Pete Dexter writes about people who rarely make it into print and stories that rarely are told. There hasn't been a story yet that didn't make me stop and contemplate; I'm amazed at his skill in poignantly sketching a person and telling a story. Everyone is either caught in unbelievable circumstances or caught in a web made from a series of mind-boggling choices. No good can come of this -- yet Dexter makes you feel something special with each masterful, self-deprecating portrait.Highly recommended.(And best of luck to Mrs. Dexter.)