The Answer Is No

by Fredrik Backman, Elizabeth DeNoma (Narrator)

1 hour, 49 Minutes

In a hilarious short story from New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman, the absurdities of modern life cause one man’s solitary world to spin suddenly, and comically, out of control.

Lucas knows the perfect night entails just three things: video games, wine, and pad thai. Peanuts are a must! Other people? Not so much. Why complicate things when he’s happy alone?

Then one day the apartment board, a vexing trio of authority, rings his doorbell. And Lucas’s solitude takes a startling hike. They demand to see his frying pan. Someone left one next to the recycling room overnight, and instead of removing the errant object, as Lucas suggests, they insist on finding the guilty party. But their plan backfires. Colossally.

Told in Fredrik Backman’s singular witty style with sharply drawn characters and relatable antics, The Answer Is No is a laugh-out-loud portrait of a man struggling to keep to himself in a world that won’t leave him alone.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Humor, Contemporary, Audiobook, Novella, Literary Fiction

2 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 1, 2024

About the author

Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove (soon to be a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks), My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, as well as two novellas, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer and The Deal of a Lifetime. Things My Son Needs to Know About the World, his first work of non-fiction, will be released in the US in May 2019. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Twitter @BackmanLand or on Instagram @backmansk.

Reviews

[Sara Carrolli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leave it to Fredrik Backman to make me giggle and feel things in just 60 pages 🙂

Such a quick little read (nothing crazy), but I had a great time

“One day you’re a happy, whole person, and the next day you’re forced into the most horrible thing on earth: making decisions” (me) (can’t make decisions for my life)

“Don’t look on the internet for someone who is exactly like you. Look for someone who isn’t. Love is not to never fight. Love is always making up.”

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The secret to happiness may be learning to say NO!

This author’s humor doesn’t really resonate with me but his observations on humanity do!

My favorite occurred at 3% - Lucas explains that the reason so many humans end up in therapy is because of other humans!

Quote: Absolutely zero people go to therapy because yesterday they were sitting in a comfortable chair, eating a perfect pizza, drinking a good glass of wine and watching a really funny movie.” So, that’s how Lucas lives his life-all of the time.

At least he did until a frying pan ruined his life.

I will let you discover what happened for yourself. 😉

This was an AMAZON FIRST bonus read for the month of November in the U.S. market. Amazon Prime members can download this short story for free along with another book. Enjoy ❣️

[Shelley's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog

This book was exactly what I needed right now. It was heartwarming and hilariously funny in equal measure. Lucas is a bit of a grump and a complete loaner. All he wants is to be left alone to play video games and eat pad thai, and that's exactly what he does until someone leaves a frying pan on the floor next to the recycling room…and then all hell breaks loose for Lucas.

The characters were caricatures in the best way possible. I loved how Lucas identified everyone by their clothing colours. The antics of the board animal and the other residents reminded me of old comedy sketches like Abbott and Costello’s Who's on First. What an excellent pallet cleanser this short story was. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a good laugh at the moment. All. The. Stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll read anything Backman writes—even his shopping list—because I’m convinced he could infuse his intelligence and dark sarcasm into that, too! After finishing Winners, I found myself missing his words, his skilled storytelling, and his ability to make me laugh out loud.

This short story is yet another testament to his brilliance! It’s a tale about ordinary, quirky people, loneliness, sharp critiques of bureaucracy, and plenty of laughs. At its heart is Lucas, a man in his early thirties who is allergic to people, content with his life of non-stop video games, Pad Thai with extra peanuts, and a glass of wine. But one frying pan becomes the tipping point that threatens to disrupt his entire existence.

Why, you ask? To find out, you’ll need to dive into this humorous, intelligent, and utterly unique story. Along the way, you’ll meet an unforgettable cast of characters—my favorite being Linda (or, as they call her, “Shut Up Linda”).

In summary: I can’t recommend Backman’s work enough. This short story is a five-star gem filled with peculiar, irritating neighbors and moments that will have you laughing out loud.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing a digital reviewer copy of this amazing novella in exchange for my honest thoughts!

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[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can appreciate many enjoyed this short story more than me. It's a little odd and I did not find it as humorous as expected. However, it did make me smile. The inspirational message is beautiful.

Available free through Prime Reading.

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (New House-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute and absolutely laugh out loud funny! The audiobook for this one is great and it's only like 45mins on 2x speed. Pull this little gem out when you need to catch up on your reading goal, a short and fantastic story!

Lucas is planning a night alone with his pad Thai and some video games when the neighbors demand to look at his frying pan, because someone put their frying pan next to the recycling room instead of the garbage where it belonged.

