The Words of Dr. L: And Other Stories (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781640097681)

National Book Award finalist Karen E. Bender returns with stunning speculative stories of parents and children, together and apart, surviving near-future dystopias that feel all-too-possible--and realities that can be even stranger

Grounded in both the contemporary United States and a variety of dystopias, celebrated author Karen E. Bender's otherworldly collection examines the evolving dynamics of the nuclear family during adolescence, motherhood, the empty nest, and caring for an aging parent.

A young woman seeks to learn the magical words that can terminate her unwanted pregnancy. A mother discovers an extra child in her home she had forgotten about. A couple is separated from their son and encased in globes orbiting the Earth. Society develops a terrible plan to leave the burning planet for a life on Mars. Each story honors the emotional force of its situation by grappling with themes of freedom, self-definition, youth, aging, control, and power. Using settings both familiar and fantastic, Bender's work explores the ordinary in the extraordinary to discover secret, hidden truths in the lifelong connection between parents and their children.

Author: Karen E. Bender
ISBN-10: 1640097686
ISBN-13: 9781640097681
Publisher: Counterpoint LLC
Language: English
Published: 05/26/2026
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.81lbs