Look at us: stories

Kyle C. Mellen
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:46:17 PDT

"'Look At Us' examines the ways in which characters define personal identity through the constructed identities of other people. As the title indicates, people are often looking at--and being seen by--others: their spouses, friends, siblings, neighbors. But despite their looking, the characters in these fifteen stories rarely see accurately; rather, they mis-see their companions. Their subsequent and relational definitions of self are therefore inherently skewed. This collection explores the moments when new glimpses--true or false--of one's companions and oneself occur. Stylistically, simple words and sentences focus the reader's attention on the physical action of the characters, as well as on the characters themselves. This minimalist style also mimics the stories' characters, who are either defiantly unreflective or unable to see things clearly. The stories withhold simple, straightforward interpretations or meanings; they ask questions but provide few answers, thereby making the reader into a fellow story-maker. Meaning is collaborative, 'Look At Us' argues, and is therefore created through the combination of offered story and individual interpretation"--Leaf iii