Full of Backman’s usual humor, this story while just 60 pages, was fun and held deeper meaning.

The story kept me engaged throughout, and I really enjoyed watching the resolution (or lack of resolution) as the story went on. I love Backman's writing style, his way of incorporating important topics in a fun story is so unique.


🧡Pad Thai with Peanuts
🧡Recycling
🧡Nosy neighbors
🧡Deeper meaning
🧡Wit and charm

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

[manju ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

you can never really guess where a fredrik backman story is going to go. but you can be certain that it will be brimming with his signature wit and shrewd observations of humanity while gracing its characters, and thus its readers, with much needed compassion.

when the world feels so unwelcoming, when you feel like you inhabit a body so foreign, when you are simply trying to learn how to live—his books will hold your hand while you (re)gain your footing.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas opens the door with the defeated manner of a sausage that dressed itself up as a carrot to avoid being eaten by a bear, only to be found by a rabbit.

Me too, Lucas ... me too. This is exactly how I feel every single time my doorbell rings.

The Answer is No is a hilarious short story by the talented Mr. Backman. I don't normally enjoy “sappy” reads, but Fredrik Backman is forever on my very short list of exceptions (which currently consists only of him and TJ Klune). Not that this one is super sappy, really. I mean, yeah, Backman has once again pulled out his favorite “reclusive person makes friends and kind of enjoys it” trope, but this one is much more silly and whimsical than I remember his novels being. And perhaps Lucas doesn't entirely succumb to the power of unrelenting extroverts at the end? It's rather refreshing – why do introverts in stories always have to become social butterflies in order for it to be considered a happy ending? Many of us are fine not “other people-ing” on a regular basis, thank you very much.

Poor Linda from the board, though. The woman is just enthusiastic about her job and no one appreciates it.

But, yeah. I loved this story and I loved Lucas and his neighbors. If you're a fan of Fredrik Backman (or just want a short, lighthearted read to occupy a bit of your time), definitely give this one a go.

My overall rating: five shiny gold stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for providing me with a copy of this story to review. It's on sale now.

[The Belladonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Best to be like dill, Lucas has concluded. Not like basil, the most anxious and ingratiating herb, but also not like cilantro, that conflict-seeking lunatic. Be dill. Nobody cares about dill.”

Hahahahaa!! 😆 This shortie was adorable. That is all, carry on.

"I usually keep my peanuts next to a jar of peanut butter, so they understand what I'm capable of!"

[Taufiq Yves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fredrik Backman is 1 of my favorite authors. He writes in Swedish, but his English is excellent. I absolutely love his quirky sense of humor - he has this magical way of finding warmth and wisdom in everyday life.

This 1 is a short read - and it feels like watching a stage play. The whole story unfolds inside an apartment building, with a small cast of residents.

Potential Spoilers Ahead!

Lucas is a classic introvert. He avoids socializing and finds joy in video games, red wine, and pad thai with peanuts. But 1 day, 3 people from the building’s management knock on his door, demanding to inspect his frying pan. Apparently, someone dumped a pan where trash isn’t allowed, so now they want to check every resident’s pan. Lucas, being logical, argues that only someone who doesn’t currently own a pan could’ve thrown 1 away. His reasoning is so sharp that they appoint him head of the “Frying Pan Incident Committee.” For Lucas, who prefers solitude and control, this is a nightmare. He refuses repeatedly, but they ignore - and that’s the first nod to the book’s title: The Answer Is No.

Then comes the neighbor in the purple dress. She demands Lucas’s Wi-Fi password. He doesn’t want to engage, but gives it anyway - a “kind” gesture that backfires. She’s deep into social media and joins all sorts of odd groups, including 1 obsessed with the existence of angels. She tries to praise her “angelic” neighbor Lucas but posts in the wrong group, attracting a bunch of spiritual weirdos who camp outside his door just to meet the “angel.”

At this point, I was laughing out loud. The absurdity, the sharp language - it’s brilliant. Backman uses storytelling to poke fun at all kinds of people: those who blindly follow rules, who chat warmly with strangers but ignore their own family, who avoid all social contact, or who chase celebrities because their own lives feel empty.

There’s also a woman in green who lives in the building. She’s constantly caring for her husband and kids, who take her for granted. After a car accident, the doctor realizes her wounds are emotional, not physical. So they lie to her family, saying she’s still unconscious, while she secretly enjoys some alone time in her apartment - and becomes friends with Lucas. She loves pad thai too, just without peanuts.

Lucas, the purple-dress neighbor, and the green-shirt guest have many conversations. Lucas clearly doesn’t want to talk, but he listens, even offers advice. If he were truly antisocial, he wouldn’t do any of that. He’s not unhappy - he’s just used to a simple kind of happiness.

