Bad Dirt

Wyoming Stories #2

By: Annie Proulx

Narrated by: William Dufris

A remarkable collection of stories, Bad Dirt is filled with the vivid characters for which Proulx has become known.

In "The Contest", the male population of Elk Tooth, Wyoming, vows to put aside their razors for two seasons, ante up 10 dollars each, and wait to see who has the longest beard on July 4.

Deb Sipple, the moving protagonist of "That Trickle Down Effect", finds that his opportunism - and his smoking habit - lead to a massive destruction.

In every story in this book, Proulx displays her wit and her knowledge of the West, of history, and, most of all, of characters who must use sheer will and courage to make it in tough territory.

©2004 Dead Line, Ltd. (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks America

Great writer

Annie might be the best writer ever. The narration is great. The book has an unexplainable type of comedy and is entirely relatable. I feel like the book connects me very much to the world she is writing about.

Don’t listen in one sitting

The stories, although related by location and recurring characters, are too disjointed to be listened to in continuous procession. Some stories better than others. Overall, just OK.

Loved it!

My interest in short stories was certainly satisfied by this collection of character studies. The performers read with such enthusiasm and range of voices, my attention never dwindled.

Misery Porn

Good writer and narrator, but how many down on your luck stories can you listen to. Just my perspective.

Hypnotic

More tales from Proulx’s love affair with Wyoming. Like being there in person. So good.