Back in the World by Tobias WolffThis is a collection of short stories by Wolff which detail anecdotes from a whole array of characters. I have not yet read every short story in this book, but so far, I have been really impressed by what I have read. Wolff has a concise, compelling way of framing even the most plain dialogue and action into something more complex. Take for example, a six-page story where racism is brought up between a married couple while doing the dishes together. The woman tests her husband by asking if he would marry her, given she was black (it is assumed they are both white). After a number of times asking, he finally says yes. But, that is not enough. Or perhaps by the time he says yes, it is already too late.
PS. While I was looking for a photo of the book, I found the website of a couple who has done a pan-American bike tour as well as a small circuit around Asia: http://www.backintheworld.com/
