully written that the language almost seems to get in the way of what's being described. Means, to his credit, pulls it off: these stories do an excellent job of portraying their subjects and describing their predicaments, and Means' authorial voice flows evenly and confidently, lingering over tiny details and fleeting emotions that less careful writers would disregard. They're also cleverly constructed, refusing to come to easy endings or conclusions, and Means keeps his writerly poise even as he relates hearbtbreakingly poignant events.

As impressive as Means's technique is, I can't help but think that some readers will find these stories too dry by half, and there is a claustrophobic, snow globe quality to some of his work. The author consistently chooses to use five-dollar words even when writing from the perspective of characters that probably wouldn't know them. That's an inconsistency that drives lots of readers crazy, but I'm thinking that realism isn't quite what the author is trying for. "Assorted Fire Events" reads like a master class in short story writing where every phrase is perfectly turned and every plot element carefully considered, and readers looking for superior literary craftsmanship will probably find this collection immensely satisfying. Incidentally, the back cover of my copy of "Assorted Fire Events" says that Means teaches writing at Vassar and has published stories in Harper's and the Paris Review. Imagine my surprise. ( )

Strange short stories. Assorted events (such as coitus; holding onto the side of a railroad car for dear life in The Grip; or the title story itself) are the catalysts for strings of thoughts. During the heat of passion a man's thoughts turn to the accidental drowning death of his brother on a canoe trip. The man in Coitus is having an affair and his mind is filled with guilt-ridden thoughts over his brother's death which happened over a year before. These brief stories are filled with ethical dilemmas and life changing decisions. There is grief and sadness, but the intense examination of these qualities bring the emotions into a clearer focus. ( )