The Pacific and Other Stories
By Mark Helprin
Penguin Books, 2005
This might be of my favorite books I've ever read. From the very first paragraph of the first story, I was hooked.
The stories are so well crafted, it scares me to call myself a writer. They are beautiful. The characters, places and events in the stories have such diversity and depth.
I don't remember Jason's recommendation having many words other than, "Read it." And that's the one I give you: "Read it."