Just Don't Ask Us What We Do All Day

For fans of Curtis Sittenfeld and Katherine Heiny, a comic and incisive collection of linked stories about women unraveling under the weight of politeness, partnership, and performative perfection.

“Formally inventive, expertly crafted, and alive with a generous sense of humor, Just Don't Ask Us What We Do All Day is storytelling at its best.” —Lee Cole, author of Fulfillment

A woman hires a date for her ex’s wedding; another asks a new lover to pose as her daughter’s kidnapper; a third experiments with a sex puppet. A support group for those seeking meaning in dreams spirals into a sapphic obsession. Across fourteen interwoven stories brimming with gasp-worthy reveals, Just Don’t Ask Us What We Do All Day shines a spotlight on the women we ask too much of and the quiet, absurd ways they refuse to comply. Equal parts hilarious and surprising, joyful and defiant, this kaleidoscopic collection offers a rare look into the unknowable lives of strangers from a major talent in short fiction.

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