I loved the gorgeous language in this book and the meandering modes. This is the kind of book I could return to or read a dozen variations on. Will purchase a copy to add to my own library.

Peter Orner is an incredible writer. This is the third collection I have read of his and always enjoy getting lost in his stories. This collection is particularly poignant because he shares memories of his life and growing up, experiencing his parents divorcing, being estranged from his father, etc. He also weaves in references to other books he has read and distills out interesting passages and thoughts that fit together nicely with the non-linear narrative he tells throughout these stories. I had to keep pen and paper nearby so I could write down some of the books he cited. A very enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Catapult, Counterpoint Press, and Soft Skull Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Peter Orner has been called a 'writers' writer'. You can expand this definition and say that he is a writer for all those who love the art of words. His writing style is wonderful, and no matter the subject, one would enjoy reading his work. This book is perfect for those days when you can't go out and just want to spend an afternoon in your chair reading.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Catapult, Counterpoint, and Soft Skull Press for an advanced copy of this book on writing, writers, the author's life and the place where all these meet.

I love books. Love to talk about books, love to think about them, read them, recommend them, sell them, and share them with friends, family and others. I remember the first time I met authors through their works and use books to get me through times times that I am feeling blue. Peter Orner is going to be an author I will remember and quote endlessly. Though I think we might differ on the idea on writing inside books. Still No Word From You: Notes in the Margin is a book about life, writers, writing and reading, why we all need it and why we always will.

The title comes from a letter written by the author's grandfather during the Second World War. Stationed in the Pacific he wrote letters constantly to his wife, which she in turn wrote quite few back. Memories like these fill the book sort of a collection of essays on his life and the works that have stayed with him, mostly short stories, novels poems and more. Words are important the author surmises from his Grandfather's plea in the letter, allowing us to feel that we are seen. There are many moments like this in the book. Being written out of his father's will along with his brother, a moment that was both something he cared little about, until hearing those words that suddenly made him want something, is followed by a poem using a line from Chekhov about a son burning his inheritance in a fire. This the author salutes and uses it to trace his own feelings and why this scene resonates.

The writing is both conversational and very personal, as if written as a letter to a trusted friend. Some stories about his life seem vague, like oh you know this, let me just give you the gist of it, some are very personal and revealing. The writing and the analysis of the stories though is really complete, why does this scene work. How does this effect the story, what is the writer going for was my favorite part. There is a list of sources, over one hundred, at the end, so no need to take notes.

This is my first book by Peter Orner and I really enjoyed it. I will have to look for his fiction, as I am sure that is as quotable as this was. Recommended for people who like to read, or who love to discuss literature. The book reads as a shared conversation about something that matters, and I enjoyed the time I spent reading.

What a beautifully haunting and engrossing book. Part memoir, part literary tour guide. But mostly it’s about family, those people we love and hate, who comfort, anger, and befuddle us. The ones we know better than anyone yet never as well as we should. The ones who never really leave us, even after they do.

I will read anything Peter Orner writes. I am in awe of him as a writer. I think he would be surprised that anyone is in awe of him. His book Am I Alone Here? is one of my all time favorites. Still No Word From You is another 5* read.

Orner is not a showy writer. He is humble, at times self-effacing. Without fail, you sense his reverence for the written word. Reading is as necessary as breathing. His writing here is like having a front row seat as he opens wide the door to memories of family and other relationships, of places not yet faded by time,
and always, always the books. The narrative is not linear but rather full of snippets, tidbits which ping off of each other much as our thoughts often do.

Oh, and the authors and books he will lead you to! He is partial to short stories which is fine by me since I am woefully weak in that area. Just a heads up, I highlighted like crazy and made pages of notes only to find a list of sources at the end. I appreciate that. So, I don't know what else to say to get you to read Orner. Just trust me.