If I Die in Ohio -- Seth Borgen

<p>"The stories in <em>If I Die in Ohio</em> are, as the title suggests, about desire and its bedfellow, regret. Seth Borgen's gift is his ability to deliver surprise, both through his impressive range of premises--from a restless young man who falls for his ice sculptor neighbor to a religious woman discovering the pleasures of sex and smoking pot--and through the depth and nuance with which he taps emotion. This collection is every single thing I hope for in stories: expansive yet incisive, compassionate, and beautifully written. Seth Borgen is an exceptional storyteller."<br /> <strong>-- LORI OSTLUND</strong>, New American Fiction Prize Judge and author of <em>After the Parade</em></p><p>"Seth Borgen's <em>If I Die in Ohio </em>is a beautifully crafted collection--but what makes Borgen's stories truly remarkable is how he deftly deconstructs kitschy Americana down to its ugly little core. A dynamic debut: read this book."<br /> <strong>-- NICK WHITE</strong>, author of <em>Sweet & Low</em> and <em>How to Survive a Summer</em></p><p>"These stories remind me why I love stories. Borgen is a master observer and isn't afraid to use his power of spying for good, for the good of us all. Read him now and thank me later."<br /> <strong>-- </strong><strong>TOM FRANKLIN</strong>, author of <em>Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter</em> and <em>Hell at the Breech</em></p><p>"These are the kind of heartbreaking, vulnerable tough-guy--and trying-to-be-tough guys, and the occasional trying-to