American Housewife

American Housewife by Helen Ellis, 188 pages

In this collection of short stories, Ellis offers up some sharp humor about the travails of the upper-middle-class housewife. Particularly fun are "How to Be A Patron of the Arts," about a woman who slowly gives up her writing ambitions; "Dumpster Diving with the Stars," about a reality show; and "The Wainscoting War," a wicked back-and-forth between two combative apartment neighbors. It's quick, it's hilarious, and well worth the read.