Before reading Williams’ latest collection, you’ll pass through the tripwires of fabulous commentary. “Immaculate artistry [and] one of the most fearless, abyss-embracing literary projects...” says The New York Times. “Four dozen stories by one of the form's greatest practitioners,” says Kirkus. “To read Joy Williams is to be arrested in a state of relentless awe and wonderment,” says Vanity Fair. Wow, such a burden of expectation before we digest the first word. The commentary goes on and on. The race to lather praise on this book appears to be a literary event of its own. …