Two Girls, Fat and Thin

A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR • A stunning synthesis of eroticism, rage, pathos, and humor, this evergreen debut novel, with its "fine storyteller's pace and brilliant metaphors" (New York Times Book Review) examines the lives of two women as they journey into the dark side of contemporary life and the deepest recesses of the soul

"Darkly, erotically compelling."—USA Today

Originally published in 1991, this exploration of loneliness and connection draws us into an unforgettable and unlikely friendship. Dorothy Never—"fat"—lives alone in New York, eats and works the night shift as a proofreader. Justine Shade—"thin"—is a freelance journalist who sleeps with unsuitable men. They are superficially a study in contrasts, yet share equally haunting sexual burdens carried since youth. When Justine interviews Dorothy about her involvement with an infamous and charismatic philosophical guru, the two women are drawn together with an intense magnetism that throws their lives off balance.

Now a classic, Gaitskill's first novel sets out the concerns of all her work: the search for intimacy and for sexual frankness; the challenge, especially for women, of discovering our destiny as unique individuals in the complex thicket of our relationships, desires, and needs.

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