The resonant diction and razor-sharp storytelling of Hansen's earlier books echo through Nebraska. These 11 gemlike tales range from the blue heart of the blizzard of 1888 to the sweltering jungles of war. Wickedness—Playland—The killers—His dog—The sun so hot I froze to death—Can I just sit here for a while? — The boogeyman—True romance—Sleepless—Red-letter days—Nebraska