In many ways, Joel Miller is reminiscent of most modern heroes (and heroines) of contemporary fiction--he's a recent college graduate, he works for a dot com, ruminates on his failed romances, and comes from a typically dysfunctional family. When looked at from this angle, Reproduction Is the Flaw of Love is not entirely original in its scope. However, Grodstein's voice is honest, and Miller is quirky enough to basically sustain our interest throughout the novel. Even when Miller's story becomes a bit whiny, secondary characters like Stan, Miller's tragically comical father, and Grant, his investment banker best friend, add enough flavor to the mix to keep readers engaged.

Reproduction Is the Flaw of Love is a valiant debut, and readers can look forward to Grodstein's future efforts as she continues to develop her unique voice.--Gisele Toueg

This highly affecting debut story collection stars a cast of young men and women frozen in the headlights of oncoming adulthood. In nimble prose, Lauren Grodstein treats moments of human vulnerability with a smart mix of irony and compassion. Whether halfheartedly consoling—and then fondling—a drunken friend after a breakup ("Lonely Planet") or trying to fill a dead mother's shoes at a father's birthday dinner ("Satellites or Airplanes"), the protagonists of these ten tales rarely say exactly what they mean or know exactly how they feel. Each has a propensity for social insecurity to which we can all relate, as we can to the public blunders and private triumphs that comprise their lives.