Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill

These uncensored, transgressive short stories document the ‘bad behavior’ (sex, secrets, lies, cruelties…it’s a long list…) of several men and women in NY in the 80’s. IT reads as if she simply slipped into the minds of passing strangers, went along for a ride and transcribed what she heard and saw as they snaked their way through their Bad Behaviors of the day. 

Read it for Gaitskill’s signature sharp, succinct writing, for the wildly original content and to be refreshed by a book that gives no concern for naming a hero or shaming a villain. It is a book about humans being what all humans are; flawed.