I kind of love Nick Drnaso's books and he needs to write more ASAP. I couldn't put it down. ( )

A series of connected stories depicting the bleak and sometimes disturbing lives of several people in the suburbs of Chicago. Sexual dysfunction, teen drinking and pregnancy, a false rape report and subsequent racist vitriol, and some general hateful behavior all feature prominently. Compelling, but not uplifting. ( )

Really liked this. Not all that FUN, but some of the best, realistic dialogue I've read in a while. ( )

An interesting collection of connected stories ( )

Drnaso's collection is a wonderful blend of stories that start at the mundane and totally suckerpunch you with the heartbreaking agony of life. The artistic style is unique but certainly took some getting used to (it sorta felt like reading The Sims at first) but its strength is in the way that communication is centered in the work and elements of comedy that can come from a minimal more dead-pan feel, ala Jason.