Back Talk Stories [Paperback]

“Beautifully crafted . . . the sentences in these stories are living and seamless, as if Lazarin had run her hand over them until they became smooth and gleaming with the evidence of her touch.” —Carmen Maria Machado, The New York Times Book Review

From an award-winning writer, a stunning collection of stories about women’s unexpressed desires and needs, and the unexpected ways they resurface
 
In “Floor Plans,” a woman at the end of her marriage tests her power when she inadvertently befriends the neighbor trying to buy her apartment. In “Appetite,” a sixteen-year old grieving her mother’s death experiences first love and questions how much more heartbreak she and her family can endure. In “Dinosaurs,” a recent widower and a young babysitter help each other navigate how much they have to give—and how much they can take—from the people around them.
 
Through stories that are at once empathetic and unexpected, these women and girls defiantly push the boundaries between selfishness and self-possession. With a fresh voice and bold honesty,Back Talkexamines how narrowly our culture allows women to express their desires.
 
“Deceptively quiet but packs a powerful punch . . . The best collection I’ve read in years, from a phenomenal new talent.” —Celeste NgNPR: Best Books of 2018
The Millions: The Great 2018 Book Preview
Esquire: The Best Books of 2018 (So Far)
Harper’s Bazaar: 14 New Books You Need to Read This February
BookRiot: 101 Books Coming Out in 2018 That You Should Mark Down Now
Southern Living: Books Coming Out This Winter That We Can’t Wait to Read
Vulture: 7 New Books You Need to Read This February
Bustle: lÃ%