These stories fit nicely together, like Penguin Classics all snuggled together with their black spines. They are filled with more thoughts than drama and the protagonist's emotions are blunted by a sexy philosophical edge. The stories veer towards intimacy then careen into sharp humor. My favorites include "A Girl of Ambition" a story within a story done in a snappy voice, "The Lady in the Desert" which paints a coats of humor over a desert diet gone bad, and "Mars Needs Women" about Martha Stewarts run amok. ( )