Ended up not being for me… was a DNF because I didn’t connect with the content. Might be for someone else though!

This was an interesting story collection that I really enjoyed. I just wish I got more of a few of the stories. There were several that I felt could be full length novels that I would absolutely gobble up.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

This Is Why we Can't Have Nice Things offers nine stories which explore womanhood -- and motherhood in particular -- from the perspectives of a variety of largely different women.

This collection has its ups and downs, to be sure. Many of the stories were hard to get into, or hard to get through, but each time I finished one, I found myself thinking about it more than I would have otherwise expected. Naomi Wood is an excellent writer, sharp and clever and excellent at wrapping up a story at just the right place and time. This was my first time reading any of Wood's work, but it certainly won't be my last!

These short stories are about contemporary women making their way in the world. Unfortunately, for me, they were unremarkable and I cannot remember a single one shortly after reading the collection. For some reason, I just could not connect with the narratives or the characters.

I went into this book perhaps expecting something a bit different. I would say that the stories primarily focus on motherhood and pregnancy and I think I expected a bit more variety in terms of the feminine experience. The stories didn't quite hit home for me for the most part, but I did particularly enjoy the last story in the book which was the most unique, being set against a reality show for women and mothers in a world of dinosaurs. Overall they were well written, just not exactly to my tastes.

This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things by Naomi Wood offers insight into the messiness of relationships and the struggle for self-identity after becoming a parent through several short stories. The premise is engaging, and Wood’s writing captures small, relatable moments with sharp wit. However, some of the stories end too abruptly while some parts of other stories drag. The characters are flawed and human, but sometimes lack the depth needed to make their journeys fully resonate. To me, the collection of short stories was enjoyable but forgettable. I’m giving it three stars for its relatability and thoughtful themes and the fact that it’s a quick, simple read. I think it would be a good palette cleanser between books. Thank you to Mariner Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Naomi is a gorgeous writer and is very thought provoking. However, I think this book in reality was a bit different than what I expected. The majority of the stories were around pregnancy and motherhood; which I don't, and don't plan to, relate to. I think I was expecting a bit more rage and angst, but the book was enticing and well written.

I enjoyed these stories. Each one features a female protagonist behaving in unlikeable ways and is designed to make you think about society’s expectations of women. Themes explored include motherhood, family, and the pandemic. Lovely writing in this funny, sharp, and thought-provoking collection! Thank you Mariner Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

I wanted to enjoy this but after the first two stories we’re complaining about motherhood I realized I would be disappointed. I feel like every “smart” book for women that comes out is just whining about motherhood, and as a single woman I have so little interest or patience in the schtick anymore.

This was not for me. I'm not the target audience and couldn't relate to the characters. The blurb sounded amazing but was Definitely misleading as to the book's tone. Also, I was confused most of the time.

Happy Publication Day to this unique collection of short stories.
This collection explores motherhood, mental health, and the feminine experience in a subtle, searing way. Not all of the stories hit me but the ones that did were great.
A/A/A/A and Wedding Day were 5/5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for an advanced copy.

This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.

Naomi Wood’s debut short story collection looks at the intricate messy reality of being a mom. The stories during Covid were strong and sadly relatable.

Some standout stories in the collection felt incredibly raw, especially the first and last one (Lesley, in Therapy & Dino Moms). Others didn’t land as strongly for me, and I am having trouble recalling them now because I wasn’t quite excited - BUT they still showcased Wood’s talent for crafting compelling characters and settings. If you’re a fan of contemporary fiction with an edge — this collection is worth picking up.

This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things is a collection of short stories on family, motherhood, love, and COVID. I'm not a huge fan of time specific stories like using COVID to place the time of the story wasn't really a hit for me. There were some that were really compelling and Wood's writing is compelling with well thought out characters.

Glib and quick little stories that feel very of-the-moment, but that I don't think will age particularly well.

Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for the ARC.

These were well-written short stories. However, I just didn't feel connected to any of the characters.

This collection of short stories exploring topics of femininity, love, and family was an a joy to read. Each story was distinct but fit together nicely. The writing is fantastic and compelling. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the themes of these stories and appreciate how candidly she wrote about motherhood. The writing was sharp and I never felt disconnected from the stories, I'm very excited to have found a new author I enjoy this much!

i thought the first half of this one was definitely the strongest portion. the story about the women in the new moms group at the tech company was really great and poignant.

Couldn’t connect to the stories. They all seemed to be quite similar considering they were all about motherhood.

I hadn't realized this was a story collection right away and was confused for a moment. Whoops. I did just have my 3rd daughter 4 months ago though so sleep is sparse and mom brain is real, so this book had plenty of relatable content. I thought the first story was great and it hooked me right in. I would have loved a full novel with those characters. I enjoyed the various domestic dramas and feelings of motherhood.