In the end, Lucas uses his people skills to solve the frying pan mystery and other issues. Then he finds a quiet spot to “pretend to be unconscious” and go back to his games, wine, and pad thai.

Backman’s signature snark is all over this book - which I love. When describing Lucas’s aversion to people, he writes: “He doesn’t want enemies, but he also doesn’t want to risk making the only thing that’s worse than that: friends.”And his take on small talk is this: “the cruelest form of interpersonal terrorism.”I couldn’t agree more. 1 of my worst nightmares is being stuck in an elevator with a colleague - just the 2 of us. Every second feels like a year.

So, solitude vs. socializing - which brings more joy?

I used to think I was an extrovert, always trying to make friends. But the fact is - most of my sleepless nights come from relationship drama. I’ve realized I’m someone who doesn’t like socializing. I’d rather eat instant noodles alone than dine with strangers over reheated meals. Like Lucas, I have my solitude trio: books, caffee, and anything my air fryer can cook in under 10 minutes. I read, sip tea or coffee, and snack on warm bread or chicken bites - and I totally get Lucas’s joy in being alone.

Still, even someone as allergic to people as I am needs quality social interaction. So I regularly meet up with close friends who share my values. Sometimes I join events with strangers - not expecting to make friends, but hoping to meet someone I genuinely click with.

Lucas’s interactions with the purple-dress and green-shirt women are his social limit. He stays true to himself - choosing solitude even after some pleasant exchanges. Backman, as usual, doesn’t judge, just describes. If more people did that in real life - less judgment, more understanding - the world would be a lot more peaceful.

When I read about the green-shirt woman being taken for granted, I was surprised. Even in progressive Nordic societies, women’s contributions are often overlooked. But it makes sense - being a woman is a “condition”. Wherever you go, women’s efforts are assumed. She had been a wife and mom for so long, people forgot she was also herself. Her family only realized her importance when she was “gone.” That part felt cliche, but the real growth came when they learned to care for themselves and appreciated her more deeply.

Men, in particular, seem to lose basic life skills once they settle down. This happens everywhere - from Asia to Scandinavia. Maybe women should occasionally “pretend to be unconscious” so the men don’t forget how to function. Haha!

And of course, everyone needs gap time. However long it takes, we should allow ourselves to rest, unapologetically. As Backman says: “Sometimes what people really need most of all is a prescription for a break.”

So yes, the answer is no - to meaningless socializing, unreasonable demands, and giving energy to things you don’t believe in. I’d add: say no to living with people who don’t value you. Say yes to a life that makes you happy.

4.8 / 5 stars

[Rosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: My answer to this story isn’t No, but it isn’t exactly a strong Yes either. A good story with enough wit and enough thought-provoking quotes, but the humour seems forced at times. Not Backman’s best work. Better if read as a satire, though it isn’t promoted as one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Plot Preview:

Lucas is not exactly a people-hater; he just isn’t fond of them. He lives his life in a way that his interactions with people are at the bare minimum level. And he is perfectly happy with this status quo. Until one day, when a frying pan changes the situation! Suddenly, Lucas is forced to interact with people regularly – Yikes! How can he get his life back to normal?
The story comes to us in Lucas’s third-person perspective.

I am such a huge fan of Fredrik Backman’s work that I didn’t even read the blurb before I grabbed this story. His name on the cover was enough! And yet, I will still not hesitate to say: even though Backman’s Instagram posts are hilarious, he is way better when he writes serious stuff.


Woohoos:
🍳 Lucas’s portrayal as an introvert. As an introvert myself, I empathised with Lucas’s dread whenever the doorbell rang! He certainly knew how to live his life avoiding people. I loved this line: “He would rather be hit by a truck than be in your group chat.” Me too, Lucas! 😆

🍳 If you follow this author on Instagram, you would know his self-deprecating wit. He has a marvellous sense of humour that works excellently because he is one of those rare people who joke while staying serious. His typical tongue-in-cheek humour is in ample supply in this work. He doesn’t resist poking fun at some of his own lines from other novels, including that beautiful line from ‘a Man Called Ove’ about love bringing colour in our lives.

🍳 Though the overall tone of this story is somewhat light, it has plenty of quotable quotes: some sarcastically clever, and some seriously thought-provoking. Sample this: “Love isn’t powerful enough. But spite? Spite can change the world.”

🍳 Of the other characters, I loved Linda! Many of her remarks had me responding like that viral meme: “But Linda! Listen, listen to me, listen! Linda, Linda, Lindaaaa, listen!!!”


