Melissa's stories came highly recommended and they did not disappoint at all. This is a collection of her older work repackaged as a book wtih illustrations from Sara Thustra. The stories explore the darker side of existence; homelessness, drug abuse, extreme poverty, losing friends, and child abuse. The stories don't always have happy endings but that is life and Melissa does a great job of saying "some people live this way and it is their reality!" The stories are really emotional and touching at times and she does a great job of getting in character. I was thoroughly impressed with not only the way that the writes the stories but also the way that she reads them. This is one of the best zines that I've read in recent memory.