I like reading collections of short stories to break up longer books or when my attention span is fried, so I was happy to read a collection of a new-to-me author. This collection played with the subversion of gender roles and explored the contrasts of women in society. My favorite story of the collection is 'Show Them a Good Time,' but the rest began feeling samey and repetitive after a while. This is probably best read one story at a time rather than a few here and there.

Show Them A Good Time, Nicole Flattery's new short story collection, had been a false start for me for some time, leaving me re-reading the same few pages every time I picked it up. The digital file was a bit clunky, which is no fault of the writing but led to some difficulty getting even footing before diving in. It's possible that the text formatting made some of these stories messier and more confusing than they were intended, and I thought they were promising enough that I'm going to try to pick up a physical copy of the book now that it's released.

I recommend that if the first story is not connecting with you as a reader, jump forward one story (since you can always come back). That was my method of giving this compelling, weird, intimate story collection a new chance. Each story sets its gaze on a different (often dark) side of women's lives. Some stories are more straightforward than others, and I like that each seems like it's doing its own thing. I look forward to seeing what else Nicole Flattery comes up with!

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the digital copy!

A really unique at times strange short story collection.focused on women in all situations This is a book that drew me in going from story to story a modern edgy collection .#netgalley#bloomsburyusa

DNF at 50%. Really tried with this book, and it is just not for me. The short stories feel as though they are trying to be profound, when in actuality they are just confusing and poorly constructed.

Like many short story collections, there are good stories and there are bad ones. Nicole Flattery has collected more good than bad in Show Them A Good Time. All stories about women in various roles - basically put in different boxes. Nothing is ground breaking or earth shattering but nothing is terrible. They are weird, a little wacky but all in all, a good read to round out my year.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I don't think I've ever been this confused by a short story collection. Usually I love reading this genre, but there was not one story that resonated with me. The writing was bizarre, clunky, and pretentious. I felt like the structure, characters, and tone of this book were trying too hard to be cool, hip, and clever. The emotion was lacking. Almost every character felt stiff and creepy. I wish I could think of something positive to say, but unfortunately I can't think of one story that made an impact.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bloomsbury for sending me a digital copy.

These sardonic and borderline-bizarre short stories generally focus on modern women and their experiences with dating, friendships, and work-- particularly with a cynical outlook on the mundane motions they've found themselves caught in, and a slow-burning yearning to break loose. The longest story (and one of the most peculiar) titled "Abortion, A Love Story" tells the tales of two misfit women in college; they drown out the noise of the world with cotton wool, and find solace in their similarly grim experiences regarding their peers and lovers. Upon finishing any of these stories, you'll find yourself with a lot to think about regarding the intricate and experimental themes of each one.