Hmmms:
🔪 The middle section goes much overboard at times. If you read it as a satire, it does work better. But is it marketed as a satire? Nope. It is just sold as a “hilarious short story”, which is not the same.

🔪 Lucas’s turnaround from introversion to being receptive to people – too instant to be convincing. The ending redeems this change to some extent.


All in all, as an introvert myself, I loved the first half of this story. The final scene was also quite satisfying. If the silliness of the interim events had been a bit more toned down or if the story had been promoted as a satire, I have no doubt I would have rated higher.

Backman’s writing style is quite literary, and when he chooses to be serious, he offers plenty of insightful observations on humankind that seem to make universal sense. Glimpses of this attribute can be seen even in this short story. However, when Backman tries to be funny, he often tends to go over the top, and this doesn’t always work for me.

To Backman fans: Your answer could still be Yes to this story, but don’t expect anything like the Beartown series or even Ove.

To those wondering if they can test the waters of this author’s writing with this tale: My Answer is ‘Maybe’. I wouldn’t strongly recommend beginning with this short story as this isn’t in his typical writing style. But it’s definitely not bad if you go in expecting a satirical tale.

3.5 stars.


My thanks to Amazon Original Stories for providing the DRC of “The Answer is No” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the story.

The digital version of this story is currently available on Amazon Prime.


Backman fans: If you want a serious & thought-provoking short story by this marvellous author that is much better-handled, don’t miss ‘Sebastian and the Troll’. It is free to read on his website through this link: https://www.fredrikbackman.com/2018/0...


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||

[Kaceey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody can write about life like Fredrik Backman!
This short story is brilliant!
Had me laughing and smiling from start to finish!
So many favorite quips from these 68 pages…but my favorite was of a monkey and bird going for a walk! Priceless!👏🙌🤣

A must read for everyone!

[Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) · Rating 3 out of 5]

President of the ‘pile committee’ and a forbidden angel are just two roles for Lucas.

Some lovely messages but overall not what I expected. Tongue in cheek but not hilarious!!!

[Terrie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Answer Is No is about:

1) The ability to annoy each other
2) A pile of garbage that keeps growing
3) A frying pan
4) Red wine, video games, and Pad Thai with peanuts
5) Lucas, our MC...who only wants to be left alone with the three items in bullet point #4

This is a 68-page novelette and/or 1H 59M audiobook written by Fredrik Backman in his indisputably witty satiric style and odd mix of characters who talk in his head until he puts them on paper.

These characters were a crazy mix of insanity I didn't know I needed and I'm delighted they arrived.

For animal lovers like me, there's a kitty in the story, too. I thought you'd like to know.

Now...I will patiently wait for Backman's next group of characters to arrive!

4.25⭐

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and Fredrik Backman for the DRC via NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited to see that Fredrik Backman had a short story and that it had high ratings. I grabbed the audiobook and dove in. Unfortunately, this was just meh for me. For some reason, this gave me strong T.J. Klune vibes. Most likely because the characters are quirky and go on a mission to find out who left a frying out. All Lucas wants is to be left alone and finds himself swept up in his neighbor’s plan(s) to find who left out the frying pan, and well things do not go exactly as they planned.

This book touches on isolation, community, saying No, and may or may not answer the question whether peanuts do indeed belong in pad Thai! The characters find themselves in some zany situations and make some ever-sillier decisions.

I prefer to keep with T.J. Klune for the quirky and whimsical and keep with Backman for his novels.

[Taury · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

This is one of the most fantastic books ever read. Just 67 pages. Grab it on Amazon November First Reads. It is funny and full of all kinds of inspirational messages.

“I, the angel, ask you to choose one thing each from the pile. For what is now everyone’s trash was once someone’s possession. Carry this thing with you through life as a reminder of the pile within yourselves. Do not collect junk in your hearts. You can make yourself happy if you don’t let others make you unhappy.”

— The Answer Is No: A Short Story by Fredrik Backman
https://a.co/f6fs0J6

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I woke up this morning, I did not expect that a new short story from my favorite author would drop into my lap. But oh man, I am so glad that it did.

The Answer Is No is an ode to all of us introverts who find happiness in our own company. Or maybe a cat or dog’s. But certainly not in being surrounded by people.

This book made me laugh - like always - and it was filled with a few nuggets of typical Backman gut punches, so packed with emotion, that they feel like a wave slamming into you. To date, Backman is the only author who has ever been able to derail me with a short sentence. He gets right into the heart of community.

This book reads like he speaks, and if you’ve ever heard him speak, it’s something you’ll never forget. Whether he spoiled the ending of the Beartown Trilogy to the sold out group of people at a book signing outside of Chicago, or whether you watched his viral speech he gave at Simon and Schuster’s 100 Years celebration, Backman makes an imprint. Long stories or short, he is not one to miss.

