All Sleek and Skimming

Twenty stories and two poems fill this collection of Canadian short fiction, edited by Toronto librarian, Lisa Heggum. The scope of the protagonists' dreams and fears is broad, most of the compelling narratives centre on older teens struggling with many of life's more overwhelming challenges. Obstacles are often presented in dark and gritty detail. Interspersed through many of the stories, however, are also moments of tenderness and hope, where love is shown in all its complex glory.