Our Story Begins: New and Selected Stories    by Tobias Wolff Order:  USA  Can Vintage, 2009 (2008) Hardcover, Softcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Alex Telander In this new anthology, one of our most eminent short story writers, Tobias Wolff, offers up older tales – some we've seen before – as well as new and fresh ones. Our Story Begins is a perfect introduction to the writing style and complex plotting of one Tobias Wolff. This book offers an in-depth look at the many facets of life and their most important part: people. Wolff doesn't always look to tell a simple and complete story with a beginning, middle and end. Most of the stories in this collection offer more of an insight into a slice of this world or that life; a snapshot into a relationship or specific decision. The full consequences and events don't always unfold, and we may not know as much as we might like with back story; nevertheless, we immediately become attached to these very real characters and the very human decisions they make. Wolff takes readers on a journey they won't soon forget with Our Story Begins, as they travel the world and meet some very strange characters, as well as playing a part in some very moving relationships and families. This is a required read and a book deserving space on everyone's shelf as not just as a sample of Wolff's skill, but for its supreme examples of the contemporary short story. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews