There were several really standout stories included here.
The leading story, Thursdays, Six to Eight p.m. is sublime. It combines shades of Bluebeard with modern neuroses and is humorous in a wonky way. Most of these stories are somewhat off-kilter and unexpected.
The Composite Boyfriend is a sharply funny commentary on gender bias and objectification and expectations. The first couple of pages are set up like old-fashioned paper dolls. There are several outfits, genitalia, accessories, shoes etc from which to choose. The prose which follows is written in a sort of 'choose your own adventure' format with several alternatives to each sentence. The ending (though expected) delivers a nice payoff.
There are 13 vignettes included and all of them are strong; a few are sublime.
I came to the party familiar with both of the creators, but had no idea they were a real life partnership. It works very very well and the book really resonates with both personalities and two completely different creativities. There's a cool synergy at work here and I enjoyed it very much.
Four and a half stars.
168 pages, due out 20th March, 2018 from Abrams publishing.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
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