Drowning Lessons

Praise for Drowning Lessons: “Water flows through these stories, giving Peter Selgin’s characters moments of grace from their lives and also propelling them forward, as they try to swim through the problems that face them. Drowning Lessons is an extraordinary book; Peter Selgin’s writing creates a current that will carry readers farther than they would ever have expected, and leave them on a new shore.” —Hannah Tinti, author of The Good Thief “A wine-dark blood rushes through the pages of Drowning Lessons. Tap a vein and drink deeply and taste the best and the worst kind of love. In these pages you will experience lust, spite, jealousy, fidelity, rose-flavored romance, and doe-eyed affection, sometimes all in the same story. Thank goodness for Peter Selgin, who shares with us the mysteries of the human heart in this electric, revealing collection.” —Benjamin Percy, author of Refresh, Refresh “Peter Selgin’s stories are mordantly funny, at times desperately sad, but always full of hard-earned wisdom and subversive irony. His collection ranges across time and space in a way few other writers have. Drowning Lessons is a book that deserves serious attention from all lovers of American short fiction.” —Jess Row, author of The Train to Lo Wu “A stellar collection deserving recognition. Selgin possesses a mature, complex voice and is able to conceptualize, compose, and perfect stories of brilliant diversity and tone. High emotional intelligence, empathy, courage, and intellectual curiosity fuel this collection, giving it a rare narrative fire beyond the obvious and admirable excellence of craft.” —Melissa Pritchard, author of Late Bloomer “[Selgin’s] ability to sling together desire and suffering in complex and moving ways is singular and memorable.” —Booklist (online) “[A] powerful collection. Selgin is never heavy-handed in his use of metaphor, and it’s rewarding to see the skill with which he employs it.” —Bookpage “[A] masterful debut collection . . .Wickedly satisfying.” —Publisher’s Weekly “An exceptional collection.” —Book Notes (online) Winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction