Ah how the cover of this collection belies the poignant, comical, and creative originality of these incredible short stories!!!

Meet Gus, the "lumbering 142-pound yellow English mastiff with a charcoal mask...and a melancholy expression that disguised his high spirits." Gus's melancholy is about to end, but for now he's looking for a job. And what a job he'll find!

Or how about chatting with DeeDee, a young gal who's trying to charm the outrageously good-looking life guard by impressing him with her incredible dating experiences, tales that are quickly spinning out of even her control.

Perhaps you'd prefer Buddy, the New York Times journalist sent to find out about a wildly popular, one-night romance spot for women, a "male" whorehouse.

Would you cancel your wedding if your mate were in love with a jealous dolphin? Meet Tim and Lucy, a couple in the middle of a dilemma for sure!

Want to go to a "serve yourself" bookstore - choose, pay, and take your change? Buy books especially selected for your personality and needs? Meet Muriel, the silent, mystical owner of a small book shop who thrives on living the unexpected story.

Teens matchmaking, a young man organizing legal rights for the elderly, and much more fill these intriguing, well-plotted pages that will make you want to keep reading and share the tales of this highly talented writer!

Best collection of short stories this reviewer has read in a "very long time."

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on July 1, 2006

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