Praying Drunk is a collection of twelve short stories by Kyle Minor. The book was published in 2014 by Sarabande Books.

Praying Drunk
AuthorKyle Minor
LanguageEnglish
Published2014 by Sarabande Books
Publication placeUnited States
Pages192 pp
ISBN9781936747634

Reception

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Reception to Praying Drunk has commonly noted how although the book is a collection of stories, the reader is strongly encouraged to read the stories consecutively.[1][2] According to Kirkus Reviews, the stories together "present a powerful reflective narrative, offering perspectives on friends, family and faith."[3]

Praying Drunk was reviewed by The New York Times Book Review on April 25, 2014 by Nicholas Mancusi. Mancusi writes: "Minor’s book is less a collection than an extended prayer, wrenched from the heart and wrought in the language of pain." He also notes that "beyond a certain threshold of grief and misery, the artistic returns diminish."[1] Both Kirkus Reviews and The Boston Globe name "In a Distant Country" as the most affecting story in the collection.[3][4]

In January 2015, it was awarded The Story Prize Spotlight Award, which honors a short story collection worthy of additional attention.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b Mancusi, Nicholas (27 April 2014). "Favorite Sins: 'Praying Drunk,' by Kyle Minor". The New York Times Sunday Book Review. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  2. ^ Akins, Ellen (8 February 2014). "Review: 'Praying Drunk,' by Kyle Minor". StarTribune Books. StarTribune. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  3. ^ a b "Praying Drunk". Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus. 4 January 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  4. ^ Domini, John (3 February 2014). "'Praying Drunk' by Kyle Minor". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  5. ^ "TSP: Praying Drunk by Kyle Minor—This Year's Winner of the Story Prize Spotlight Award". 12 January 2015.