Michael Welch of The Chicago Review of Books says: “National Book Award finalist Bender’s third story collection examines the fundamental relationships that make up a life. Insights pierce depictions of the intrinsic connections of parents and children, family and friends. Bender’s stories take place not only in present-moment America and the COVID pandemic but also in speculative worlds in which, for instance, the titular character holds the secret, magic words that can facilitate her clandestine abortion. The Los Angeles native’s masterful sleights of hand reveal the dystopian elements of our current reality and the resonant aspects of far-off futures.” You can see the whole list here. https://chireviewofbooks.com/2025/05/01/12-must-read-books-of-may-2025/