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Show Don't Tell: Stories
A wry, fiercely intelligent and moving collection of short stories exploring themes of marriage and female friendship—including a story that revisits the main character from her iconic novel, Prep—from the New York Times bestselling author of Eligible and Romantic Comedy.
Curtis Sittenfeld wields her razor-sharp wit in her second provocative collection of short stories. In "Lost But Not Forgotten," she gives readers of her novel Prep a chance to see how the beloved character Lee Fiora is doing twenty years later, when she returns to Ault for an alumni reunion and grapples with memories of an incident that happened while she was a student there. In "Pretzels Are For Biting," a woman spends time with two best friends that she moved away from after the dissolution of her marriage. And in "Follow-Up," a wife and mother relies on her oldest friend in the time between receiving concerning results on a medical test and her follow-up appointment. In "Creative Differences," a young Kansan photographer balks when she realizes that the "documentary" she stars in is actually a commercial for a multi-national corporation. And in "Atomic Marriage," a Hollywood producer finds herself attracted to the author of a bestselling Christian marital self-help book while working on the film adaptation.
In these and seven other dazzling stories, Sittenfeld examines and skewers assumptions about fame, marriage, and the ways that time can invert the long-held hierarchies and beliefs we all hold so fixed in our minds. Sittenfeld lays bare on the page what we're all thinking but hesitate to speak into existence, exploring women's lives at the intersection of ambition, intimacy, and the entangled pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Curtis Sittenfeld wields her razor-sharp wit in her second provocative collection of short stories. In "Lost But Not Forgotten," she gives readers of her novel Prep a chance to see how the beloved character Lee Fiora is doing twenty years later, when she returns to Ault for an alumni reunion and grapples with memories of an incident that happened while she was a student there. In "Pretzels Are For Biting," a woman spends time with two best friends that she moved away from after the dissolution of her marriage. And in "Follow-Up," a wife and mother relies on her oldest friend in the time between receiving concerning results on a medical test and her follow-up appointment. In "Creative Differences," a young Kansan photographer balks when she realizes that the "documentary" she stars in is actually a commercial for a multi-national corporation. And in "Atomic Marriage," a Hollywood producer finds herself attracted to the author of a bestselling Christian marital self-help book while working on the film adaptation.
In these and seven other dazzling stories, Sittenfeld examines and skewers assumptions about fame, marriage, and the ways that time can invert the long-held hierarchies and beliefs we all hold so fixed in our minds. Sittenfeld lays bare on the page what we're all thinking but hesitate to speak into existence, exploring women's lives at the intersection of ambition, intimacy, and the entangled pursuit of a fulfilling life.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 25, 2025
About the author
Curtis Sittenfeld
22 books8,575 followersCurtis Sittenfeld is the New York Times bestselling author of six novels, including Rodham, Eligible, Prep, American Wife, and Sisterland, as well as the collection You Think It, I'll Say It. Her books have been translated into thirty languages. In addition, her short stories have appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post Magazine, Esquire, and The Best American Short Stories, for which she has also been the guest editor. Her nonfiction has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time, and Vanity Fair, and on public radio's This American Life.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 27, 2024
Curtis Sittenfeld returns with Show Don’t Tell: Stories, a compelling collection of short stories that delves deep into the complexities of relationships, artistic pursuits, and the relentless quest for personal meaning. Through sharp wit, unflinching honesty, and a dose of humor, Sittenfeld explores marriage, long-term friendships, fame, and ambition in ways that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Each story introduces characters at crucial junctures in their lives—whether they’re facing the tension of a strained marriage, reflecting on past choices, or struggling to define themselves amid societal expectations. Sittenfeld’s signature insight shines through, capturing the inner conflicts of her characters, who often find themselves torn between societal norms and their personal desires.
In some of the stories, the characters aren’t always easy to love. But their flaws only make them more real, as they grapple with the emotional weight of ambition, privilege, and identity. There’s a rawness to these interactions, whether it’s the discomfort of a reunion with old friends or the complications of an ill-advised creative experiment. And as the stories unfold, readers are invited to examine their own lives and beliefs, even when the characters’ journeys are messier than anticipated.
One standout tale revisits Lee Fiora from Prep, offering fans a glimpse into how time has shaped her in unexpected ways. This sense of revisiting the past, whether through familiar characters or reflective moments, is a recurring theme, adding depth to the collection’s exploration of adulthood.
Sittenfeld has always excelled at humanizing her characters, and here, even the more unsympathetic ones are written with empathy, revealing the vulnerabilities beneath their hardened exteriors. The dialogue feels sharp and authentic, drawing us into the characters’ lives with the ease and precision of a seasoned storyteller.
Final Thoughts: Show Don’t Tell is a masterful collection that captures the messiness of life in a way only Sittenfeld can. These stories are both funny and poignant, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of characters who, like many of us, are still figuring it all out. Fans of her novels will appreciate the nuanced storytelling and emotional depth that makes this collection so captivating.
