Rick Bass

The Watch

"Rick Bass is the rarest of writers, someone whose stories I'll read again and agin. The Watch is a terrific book."—Bob Shacochis

These quirky, brilliant stories launched Rick Bass on his literary career. Set in the South and West, they pursue themes of friendship, loyalty, and freedom, of escape, where valiant holdouts refuse to grow up, or to grow old.

"There is enough energy in this book to shake a house."—Clyde Edgerton

"[Conveys] excitement. . . . A sense that a potentially significant writer of short stories has emerged. . . . 'The Watch,' an altogether remarkable story of 'poisoned loneliness,' . . . has the look of an American classic."—Peter S. Prescott, Newsweek

"Rick Bass owns a durable and authentic voice. I read The Watch with intense pleasure, wondering at the skill of a yound writer who can both frighten and amaze. This is a superb debut."—Jim Harrison

"One of the truly impressive short story writers of his generation."—George Plimpton