I suspect that it takes a reader of a certain age and/or maturity to totally appreciate the works of Alice Munro. Her stories are slow paced, thoughtful comments on life and are not to be rushed through. Take one story at a time. Read it as if you are examining a painting, color by color, stroke by stroke; step away a bit to take in the whole of the story, just as you would a painting. Each reader will focus on something different according to his/her own life experiences. Those who put down Munro\\\'s book Dear Life after reading only one story or who rush through it (mostly to meet a book club deadline!) are missing out on the delight of discovering the peace of the moment, the quirks of the characters described, that moment in time when one action or comment can change the life of a character forever!