Aubrey Hirsch

Pittsburgh deserves a big round of applause for the truly awesome collection of writers calling this area home; and a solid "Whoo-Hoo!" for the small press/indie bookstore/cafe culture that embraces and promotes it.

Even within this already vibrant literary community, Aubrey Hirsch's book of short stories stands out like a beautiful shining gem. I hate to gush, but these stories are really great - and they're great because they are real. Who hasn't been suckered by a pretty face, been in a show more doomed relationship, or held the fantastical hope that maybe, just maybe, they could be that lucky Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes winner?

Hirsh explores family dynamics and the illness of our loved ones with painful accuracy. A young daughter is accepted to an elite university while her father crumbles from MS, a husband undergoing chemotherapy develops a deep connection with his dog suffering from the same disease, and a group of young military recruits must decide if the bonds of fraternity are greater than the rules of society. Throughout all sixteen stories the reading is effortless, the characters memorable, and the little details perfectly executed. Why We Never Talk About Sugar is a worthy addition to any personal library or collection regardless of your geographical location - just read it and see for yourself! show less

Interesting concept, well realized.

Worth the read. There are some real standouts here.

I particularly loved the Michael Collins piece.