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Big Head on the Block
The first published collection of stories from the creator of Storytime with Big Head.
In 2021, Argentine-New Jerseyan writer Brian Gabriel Canever began publishing essays on Substack. Blending observation and introspection with humor, delusion, and a touch of magical realism, Big Head on the Block features 15 original stories with updates and improvements to their unedited versions that live on the internet.
In this collection are tales of World Cup-winning penalty kicks, failed adventures into the outdoors, childhood friendships, grown-up regrets, and the unceasing daydreams that occupy the writer's every waking minute. "The chaos that brews within its borders must be the reason I was assigned a head of such epic size," Canever muses in the book's preface. "And despite what I thought years ago, I'm still growing into it."
In 2021, Argentine-New Jerseyan writer Brian Gabriel Canever began publishing essays on Substack. Blending observation and introspection with humor, delusion, and a touch of magical realism, Big Head on the Block features 15 original stories with updates and improvements to their unedited versions that live on the internet.
In this collection are tales of World Cup-winning penalty kicks, failed adventures into the outdoors, childhood friendships, grown-up regrets, and the unceasing daydreams that occupy the writer's every waking minute. "The chaos that brews within its borders must be the reason I was assigned a head of such epic size," Canever muses in the book's preface. "And despite what I thought years ago, I'm still growing into it."
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 13, 2023
I purchased the hard copy of Big Head on the Block and thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing is lively, compelling, and insightful. It provides a slice of life around the experience of stemming from a contemporary American immigrant family, and has unique takes on growing a young family in the South. The stories are varied in theme and topic, with my personal favorite being “Field of Dreams” about playing pick-up soccer in an immigrant diaspora in New Jersey. That one was really moving and stood out to me personally among the many rewarding stories contained in the book. I highly recommend Big Head on the Block.
May 23, 2024
This was such a refreshing read. I hope the next one is honestly longer. I've enjoyed being able to watch Brian's Substack from time to time, but there's something really magical about it being in a physical copy. My two favorite excerpts that I bookmarked were "The Joy of Reading" and "Dispatches to My Children." I thought those were both so moving to me in different ways. It's been a while since I've read a feel-good story, and I really needed it. This book reminded me, similarly to how he teaches, why I love writing. It sparked inspiration in myself and I look forward to seeing more content from Brian, as always.
November 14, 2023
Full disclosure: Brian is a friend. But I’d heartily recommend this collection regardless. A terrific, succinct set of autobiographical short stories, written with humor, sincerity, and clean prose. Favorites: A meditation on life as an aging emo fan, and the tale of a surprising email from the future. Buy a copy for yourself, then a couple more to give out as Christmas gifts!
December 19, 2023
It seems the author is both very smart and handsome (though likely mentally ill). Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews