McGraw is wise and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, with a seventh sense for the perfect turn of phrase . . . This quintessential collection of stories serves as an homage to the form while showcasing McGraws stunning talent and deep empathy for the idiosyncrasies, small joys, and despairs of human nature." Publishers Weekly (starred and boxed review)Claire Messud described Erin McGraws last collection of stories as at once laugh-out-loud funny and utterly serious, [exploring] lifes profundity through its details. This is even more true with McGraws new collection, Joy.In these very short stories, narrators step out of themselves to explain their lives to us, sometimes defensively, sometimes regretfully, other times deceitfully. Voices include those of the impulsive first-time murderer, the depressed pet sitter, the assistant of Patsy Cline, the anxiety-riddled new mother, the aged rock-and-roller, the girlfriend of your husbandhuman beings often (incredibly) unaware of the turning points staring them in the face.Crossing time, states, class, and religions, McGraws stories are on the edge, causing you to wince even as you laugh. And McGraw will draw you to a deep need to read some sentences alouda sweet voice, a shrewd insight, some uneasy charm."How can stories this brief be so satisfying? . . . [McGraw] deals with the profound, the dire, the mundane, and the ridiculous, paying particular attention to relationships between parents and children, siblings, spouses, criminals, and their victims. While some stories are meant purely to amuse, many are intense and beautiful . . . Fifty-three gems that demonstrate all the things a short story can do. Wow." Kirkus Reviews (starred review)