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Each story introduces characters at crucial junctures in their lives—whether they’re facing the tension of a strained marriage, reflecting on past choices, or struggling to define themselves amid societal expectations. Sittenfeld’s signature insight shines through, capturing the inner conflicts of her characters, who often find themselves torn between societal norms and their personal desires.
In some of the stories, the characters aren’t always easy to love. But their flaws only make them more real, as they grapple with the emotional weight of ambition, privilege, and identity. There’s a rawness to these interactions, whether it’s the discomfort of a reunion with old friends or the complications of an ill-advised creative experiment. And as the stories unfold, readers are invited to examine their own lives and beliefs, even when the characters’ journeys are messier than anticipated.
One standout tale revisits Lee Fiora from Prep, offering fans a glimpse into how time has shaped her in unexpected ways. This sense of revisiting the past, whether through familiar characters or reflective moments, is a recurring theme, adding depth to the collection’s exploration of adulthood.
Sittenfeld has always excelled at humanizing her characters, and here, even the more unsympathetic ones are written with empathy, revealing the vulnerabilities beneath their hardened exteriors. The dialogue feels sharp and authentic, drawing us into the characters’ lives with the ease and precision of a seasoned storyteller.
Final Thoughts: Show Don’t Tell is a masterful collection that captures the messiness of life in a way only Sittenfeld can. These stories are both funny and poignant, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of characters who, like many of us, are still figuring it all out. Fans of her novels will appreciate the nuanced storytelling and emotional depth that makes this collection so captivating.
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August 6, 2024An update on Lee Fiora!
When I was in high school, I remember reading a story in Seventeen magazine from the winner of their short story contest. It followed a teen in love with her friend. I adored this story. I read it over and over. I found a copy of the magazine years later only to discover that the author of this story that I loved so much was no other than Curtis Sittenfeld, the author of my favorite novel Prep. All this to say that Sittenfeld writes some awesome short stories, and I cannot wait for this.
When I was in high school, I remember reading a story in Seventeen magazine from the winner of their short story contest. It followed a teen in love with her friend. I adored this story. I read it over and over. I found a copy of the magazine years later only to discover that the author of this story that I loved so much was no other than Curtis Sittenfeld, the author of my favorite novel Prep. All this to say that Sittenfeld writes some awesome short stories, and I cannot wait for this.
September 27, 2024
In 2005, Curtis Sittenfeld published PREP, a coming-of-age novel informed by her experiences as a boarding school student and faculty member. Sittenfeld’s upcoming (Feb. 2025) SHOW DON’T TELL features a short story revisiting Lee, the main character from PREP.
Lee was a “normal” teen who attended the ultra-privileged boarding school, Ault. From day one, Lee worried that she was both different and worse or less than her affluent, effortlessly social classmates. Throughout her time at Ault, Lee followed strict rules and guidelines to avoid embarrassment in front of her peers. She never went to school dances, dodged speaking in class, edited everything she was considering saying before talking, rarely discussed feelings, and did everything possible to withhold showing her true self.
Thirty years, a successful career, marriage, divorce, and two kids later, Lee returned to Ault for a reunion. She had been back for several reunions at this point, traveling to Ault to move past the insecurity and anxiety she’d experienced back then. But, once on campus, she realized that her anxiety had dissipated. And, Sittenfeld gave Lee a thoroughly rewarding happy ending.
This of course focuses on only one of the short stories, but they were all magnificent. Well written, funny, and always just cringy enough, SHOW DON'T TELL highlights the skills of a writer who has captivated readers for many best-selling books.
Lee was a “normal” teen who attended the ultra-privileged boarding school, Ault. From day one, Lee worried that she was both different and worse or less than her affluent, effortlessly social classmates. Throughout her time at Ault, Lee followed strict rules and guidelines to avoid embarrassment in front of her peers. She never went to school dances, dodged speaking in class, edited everything she was considering saying before talking, rarely discussed feelings, and did everything possible to withhold showing her true self.
Thirty years, a successful career, marriage, divorce, and two kids later, Lee returned to Ault for a reunion. She had been back for several reunions at this point, traveling to Ault to move past the insecurity and anxiety she’d experienced back then. But, once on campus, she realized that her anxiety had dissipated. And, Sittenfeld gave Lee a thoroughly rewarding happy ending.
This of course focuses on only one of the short stories, but they were all magnificent. Well written, funny, and always just cringy enough, SHOW DON'T TELL highlights the skills of a writer who has captivated readers for many best-selling books.
September 28, 2024
read if you like:
📚 short stories
👩❤️👨 stories about human relationships
summary:
Short stories are always an interesting read. They provide a quick burst of plot, keeping you engaged, but before you know it, they’re over. That being said, I had a chance to review this book, and given I don’t read a lot of short stories, it might not be the most objective view, but I highly encourage you to check this book out if you DO like short stories!
