They’re relationship is clearly, if not toxic, just a bad idea. He is in his early 20s she in her late 30s. “Old House” - A couple meet as tenants in a boarding house.

“Here, Still” - A woman tries to reconnect with her old best friend, whom (she admits in the first sentence) she’s never liked much to begin with.

“Lake Arcturus Lodge” - The story of a couple’s experiences attracting guests to their lakeside lodge, which they open not long after they marry. “Time Difference” - Small window into the life of a young woman who now lives a couple of time zones away from her home town. Had potential at the start, but ultimately became confusing and over-written. “Lock Jaw” - A man recounts episodes in the life of his family since they’ve gotten their dog, while he’s out in a snow storm looking for her. Her memories are given in bits and pieces, and you get the idea both you (the reader) and she are putting the picture together as you go along. “Gimme Shelter” - Disjointed story of a woman’s childhood in an old, dilapidated farm house. This one explores how a small dysfunction can lead to bigger divides. “Marco Polo” - A newly married couple cope with differing sleeping habits. I’m still not sure if they were invited, or posing as legit guests. “One You Run From, The Other You Fight” - Follows an unmarried (and it seems, slightly unhappy) couple as they attend – crash? – several graduation parties in a single day. Some heavy themes, and snarky commentary about Christianity.

“Catapult” - Recounts the summer a misfit 14-year-old girl and her boy neighbor spend constructing various vessels together, for fun. So much story told in such a small space. “Expecting” - Perfect short story about a household adjusting to the mother’s sudden departure.

Emily fridlund books