Shit Cassandra Saw by Gwen E. Kirby

“They almost feel bad, because two wrongs don’t make a right but one wrong after wrong and wrong and wrong and wrong DOES make a cockroach woman feel better, reckless, free.”

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I absolutely loved this debut short story collection from Gwen E. Kirby. These stories reminded me of why I love reading so much. Kirby's writing is precise, deliciously dark, and naturally humorous which made me unable to put this book down. Each story is very unique while connecting thematically through feminism and the female body. Kirby encapsulated my experience growing up a girl; the embarrassment of caring too much, the shame surrounding my body, the humiliation of adolescent love, the acceptance of things that made me uncomfortable etc. These stories were so raw + vulnerable while also being wild + hilarious. Above all, they showed the strength that exists inside of and between women. I especially loved “A Few Normal Things That Happen A Lot”, “Casper”, “Mary Breaks Up with Herself”, “Mt. Adams at Mar Vista”, “We Handle It” and “Midwestern Girl is Tired of Appearing in Your Short Stories” (which is like half the stories but shhh I can't help that they’re all amazing).