These stories revolve around human relationships at pivotal points in their characters lives, forcing them to make choices. One character finds herself with a fellowship at a critical point in her education. Another meets a man after a tumultuous divorce. Another finds herself attracted to a man at her high school reunion. While none of the characters are wildly likable, all of their journeys are interesting, and following their choices and decisions at critical times in their lives is fascinating and thought-provoking. And as a bonus, if you loved PREP as much as I did, you get to read about Lee Fiora’s future, which I loved! (Still wish there had been a sequel).
Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and check out these stories when they release on February 25!
📚 short stories
👩❤️👨 stories about human relationships
summary:
Short stories are always an interesting read. They provide a quick burst of plot, keeping you engaged, but before you know it, they’re over. That being said, I had a chance to review this book, and given I don’t read a lot of short stories, it might not be the most objective view, but I highly encourage you to check this book out if you DO like short stories!
These stories revolve around human relationships at pivotal points in their characters lives, forcing them to make choices. One character finds herself with a fellowship at a critical point in her education. Another meets a man after a tumultuous divorce. Another finds herself attracted to a man at her high school reunion. While none of the characters are wildly likable, all of their journeys are interesting, and following their choices and decisions at critical times in their lives is fascinating and thought-provoking. And as a bonus, if you loved PREP as much as I did, you get to read about Lee Fiora’s future, which I loved! (Still wish there had been a sequel).
Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and check out these stories when they release on February 25!
September 17, 2024
It is always a treat to read a new book by Curtis Sittenfeld. Her writing never disappoints.
Her newest is short story collection, in which we meet various characters at pivotal points in their lives. There is a similar trajectory that runs throughout these vastly varied plots: the dilemma of leading a quiet life, married or not, kids, career or reaching for ones dreams and doing anything to get there.
I didn't find the characters in these stories to be particular empathetic towards either others or themselves. In fact, many were unlikeable and there is plenty of cliqueishness, infighting, frenemies, and the like. But the story carried the characters on the someone surprising conclusions, and in the end the reader realizes that the unlikeable woman or man is simply trying to make sense of their own lives, although perhaps doing some damage along the way they may or may not apologize for.
It's a book of stories that makes the reader think: about priorities, satisfaction vs gratification, and with a lot of flashbacks to earlier years in these stories,
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
Her newest is short story collection, in which we meet various characters at pivotal points in their lives. There is a similar trajectory that runs throughout these vastly varied plots: the dilemma of leading a quiet life, married or not, kids, career or reaching for ones dreams and doing anything to get there.
I didn't find the characters in these stories to be particular empathetic towards either others or themselves. In fact, many were unlikeable and there is plenty of cliqueishness, infighting, frenemies, and the like. But the story carried the characters on the someone surprising conclusions, and in the end the reader realizes that the unlikeable woman or man is simply trying to make sense of their own lives, although perhaps doing some damage along the way they may or may not apologize for.
It's a book of stories that makes the reader think: about priorities, satisfaction vs gratification, and with a lot of flashbacks to earlier years in these stories,
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.
September 24, 2024
I received a copy of this collection of short stories from the publisher via NetGalley.
I enjoyed these, but they were fairly same-y. The tone didn't vary much, and there were a lot of protagonists who were upper middle-class/wealthy white women in their forties coming to the end of a first marriage who are prone to overthinking things and who on meeting a new person note and muse on whether they are Black or not and what this means.
My favourites were 'A for Alone', about a woman who invites male friends and acquaintances to have lunch with her for an art project about Mike Pence/Billy Graham's policy of never being alone with a woman who is not their wife (or whatever the exact working is); and the final one, 'Lost But Not Forgotten', which was sweetly romantic.
I enjoyed these, but they were fairly same-y. The tone didn't vary much, and there were a lot of protagonists who were upper middle-class/wealthy white women in their forties coming to the end of a first marriage who are prone to overthinking things and who on meeting a new person note and muse on whether they are Black or not and what this means.
My favourites were 'A for Alone', about a woman who invites male friends and acquaintances to have lunch with her for an art project about Mike Pence/Billy Graham's policy of never being alone with a woman who is not their wife (or whatever the exact working is); and the final one, 'Lost But Not Forgotten', which was sweetly romantic.
September 9, 2024
I'm hard pressed to say which Curtis Sittenfeld book is my favorite, and I'd be equally as challenged to say which of these stories, which focus on the challenges of marriage, long-term friendships, the stories of our youth, and the assumptions of privilege, I enjoyed most. Some are more successful than others, but all feature that special insightfulness Sittenfeld brings to her work.
I read these stories in a day at the beach; I can't wait to go back now and savor them one at a time.
I read these stories in a day at the beach; I can't wait to go back now and savor them one at a time.
September 27, 2024
I definitely plan to pick up a novel by this author. Really liked her unapologetic way of writing characters and some of the stories reminded me of HBO Girls but if they were in their 40s. I didn’t absolutely love every single story, but this was super readable and pretty amusing.
September 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this advance readers copy in exchange for my honest feedback. Beautiful collection of short stories about marriage and female friendship’s. This book also gives you insight on how character Lee Fiora from the novel Prep is doing some 20 years later.
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September 30, 2024ARC from Beth
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews