These ten stories take us across the country—from rural Pennsylvania to Southern California to suburban Connecticut—and deep into characters struggling to find meaning in their day-to-day lives. The Theory of Light and Matter is a stunningly astute vision of contemporary American suburbia, full of tension, heartbreak, and emotional complexity—the work of an important new voice.Long Listed for the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year, Short Fiction One of the Best Books of the YearKansas City Star • San Antonio Express-News