Exploring the idea that truth lies in life’s extremes, Mary Otis’s elegantly crafted debut collection combines the hilarious with the tragic. These partially linked stories follow the strange and comic adventures of girls and women united by sexual longing and misplaced passions: falling in love with an older landlord, a young librarian, or a married neighbor; getting fired for teaching time incorrectly; and receiving guidance from a drunk therapist. Quirky and funny, yet deeply human, the stories in Yes, Yes, Cherries seek answers to the questions of whom we love and why, how we search for love, lose it, or find it — sometimes at the last moment and in the most unlikely places.

Quirky and hilarious, yet deeply human, the stories in Yes, Yes, Cherries contain an affection for human strangeness while exploring the idea that truth tends more often to lie in the extremes and along the outer edges than it does at the center of things. Exploring the idea that truth lies in life’s extremes, the partially linked stories in Yes, Yes, Cherries follow girls and women who are outsiders and find themselves in unusual circumstances. A lonely teenage girl falls in love with an older, married neighbor. A woman attends a party at the home of her boyfriend’s ex-wife. A schoolteacher gets fired for teaching time incorrectly to grade-school students. And a young woman recovering from a breakup receives guidance from a drunk therapist. Poignant and sharply rendered, Otis’s stories seek answers to the questions of whom we love and why, how we search for love, lose it, or find it—sometimes at the last moment and in the most unlikely places. Quirky and hilarious, these stories display a knowing affection for human strangeness.

"A Bunch of Cherries: A Story of Cherry Court School" by L. T. Meade is a captivating narrative that transports readers into the lives of the young students at Cherry Court School. Set against the backdrop of an all-girls' boarding school, the novel weaves a tapestry of friendship, challenges, and personal growth. The story introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own dreams, aspirations, and unique personalities. As the girls navigate the ups and downs of school life, they form deep bonds of friendship that provide them with the strength to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Meade's storytelling prowess shines as she delves into the complexities of school dynamics and teenage emotions. The novel explores the themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and the importance of staying true to oneself even in the face of societal expectations. Through a series of heartwarming and relatable experiences, the characters learn valuable life lessons that will stay with them as they journey into adulthood. Cherry Court School itself becomes a character in its own right, with its traditions, rules, and sense of community shaping the girls' experiences and fostering a sense of belonging. Meade's vivid descriptions of the school's surroundings and the girls' daily activities immerse readers in the vibrant atmosphere of Cherry Court. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into the girls' triumphs and challenges, celebrating their successes and empathizing with their struggles. Meade's masterful portrayal of the characters' growth and development creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. "A Bunch of Cherries" is not just a story about a school; it is a celebration of friendship, individuality, and the transformative power of education. Meade's exploration of young girls' experiences and their journey to self-discovery offers a poignant and timeless reminder that the bonds we forge and the lessons we learn in our youth shape us into the individuals we become.