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The Graybar Hotel
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
12 posts | 8 read | 2 reading | 20 to read
In this stunning debut collection, Curtis Dawkins, an MFA graduate and convicted murderer serving life without parole, takes us inside the worlds of prison and prisoners with stories that dazzle with their humor and insight, even as they describe a harsh and barren existence. In Curtis Dawkinss first short story collection, he offers a window into prison life through the eyes of his narrators and their cellmates. Dawkins reveals the idiosyncrasies, tedium, and desperation of long-term incarcerationhe describes men who struggle to keep their souls alive despite the challenges they face. In A Human Number, a man spends his days collect-calling strangers just to hear the sounds of the outside world. In 573543, an inmate recalls his descent into addiction as his prison softball team gears up for an annual tournament against another unit. In Leche Quemada, an inmate is released and finds freedom more complex and baffling then he expected. Dawkinss stories are funny and sad, filled with unforgettable detailthe barter system based on calligraphy-ink tattoos, handmade cards, and cigarettes; a single dandelion smuggled in from the rec yard; candy made from powdered milk, water, sugar, and hot sauce. His characters are nuanced and sympathetic, despite their obvious flaws. The Graybar Hotel tells moving, human stories about men enduring impossible circumstances. Dawkins takes readers beyond the cells into characters pasts and memories and desires, into the unusual bonds that form during incarceration and the strained relationships with family members on the outside. Hes an extraordinary writer with a knack for metaphor, and this is a powerful compilation of stories that gives voice to the experience of perhaps the most overlooked members of our society.
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CoffeeNBooks
CoffeeNBooks
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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I read this for the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge. It's a collection of short stories written by the author while in #Prison.
#LetsTravelAugust
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @OriginalCyn620

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Sounds interesting!!! 5y
OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚👮🏻‍♂️⛓ 5y
79 likes2 stack adds2 comments
review
CoffeeNBooks
CoffeeNBooks
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Pickpick

I don't always like short story collections, but I really liked this one. It was written by Curtis Dawkins, who is currently serving a life sentence. #BookRiotReadHarderChallenge2019: a book written in prison

91 likes2 stack adds
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CleverGirl
CleverGirl
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Pickpick

I don't usually read short stories. They make me impatient - idk why. And I wouldn't expect short stories about prison to catch my attention at all, but somehow this ended up in my stack and here we are. I read it in an afternoon. Definitely recommend 👍

8 likes
review
Megabooks
Megabooks
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this look at life in the Michigan penal system. The author is a convicted murderer who received his MFA before his crime. It‘s a good collection, but lacks the layering and twists that I love in short stories. They‘re a bit too straightforward. #yearofshortstories

PS Proceeds from sale go to his children‘s education. I got it from Book Outlet.

PPS Henry says hi!

Mommamanzi Hiiii Henry! 6y
MicheleinPhilly Hi Henry! 😘 6y
LauraBeth Awwww - Henry! 👋 6y
xicanti Hi Henry! 6y
Megabooks @Mommamanzi @MicheleinPhilly @LauraBeth @xicanti Thanks! He‘s such a people dog. 😊🐩 6y
104 likes2 stack adds5 comments
blurb
Megabooks
Megabooks
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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I‘m enjoying this short story collection written by a convicted murderer that received an MFA prior to his crime. I wonder how the profits of the sale of the book are handled? 🤔

Nfergs That‘s a good question 6y
117 likes8 stack adds1 comment
review
Jason_Roland
Jason_Roland
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Pickpick

I really loved this book. Found out about from a NY times article that was mulling over the pros and cons on prisoners profiting off of work while incarcerated. Not getting into my ideas on that here, but it prompted me to want this book. Each short story was fantastic. "A Human Number" was my favorite. One of the best short stories I have ever read. All are set in and around prison, and the perspective is mind opening at the very least!

2 likes
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AmyG
AmyG
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Car reading on my phone while the husband chats with someone. But it's in Colorado, so I won't complain. ;)

britt_brooke Nice view! 7y
59 likes1 comment
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cephareads
cephareads
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Read one of the short stories from this collection to put my first few minutes into #24in48. Now, some sleep. See you bright and early for more reading! @24in48

13 likes
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Happiestwhenreading
Happiestwhenreading
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Pickpick

This one is amazing. Curtis Dawkins has a knack for metaphorical writing and it's addictive! I hope to see more of his work in the future.

blurb
shawnmooney
shawnmooney
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Intrigued!

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/02/books/review/curtis-dawkins-graybar-hotel.htm...

Mjk20a Read that article last night, very interesting 7y
ReadingEnvy It makes me wonder who gets the profits. When Ted Kazinski's publisher approached me with a review copy I said no. Later I found out he can't get that money. So does the hype machine serve the editor? The publisher? Who? Inquiring minds want to know. 7y
shawnmooney @ReadingEnvy I'd want to know that too 7y
shawnmooney @ReadingEnvy "Mr. Dawkins‘s share goes into an education fund for his children." 7y
Mariposa_Bookworm I'm intrigued by his story. I would read it. Writing is a way to purge the pain and grief that we feel, I imagine he used the pain and grief that he has and caused to fuel these stories. 7y
34 likes5 comments
blurb
emmanoble
emmanoble
The Graybar Hotel: Stories | Curtis Dawkins
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Eeee! Today I got a package & had no idea what was inside. My bestie completely surprised me & sent me the kindle I've been dying for! 😍 I've never owned one & with the amount of traveling I do, lugging my iPad around is seriously no fun. Perfect timing for our trip to England in a few weeks! She's not a reader, but she still gets me. ❤️ #bestfriendsarebest

TrishB Lovely gift 😀 7y
29 likes1 comment