The Return Trip Is Shorter

From the adored, bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning author: an unforgettable brother and sister learn to help each other navigate life's surprises, big and small.

Ben Sullivan wants to be left in peace. After his beloved wife's death, he is living alone for the first time in over thirty years. His two bossy older sisters have been trying to coax him past his grief but, weary of the intrusions, he simply stopped answering their calls.

Then, one morning, who should he find on his doorstep but his youngest sister, Cecily. The baby of the family, born when Ben was already away at college, they barely even know each other. But Cecily has broken up with her latest boyfriend and needs a place to stay. Chatty, forgetful, clumsy, and altogether too attached to frozen dinners, she proves hard to get rid of--not for Ben's lack of trying.

As Cecily makes herself at home, Ben is thrust back into a kind of family life he thought had passed him by. And when Cecily’s future takes an unexpected turn, he must step up in ways he didn't realize he was capable of.

The Return Trip Is Shorter is a joy to read—funny and sincere, compassionate and buoyant, delightfully Anne Tyler.

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