“In this dazzling debut collection, Gustine shows tremendous range, empathy, and spark…Gustine’s language is uniformly remarkable for its clarity and forthrightness.“

“The intensity of people we might pass on the street every day makes this collection all the more powerful…Gustine’s stories give the impression that in every life there is a story worth telling, of triumph and of pain, if only we take the time to look.”

“This carefully written collection of intense, sobering stories reminds us that the human condition is no piece of cake — but once in a while there are some tasty crumbs.”

“Amy Gustine’s moving debut collection…contains an impressive range of stories about everything from conflict in the Middle East to child abuse and suicide. [E]very character comes alive with the emotional depth and empathy of Gustine’s writing.”

“Every so often, a book comes along that truly has the power to make you both laugh and cry — sometimes within a single page. Amy Gustine’s talent for unearthing the heartbreaking beauty within the seemingly mundane comes to life in this gorgeous collection. Each story unravels complexity that lives right below the surface — and compels us, in our own existences, to consider looking a little deeper.”

“If you’re a short story connoisseur, you’ll love this collection. Gustine is a master at character relationships, showcasing captivating three dimensions to every character she writes.”

“Gustine’s debut collection of short stories explores the lives of ordinary people all as they manage some form of everyday hardship — be that a baby who won’t stop crying, or an infectious disease. Driven more by emotion than plot, Kirkus says the stories, ‘give the impression that in every life there is a story worth telling.'”

“If you read Gustine’s collection during your daily commute, anticipate missing your stop (it’s that kind of book).”

“Another funny and honest short story collection, You Should Pity Us Instead will draw you in with the overarching theme of parent-child relationships. With its wide range of settings and subjects, there is absolutely no way you could get bored of this page-turner.”

“Gustine’s stories are special in the way that they force you to cross all kinds of boundaries, both physical and emotional.”

“At the heart of You Should Pity Us Instead is an awareness of how we complicate the human condition by deciding that things should be black and white…Gustine, cruel but crafty, gives [characters] a taste of satisfaction before taking it away. This makes for great stories.”

“This is a book well worth reading and rereading. It’s a deeply rewarding experience.”

“It’s in the muddy waters of emotion where Gustine swims the deepest, realizing the complexities and contradictions of our everyday lives. She is willing to explore our most uncomfortable emotions—humiliation, revulsion, anger—yet realistically balances them with the most admirable ones—love, empathy, understanding, and even forgiveness.”

“The…stories in Gustine’s debut collection are…smart and agreeable, stories that pull us in, peopled with men and women to whom we can relate.”

“Amy Gustine displays a remarkable command of prose and narrative.”