Fast Lanes

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From Publishers WeeklyThese seven stories, which include two that use characters and situations from her novel Machine Dreams, demonstrate the evolution of the author's gifted style. PW was dazzled, stating that "it seems as though there's nothing Phillips can't do." (February) BANDITS Elmore Leonard. Warner, $4.95 An ex-jewel thief, ex-nun and ex-cop and others cast their greedy glances on the millions of dollars being raised secretly by a Nicaraguan on behalf of the contras. PW's contribution: "This is a top-notch thriller with a real moral resonance." Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library JournalPhillips's writing has developed chiefly through the voice of her characters: first in the collection Black Tickets ( LJ 1 0/1/79), then the novel Machine Dreams ( LJ 7/84), and now in Fast Lanes , a collection of seven stories. (A limited edition presenting only the story "Fast Lanes" was published under that title by Vehicle Edns. in 1984.) A West Virginian, Phillips is often strongest when treating the isolation of that state's rural communities, as in "Bess," a woman's reminiscence of life in turn-of-the-century Coalton. But the author's voice now broadens, exploring in fluid style a rock star's life and love ("How Mickey Made It"), a woman's yearnings for her unborn child ("Bluegill"), and the drifter's dreamy possession of reality ("Fast Lanes"). Phillips's perspective on contemporary life is refreshingly honest, her style engaging. Paul E. Hutchison, English Dept., Pennsylvania State Univ., University ParkCopyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.