Barbara the Slut and Other People

Book club selection is what sent me to purchase the short story collection, Barbara the Slut and Other people. I stayed for the characters, their quirky, unique perspectives, and how real the stories feel despite one being told by a dog observing human behavior. We (the book club) particularly appreciated the coming out to mom story. Feels real with lots of family dysfunction. Example: a mom wrapped up in her own VS panty selling biz on Mexico beaches and pretending she only speaks Spanish. Ten stories. Most of us appreciated them all. A couple of us had select ones they preferred. I loved them all. Found myself laughing out-loud, unable to put the book down, and I appreciated the breadth of Barbara Holmes gift at storytelling. The book is already on the loaner circuit amongst friends. Looking forward to getting it back. Great summer holiday and airport reading.👍🏾👍🏾

The stories were interesting and the characters were unique but relatable. I will say, it was a little hard to dissect each story afterwards (we used this book for book club) and there didn't always feel like there was much depth for us to go off of. But that made it an easy read!

I was fascinated with the variety of voices in this collection. The one narrated by the dog could have been pathetic, but it worked. Perhaps my favorite was the young woman who moves to the San Francisco are with her fiancé and decides that being an attorney isn't for her, instead she poses as a lesbian to work in an adult toy store for women; who thinks this stuff up? Funny, irritating and touching.

I kinda enjoyed the short stories in this book but the endings did not make sense. Just stopped short of ending the story.

Funny, insightful short stories. I didn’t want it to end! I love how this author writes such vivid characters and colorful stories. A delightful, quick read.

don't let the title scare you (or fool you). these studies in how girls become young women are AWESOME. Great characters and poignant telling.

Lacks of engagement, I almost felt like i was reading a book for teenagers, bland.

Not as engaging as I had hoped. The short stories feel like they are missing something..

I downloaded this book on my kindle, and it was an amazing read. Barbara the slut and other people are all short stories. It's very light hearted. I enjoyed every story in this book. Each one draws you in straight away. There are some funny and not so funny sexual encounters between various young people in their 20s. Some of them are quite bizarre.....especially the one about the tampon eating rescue pooch! And it was written from the dogs perspective. I definitely would recommend this book!

Superb writing & excellent stories which really amazed and excited: very clever and real - except the one about a dog (please!!) - but would certainly recommend and buy more of her stuff. Reminded me of an early Ian McEwan (and higher praise I can't imagine.)

A bookclub read. This was well received and provided us with much debate.

Great book full of short stories that are a little different.

stupid mindless crap - didnt bother to finish