Maud Newton Libri

From Junot Díaz, Lynda Barry, Gary Shteyngart, and Kate Christensen to popular up-and-comers like Dan Kennedy, Wendy McClure, and Brock Clarke, Love Is a Four-Letter Word is a dead-on contemporary collection of true stories of seduction, heartbreak, and regret. Fearlessly revealing their shattered hearts and crushed egos; their indiscretions and indignities; their delusions, desperation, and disappointments, these talented writers capture the dark side of love in prose ranging from comic to poetic, poignant to cringe-inducing. Also featuring three cartoon/ graphic essays as a sixteen-page color insert, this anthology is perfect for anyone who's ever loved and lost.

For Anyone Who's Ever Been a Teenager Who hasn’t experienced the trials of adolescence? The intimidating older kids, the harsh gym teacher, or the awkward moments like your first kiss or an embarrassing incident in the cafeteria? In this collection, John McNally curates twenty-five original essays that delve into the defining moments of high school life. Writers like Brad Land, Julianna Baggott, and Owen King share their stories of angst, humiliation, and heartache, capturing the essence of what it means to be a teenager. These essays reflect the rollercoaster of emotions that come with asserting independence while desperately seeking acceptance. One writer recalls a home perm disaster before his Senior Class picture, while another reflects on the newfound power over boys that emerged with puberty, all while feeling vulnerable. A third writer recounts the harsh realities of social hierarchies, both as a victim and a perpetrator of cruelty. Candid and engaging, these essays evoke the rawness of formative years. The authors look back with a mix of laughter and cringing, honoring their adolescent experiences and acknowledging how those years shaped them. Underneath adult facades, we all carry a piece of our teenage selves, reminding us of the universal journey through youth.