50 Book Challenge #6: Bad Behavior

Contemporary fiction that I can approve of: a rare thing. This book is packed with uncomfortable but achingly realistic stories about flawed and injured people. It includes the story on which Secretary, one of my favorite movies, is based, although the film used it only as a jumping-off point. (Gaitskill called the movie the "Pretty Woman version: heavy on the charm and a little too nice," a fair cop.) There's another excellent story called "A Romantic Weekend," which captures the awkwardness of a mostly-abortive affair in blistering, cringeworthy detail. Highly recommended for the more jaded reader.