I really struggled to get through Bark. The whole time I was thinking, "Where is the Lorrie Moore that blows me away with every word and who is this pretentious bore that stole her spirit?" It made me want to read Birds of America again to remind myself why I love her work. I am frustrated at all the critical acclaim Bark is getting, and I wonder if it's simply because of Moore's past successes, or do they really truly enjoy the book? I don't get it.