Author Vic Amato offers a short story collection that contemplates life’s unexpected changes, challenges, and upsets.

These 17 stories feature mostly male protagonists who are navigating uncertainty. For example, in “Wade Out,” two mental health caseworkers disagree about the death of an emotionally troubled young man with a history of drug abuse, jail, and institutionalization: Did he accidentally drown in the water of a local river park, or did he intentionally take his own life?

Young love clashes with looming adulthood in “Love in the Time of Pizza,” which spotlights a 1970s college student who delivers pizzas and falls in love with the pizzeria’s kitchen manager. As their romantic relationship evolves and his feelings grow, he plans their future without considering her dreams and goals. When he proposes to her, he’s surprised that she doesn’t respond with a resounding yes.

Amato’s best stories showcase conflicted, realistic characters who make ill-advised decisions. “Tell Me a Story” is a standout that focuses on a 54-year-old lawyer who is grieving the death of his wife. Lonely and unmoored, he starts writing short stories and decides to attend Alcoholics Anonymous to get material—even though he’s not an alcoholic.

Other stories lack well-developed character interiority and could benefit from higher emotional stakes. For instance, in “Benched,” a woman is stalked by her ex-boyfriend. She files a restraining order against him but doesn’t completely cut off contact. Readers aren’t given deeper psychological insight into why she’s drawn to his toxicity and attention, aside from the fact that he spends money on her and she may have a pattern of dating “strange” men.

While this collection is uneven in terms of overall execution, the stories contain recognizable characters dealing with interesting dilemmas. Readers will appreciate Amato’s grounded prose and depiction of ordinary people seeking clarity, validation, or power in their interpersonal relationships.

Also available in hardcover and ebook.