The first collection I have read from Barthelme, which I always figured influenced probably many of my favorite writers. It seems he was way ahead of his time, but then, since I, as a reader, am so far AFTER Barthelme's time, and a ton of his writing uses specific pop cultural references, a ton of his writing goes right over my head. Also, I can't tell if Barthelme invented absurdist writing or if he was just plain insane. Also, I don't know if it was the times, but his writing now seems hugely sexist whenever a female walks onto the page. meh. My favorites in this collection: Hiding Man and Me & Miss Mandible. Interestingly, this is a rare short story collection that made it onto the '1001 books you must read before you die' list.
**Book #128 I have read from the '1001 books you must read before you die' list ( )

The older I get the more I realize that by reading Barthelme at 15 years old without actually understanding him, but for whatever reason continuing to read him steadily for the next decade, he has become a pretty prominent influence; my understanding of Barthelme is almost exactly parallel to my understanding of serious fiction in general. ( )

A wonderful book of short fiction. Confident, convincing, and very "experimental" in the best sense of the word. Surprisingly readable and satisfying. ( )