Coyote Road, an anthology meticulously curated by Ellen Datlow, collects stories of urban myth and contemporary folklore. The contributing authors each display their unique storytelling charm, infusing their characters with depth and relatability.

The stories sway between playfully mischievous and pensively dark, shadowing the multilayered archetype of Trickster, personified in the title as Coyote, a Trickster figure from Native Southwestern North American mythology. The anthology weaves a mesmeric dance between folklore and reality, crafting mythical fabrications that resonate deeply with the human condition. These range from poignant expressions of love and sacrifice, to stirring explorations of identity and transformation.

Overall, Coyote Road is a captivating carousel of tales that manifest the magic of storytelling in its purest form. It prompts the reader to rummage through the depths of their imagination, stoking the embers of curiosity and wonder. This collection offers readers an invigorating journey through the realm of fantastical folklore. It remains a testament to Datlow's expertise in understanding the enigmatic balance between tradition and novelty in literature. Truly it is a sumptuous feast for the soulful bibliophile.

***Read for my own enjoyment ( )

Usually collections like this are a mixed bag. And from previous experience I know that my taste is not the same as Datlow & Windling's. And I'm not usually interested in Trickster stories.

But these were almost all very good, some were wonderful. They were engaging, thought-provoking, sometimes v. creative, sometimes humorous, sometimes sad - and sometimes all that all in one piece. *Every* fan of fantasy or of folk-tales or of just plain good stories should read this.

If you're not yet convinced, read Ralph's review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/169834171?book_show_action=false&page=... He's my husband, and I did not expect that he would like this book nearly as much as he did. ( )

"Coyote Woman" by Carolyn Dunn: Poem about female Coyote. This poem, I like it! ANOTHAH. 5/5
"Wagers of Gold Mountain" by Steve Berman: Everyone is tricking everyone because everybody has a lot to lose. Also there is a foo. Dog. Thing. 4/5.
"The Fiddler of Bayou Teche" by Delia Sherman: I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Sherman's short stories. This one had a slow beginning but built up the story really well so by the denoument, everything was beautiful and nothing hurt. 4/5.
"The Fortune-teller" by Patricia A. McKillip: The protagonist really confused me. I guess I didn't trust her and I was never really sure that what she was saying or doing was what she actually wanted to do. It's hard to explain. The actual fortune-telling was kinda great, though. 3/5.
"Crow Roads" by Charles de Lint: 3/5
"Uncle Tompa" by Midori Snyder: poem, 3/5
"Honored Guest" by Ellen Kushner: 4/5
"A Reversal of Fortune" by Holly Black: 5/5.
"Kwaku Anansi walks the world's web" by Jane Yolen: poem, 4/5.


*currently reading* ( )

"Coyote Woman" by Carolyn Dunn: Poem about female Coyote. This poem, I like it! ANOTHAH. 5/5
"Wagers of Gold Mountain" by Steve Berman: Everyone is tricking everyone because everybody has a lot to lose. Also there is a foo. Dog. Thing. 4/5.
"The Fiddler of Bayou Teche" by Delia Sherman: I am quickly becoming a huge fan of Sherman's short stories. This one had a slow beginning but built up the story really well so by the denoument, everything was beautiful and nothing hurt. 4/5.
"The Fortune-teller" by Patricia A. McKillip: The protagonist really confused me. I guess I didn't trust her and I was never really sure that what she was saying or doing was what she actually wanted to do. It's hard to explain. The actual fortune-telling was kinda great, though. 3/5.
"Crow Roads" by Charles de Lint: 3/5
"Uncle Tompa" by Midori Snyder: poem, 3/5
"Honored Guest" by Ellen Kushner: 4/5
"A Reversal of Fortune" by Holly Black: 5/5.
"Kwaku Anansi walks the world's web" by Jane Yolen: poem, 4/5.


*currently reading* ( )

This anthology features a wide variety of trickster-themed fiction and poetry. As with most compilations like this, some stories resonated more strongly with me than others. The most noteworthy included:

"The Fiddler of Bayou Teche" by Delia Sherman
A fantastic take on bayou lore and fiddling and dancing the devil down.

"Crow Roads" by Charles de Lint
I love the moods that de Lint masterfully creates, and here he sets up a strong teenage girl and a fae boy against the backdrop of 1960s cultural change.

"Cat of the World" by Michael Cadnum
Of course, I love the cat story. A clever long-lived feline escaped the bag and causes plenty of mischief.

"Black Rock Blues" by Will Shetterly
A very urban fantasy kind of trickster tale.

"Kwaky Anansi Walks the World's Web" by Jane Yolen
I love Yolen poetry, and this work just begs to be read aloud. Even her biography is a joy to read. ( )