Gloom

Book excerpt: In Ricky Olson's gritty debut collection you'll dive into stories that aren't afraid to tell it like it is. He draws a grim landscape where men and women are caught in equally disturbing scenarios. In one, a "model" addicted to the internet gets invited to an elite party by a stranger. In another, a high school student obsessed with death tries to quench an ever-growing thirst that can't be satiated. In others, embarrassing sex is explored, survival of the fittest is exercised, and death is redeemed. Throughout these twelve short stories one thing is common: Olson isn't afraid to leave any rock unturned while exploring the dark and taboo side of the human condition.