Refresh, Refresh

In this story collection, men and boys in rural Oregon grapple with absent fathers deployed to the Iraq War. The characters hunt, fight, and struggle through isolation while waiting for news from overseas. The title story follows teenage friends who check their email compulsively for word from their Marine fathers. Other narratives feature survivalists preparing for disaster, workers at a slaughterhouse, and inhabitants of a town plagued by a mysterious creature. Violence and masculinity run through these interconnected tales, set against the backdrop of forests, mountains, and small towns. The characters navigate loss and uncertainty while maintaining connections to the rugged landscape around them. Percy examines how war ripples through communities and shapes the people left behind. The collection speaks to broader questions about duty, inheritance, and what sons learn from fathers - whether present or far away.

Readers highlight the raw, visceral writing style and Percy's ability to capture masculinity, violence, and small-town life in rural Oregon. The title story receives the strongest praise, with readers noting its emotional impact and portrayal of sons waiting for fathers to return from war. Readers appreciate: - Vivid descriptions of the Pacific Northwest landscape - Authentic male relationships and coming-of-age themes - Balance of tenderness and brutality - Strong sense of place Common criticisms: - Several stories feel similar in tone and theme - Some supernatural elements seem out of place - A few readers found the violence gratuitous Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (50+ reviews) One reader noted: "These stories punch you in the gut and leave you thinking about them for days." Another wrote: "Percy excels at depicting damaged men in damaged places, though the collection could use more variety."

Jesus' Son by Denis Johnson Stories of desperate characters in rural America navigate addiction, violence, and redemption through raw, visceral prose.

Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock Tales from an Appalachian town chronicle characters trapped in cycles of brutality and despair while seeking connection.

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien Vietnam War stories blend fact with fiction to examine masculinity, violence, and trauma's impact on soldiers and their families.

American Masculine by Shann Ray Stories set in Montana's harsh landscape explore fathers, sons, and men confronting their nature through physical and emotional struggles.

Volt by Alan Heathcock Tales of rural characters face violence, loss, and moral choices in an unforgiving landscape that shapes their actions.

🔹 Benjamin Percy wrote "Refresh, Refresh" while teaching at Marquette University, and the title story was initially published in the Paris Review before being selected for "Best American Short Stories 2006." 🔹 The book's title refers to the compulsive action of hitting the refresh button on a computer screen, specifically as characters wait for emails from their deployed military fathers in Iraq. 🔹 Percy drew inspiration for several stories in the collection from his hometown of central Oregon, particularly the rural landscapes and hunting culture that shaped his childhood. 🔹 The title story was adapted into both a graphic novel and a short film, with the film version premiering at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. 🔹 Despite being known now for his thrillers and horror fiction, "Refresh, Refresh" established Percy's early reputation for literary fiction that explores masculine identity and father-son relationships in rural America.