I immensely enjoyed this collection of short stories. Each one was absolutely hilarious yet heartbreaking, and I sensed a common theme within them all. There are nine stories in this anthology, with each being more outlandish than the last. From a scorned woman stealing her ex-husband's tortoise to a couple seeking therapy for their depressed hedgehog, I was completely enthralled with this collection once I picked it up. 
 Appel's writing style is unique, humorous, and completely real. He holds nothing back, and with some of these stories he is able to build such suspense that I found myself short of breath, while with others I was crying with laughter. Each story is an absolute gem. 
 I absolutely recommend this book. It was the perfect quick read that was filled with comedy, personality, and yet held morals within that spawn one to think upon his own life and to ponder these struggles that the adult mind faces. I learned, I laughed, and I empathized with all of these characters. Absolutely brilliant. 
 *I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.