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"The night was loud with frogs and cicadas competing for space."

That line from this volume is, perhaps, an apropos characterization of the swirling thoughts, feelings, and conflicted actions and intentions that then highlight the beats of our lives.

I love a good short story collection and this one did not disappoint. Cushman writes with such earnestness. He writes with a yearning for understanding and meaning in a crazy world of relationships forged by serendipity and an effort to make it all work.

"Our books became ash, then dust, years ago. The girl looks a little younger than my son, maybe ten, not old enough to remember books, schools, our lives before this life. I can hardly remember what came before. Before hurts so bad it's not even a memory."

This short story collection is bold. Penetrating. Each story a story of lives laid bare. So stunningly well written.

Banned in a Florida school on 5/20/2024. I immediately purchased it. Of course.

Excellent middle grade novel about students finding their strength and learning a harsh lesson about the real world and the awful (and not so awful) people who fill it.

The characters are vibrant and relatable and the author teases out a narrative that is so creative and nuanced. I am forever impressed when authors reach deep and somehow find their childhood voice so effectively.

This book touches upon a host of thoughtful topics and I can't recommend it enough.

An incredible account from the author of Killers of a Flower Moon. I'm in awe of the work required to collate and then articulate this story almost as much as the events themselves.

The Wager is a harrowing tale of perseverance, discipline, brutality, hubris, and survival that illustrates and brings to life humanity at its extremes.