20 Over 40

What a romp! What clever, poignant, delicious fun! This collection of stories about folks on the downhill side of 40, is not only a grand idea, it's a superb execution. The editors have chosen compelling, often surprising pieces by such writers as Freerick Barthelme, Alice Mattison, Antonya Nelson, Gish Jen, and Robin Hemley to explore the lives of protagonists too seldom featured in contemporary short fiction: in between the "wise elder" and the "youthful rebel," we find a figure, more solid, more wistful, and much more human -- the man (or woman) in the middle. Like Janus, this protagonist looks both forward and back, raising children and taking care of aging parents, scrambling at work and looking seeking solace in play. Whether or not you fall into this age group, do yourself a favor and savor these stories!