Lindsay Oden

Prepare Your Defenses Lindsay Oden

This dark and satirical collection of short stories examines the violence hidden just below the surface of idyllic suburban life. Historian and essayist Lindsay Oden presents his first four short stories, each centered around the disquieting features of modern America that can make you feel uncomfortable, violated, or disgusted. "Turnabout" explores the psyche of a young man who finds power in violence, targeting people he believes have undeserved success. "Amen, and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Fundraising" examines a working-class family that finds itself left behind by a charismatic religious leader. "Syntax" reviews the ambitions of a high school theatre director after he's confronted by a talented stranger. "Time Travel" follows a group of musicians as they attempt to perform for a crowd that treats them with suspicion.