Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club

This was an absolutely fantastic (if too short) story collection which captivated me from the very first sentence, moved me, and made me want more from every story. I can easily see why this collection received both the 2013 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction as well as the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Fiction (although not every story is gay-themed). The Kentucky Club in Juárez, Mexico, just over the U.S. border, is a touchstone in every story. Much like the characters in Saenz's stories, the Kentucky Club caters to both young and old, straight and gay, rich and poor, Mexican and American, and serves as everything from a special rendezvous spot to a pickup joint to a place of distant and pleasant memory. Overall, the stories in this collection aren't quite happy ones, but they pack a powerful punch, and they're stuck in my head now that I'm finished with them. From the opening story, He Has Gone to Be with the Women, which chronicles the highs and lows of love, to the closing story, The Hurting Game, in which the main character struggles between falling in love and protecting himself from getting hurt, I was mesmerized by Saenz's use of language, the beauty of his narrative, and the memorable characters. Any one of these stories could be a novel on its own, because I so wanted to know what happened to the characters after the stories ended. With only seven stories, it's difficult to pick favorites. There were stories that moved me a little more than others, but at the end of each, I wondered whether Saenz could top himself. And he often did. If you're a fan of short stories or just magnificent, emotionally rich writing, definitely pick up Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club. You'll be glad you did, but like me, you'll probably be sad when you're done.

Amazing. This was a book of seven short stories. It was such an entertaining read that I probably could have read the whole book in a day or two. But each story was so powerful, after each one I just put the book down and thought about it for a while. I read the book over seven days, a story each night. This book hasn't received many rave reviews, so after each amazing chapter, I found myself contemplating why that was. I decided that perhaps the book was too melodramatic or not subtle enough for some, and indeed, after I finished, I sought out some reviews and that does appear to be the complaint. What can I say? I'm not a big fan of subtle. Life isn't subtle. Just before Kentucky Club, I read the critics' short-story favorite "Tenth of December" by George Saunders. I gave it four stars. It had some great stories, but a couple of clunkers. "Kentucky Club" had seven great stories, and I dare say all seven hit me in the gut more than "Tenth." Great stuff.

I heard about this book on NPR and thought I'd buy it. I did get some insight into what it is like to live on the border. I enjoyed getting to see how those of Mexican descent view themselves and other Mexicans. The author states many times how much he loves words, and it shows. Very fine writer.As I stated, the book wasn't what I expected, but sometimes that is OK. Each short story is good, but I think the next time I read this, I'll only read one of the stories. I think the book, like my intake of liquor, is more enjoyable a little at a time.

My humble opinion is that Benjamin Alire Saenz is our greatest living writer. You may think that's overkill, but I do know that he never fails to entertain, enlighten, and make my world a little brighter. Whether it be his poetry, his young adult novels, or his adult novels, I am enthralled. And Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club fits right in. This book of short stories revolves around the themes of fathering, mothering, coming out, being happy, and ethnic identity. Each story has some reference to the Kentucky Club, a bar in Juarez, Mexico. (A thing I love about Ben is that his book titles are usually intriguing and poetic, often times leading one to believe something that is not meant. An example: Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood brings forth visions of movie town glitterati, while this beautiful novel, S&J in Hollywood, is set in a barrio called Hollywood in New Mexico.) The stories in Everything Begins and Ends are told with a flair for language that few authors can match, a depth of character that is amazing, and examininations of family relationships that are spot on and easy to relate to. This book is a magnificent achievement. It is no wonder that it is one of last year's major award winners.

I would not have even thought of trying this book if it had not won the PENN Faulkner Fiction Award. I don't generally read short stories, even short stories set in my home town. After reading the first story, a sad love story with political overtones, I was amazed. The writing is not reminiscent of the ivory tower, and it's full of emotion-generating plots and characters without being soppy. Most of the stories are indeed sad love stories and move of them seem to have characters who have a very bad relationship with their father. It seemed like most of the characters had gone to Cathedral High School or Loretto Academy--not poor or leaning toward rich. A couple of the stories are set in Las Cruces New Mexico, 40 miles from El Paso, Texas, but they all reflect elements of the cultures in El Paso. I read the whole book in one night; it was that engrossing.

Some really nice and some really sad poems in this book. Benjamin is one of my favourite writers. He's style is something to be jealous of and I am. Could read anything by him

Began reading this author a couple of years ago. He never disappoints, the human condition, relationships, parenting, families, coming out, love, romance, passion, belonging, violence and the aftermath of violence. Every word draws you into his world. I would love to meet some of these people at the Kentucky Club, and have a Kentucky Club of my own. Everyone does. Beautiful collection of short stories.