[Warda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He would rather be hit by a truck than be in your group chat.”

This probably isn’t the takeaway from this book but Lucas is the biggest hater I’ve ever read about and I adored him for it. He spoke to my goddamn soul. 🥹

“Because happiness for Lucas is very easy, it’s everything he already has minus humans.”

[Angela M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fredrik Backman is such a keen observer of the human condition. I’ve read all of his novels and he makes me laugh, cry, and think about who we are .

Mr . Bachman, you have no idea how much I needed this laugh and warm feeling from this quirky short story . Thank you!

[Mark Porton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok I'm all up for silly, I am a silly man and my friends tend to be silly too (you lot know it). My partner is definitely silly (high end).

But this Backman short story of 68 pages about a misanthropic dude living in an apartment, wasn't my type of silly.

It was Scooby Doo silly.

I like a touch of sophistication with my silliness.

I think I will give up on this author.

Merry Christmas all - love you lots 💖

[Pam Gonçalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Que escolha maravilhosa para primeira leitura do ano. É hilário!!!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh!
I’m giving up on this author!
We don’t mesh together😅
I’ve tried Ove, the grandmother one, and Britt Marie….the only one I liked was And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer”
This one just really irritated me and I couldn’t wait for it to be over and it’s a very short one !
I’m just glad I didn’t buy it. It’s free on Amazon Kindle unlimited.

[Victor Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 e favoritado. Me fez chorar tendo só 70 páginas rs.

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Answer is Yes to this short story! 🤗

This was a bonus short story for November, 2024 on Amazon Prime’s First Reads picks. I’m so happy because I hadn’t read a Fredrik Backman story in quite a while, and he always finds a way to make me smile. 😊

In this story we have Lucas, who lives alone and likes it that way very much. Lucas enjoys playing video games, eating pad Thai with peanuts, and drinking wine. Life is absolutely perfect- until a frying pan disrupts his peace. 🍳

This was such a cute little story about the things in life that make each individual happy. What really does make one happy? Is it collecting things? Is it being around people? Or perhaps it’s owning a cat? 😻 Whatever it is, we cannot let others take our joy away from us.

If you haven’t picked your November First Reads pick yet, I would say hurry up and do so! I would hate to see you miss out on this happy little short story from Backman! It was the perfect little read.

[MICH ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice for Linda. Also thank you Sara for telling me to read this I’m glad a short story about a pad thai angel cult and a pile of junk was my introduction to Fredrick Backman. Here are my thoughts:

You learn in creative writing classes that short stories are really the basis of all literature. In a novel there are thousands and thousands of words and a singular sentence doesn’t always matter. But in short stories, everything matters. Every word and sentence, and I think that’s the true case of this one. It was pure comedic joy, while also being the perfect combination of discussions on bureaucracy and human relationships. At the end of the day, we’re all just people on different balconies. And loneliness can be great, so long as you also know how to find joy with others.

“And so they just stand there for a long while, three humans together, on separate balconies…
…Then they stand in silence, the three people, a breath away but with whole lives between them.”

[Akankshya (catching up) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the question is "Will I ever dislike a Fredrik Backman book, even if it is a tiny little ridiculous story?", the answer is NO.

Just the right amount of witty absurdity I like in my feel-good fiction. Centering on a cynical introverted dude, with brilliantly unhinged side-characters, and coming in under 100 pages, this is a cute little short story for people to try the author's style. It is primarily about happiness, pad thai, home owner's associations, and garbage. Backman makes it work and makes it quirky to boot.

“I usually keep my peanuts next to a jar of peanut butter, so they understand what I’m capable of!”
So happy I read all of this just to laugh at this one line.

[NILTON TEIXEIRA · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cynical.
So irritating because it’s true.
And so very funny.
Humans…
A quite brilliant short story.

[paula ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

My first book by Fredrik Backman and I loved it. I really liked that he mixes humor with themes that make us reflect on our society. I will definitely read more from the author.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything from Backman and I truly enjoyed it! Of course, some of the dialogue was cringe but it's that type of silliness used as a parody (for lack of a better word) to describe the crazy, rule following people in life who can't budge. Overall, it was such a happy read, very light-hearted with humor sprinkled throughout but still conveying a deeper mess about life.

p.s. It will make you really hungry for Pad Thai

[Vivian Diaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 ⭐️ This had some relatable quotes but the overall story was just kind of stupid and I didn’t really care for it. It was just too silly and weird for my liking. I usually love this author but this short story just didn’t do it for me.