Notable Narratives

Reflections on classic stories that endure through time, or on new narratives that expand the possibilities of story work.

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Up From the Holler

By Notable Narratives May 26, 2005

This is a wonderfully consistent profile, with thorough and effective characterization. Lewin provides telling details that stick to a theme, and yet the portrayal is not simplistic. Her material is particular and intimate. We liked, for example, the protagonist Della … Read more

The New Plague

By Notable Narratives May 24, 2005

Like another series by Nutt on this site, “The Seekers,” this piece is not truly narrative. But it shows how a companionable voice and a sense of destination, applied to a huge, abstract topic, can make us readers feel we’re … Read more

For Dear Life

By Notable Narratives May 24, 2005

We particularly like the first several sections of this piece. Earls provides an effective sequential experience for her readers: first a cliffhanger beginning, then an efficient summary of the topic, then an authoritative composite of her main character, Katherine. We … Read more

Tough Boots to Fill

By Notable Narratives April 26, 2005

By spending a day with Army recruiters, Moehringer shows us much about the hurdles the Army faces in keeping up with the war in Iraq. At the same time, Moehringer’s engaging, effective portrayals of character make for an entertaining read. Read more

Mint Magnate

By Notable Narratives April 26, 2005

We like to see a profile of an inspiring character that’s also fun and engaging rather than sentimental. We like the casual, affectionate tone of this piece, with its lively scenes, telling detail and pertinent theme. Read “Mint … Read more

Moscow Diary: From Worry to Worse

By Notable Narratives April 22, 2005

McKay’s march of harsh details form a bleak and informative picture. She writes in a frank, detached tone, with strong verbs and tight sentences. She shows that intimate reporting can reveal economic and social trends. Her ending, in which she … Read more

Danger from Above

By Notable Narratives April 4, 2005

Ana Flores was walking with her three-year-old daughter in downtown Chicago when a piece of window glass got loose from a building, fell and killed Ana. Kiernan writes about the incident with clean and active sentences. We admired her reconstruction … Read more

Kidnapping Grandma Braun

By Notable Narratives April 4, 2005

This is an efficient, well-paced and engaging series about the kidnapping of an 88-year-old woman. It’s a crime tale, classic in its what’s-gonna-happen-next unfolding. It’s plot-driven—this is not a piece with in-depth character development—but that’s to be expected in a … Read more