Crush

An unforgettable, piercingly intimate collection from a celebrated, once-in-a-generation writer whose stories are “powerhouses of feeling and depth” (Mary Gaitskill)

Across the sixteen short stories in Crush, the acclaimed poet and fiction writer Souvankham Thammavongsa makes a stunning return to the form that announced her as a major talent, drawing us into the lives of often-overlooked characters who find themselves in the grip of hope, desire, and transformation.

A child watches his father toy with a prospective affair; a couple running a restaurant struggles to fit their relationship into their new life in a new country; a woman evades her married co-worker’s advances; a cashier clashes with the mother of her new husband, a man she met only three days before their wedding. Throughout, Thammavongsa’s narrators see through façade after façade—the lies, jokes, and postures that disguise our vulnerabilities—and the many ways we betray and misunderstand each other. ​
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With arresting clarity and precision and disarming flashes of humor and tenderness, Crush keeps us on the back foot, constantly surprising us, and bottling what is irresistible and unbearable about the search for love, connection, and belonging.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs