“Poland Is Watching” by Jim Shepard
What an awesome story title! Unfortunately, it’s not about that. Whatever you were thinking that meant.
I’ve had trouble with Jim Shepard’s stories in the past because they’re so detailed, and I get lost in them. But in this story, the details don’t get in the way at all—this may be a story about Polish winter mountaineers, but it’s also about repeatedly risking stability and loved ones for an adrenaline rush. I’m not sure what happened at the end, but I liked it.
Also, let it be said that I’m willing to jump through whatever hoops Jim Shepard holds up for me, because he is one sweet dude. I mean, look at this book he signed for me!
It looks like Jim and I shared a hilarious private joke, but we totally didn’t. I mean, I met him for the first time, we chatted for a minute, and then he wrote this. Jim Shepard’s second talent (his first being an excellent writer) is his ability to make you feel cool enough to hang out with him.
