Stay Awake by Dan Chaon

 

Dan Chaon is known for his short stories, having garnered praise and awards for them.  In these twelve stories he explores people as they face unsettling events in their lives.  In the title story, a couple has had their first child only to discover that at one time, there had been conjoined twins.  Of the second twin, only a head is existent and that twin will be allowed to die as it has no chance at life.  In another story, Patrick Lane Flabbergasted, Brandon is at a dead end several years after his parents had been involved in a couple suicide, leaving Brandon behind to figure out his life.  Readers will find these stories a bit upsetting, a bit pessimistic but the writing is fine and each story leaves the reader with something to ponder.  This book is recommended for short story readers.