Show don't tell

by Curtis Sittenfeld

A funny, fiercely intelligent, and moving collection exploring marriage, friendship, fame, and artistic ambition—including a story that revisits the main character from her iconic novel, Prep—from the New York Times bestselling author of Eligible and Romantic Comedy.

In her second story collection, Sittenfeld shows why she’s as beloved for her short fiction as she is for her novels. In these dazzling stories, she conjures up characters so real that they seem like old friends, laying bare the moments when their long held beliefs are overturned.

In “The Patron Saints of Middle Age,” a woman visits two friends she hasn’t seen since her divorce. In “A for Alone,” a married middle-aged artist embarks on a creative project intended to disprove the so-called Mike Pence Rule, which suggests that women and men can’t spend time alone without lusting after each other. And in “Lost but Not Forgotten,” Sittenfeld gives fans of her novel Prep a window into the world of her beloved character Lee Fiora, decades later, when Lee attends an alumni reunion at her boarding school.

Hilarious, thought-provoking, and full of tenderness for her characters, Sittenfeld’s stories peel back layer after layer of our inner lives, keeping us riveted with her utterly distinctive voice.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Audiobook, Literary Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2025

About the author

Curtis Sittenfeld is the New York Times bestselling author of six novels, including Rodham, Eligible, Prep, American Wife, and Sisterland, as well as the collection You Think It, I'll Say It. Her books have been translated into thirty languages. In addition, her short stories have appeared in The New Yorker, The Washington Post Magazine, Esquire, and The Best American Short Stories, for which she has also been the guest editor. Her nonfiction has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time, and Vanity Fair, and on public radio's This American Life.

Reviews

[Jillian B · Rating 5 out of 5]

One hill I will always die on is that we don’t see enough midlife female main characters in literary fiction. This book definitely rights that wrong. Most of the stories are about women in their forties and fifties with compelling problems and rich inner lives. Two standout stories for me were one about a white woman who must deal with the aftermath of being caught “Karening” on camera and one about a middle-aged teacher who catches up with an old friend who’s become a self-help guru. All of the stories in this book are beautifully written, complex and above all, fun. Curtis Sittenfeld is a genius whose writing never fails to move me, and this book is no exception.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curtis Sittenfeld returns with Show Don’t Tell: Stories, a compelling collection of short stories that delves deep into the complexities of relationships, artistic pursuits, and the relentless quest for personal meaning. Through sharp wit, unflinching honesty, and a dose of humor, Sittenfeld explores marriage, long-term friendships, fame, and ambition in ways that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Each story introduces characters at crucial junctures in their lives—whether they’re facing the tension of a strained marriage, reflecting on past choices, or struggling to define themselves amid societal expectations. Sittenfeld’s signature insight shines through, capturing the inner conflicts of her characters, who often find themselves torn between societal norms and their personal desires.

In some of the stories, the characters aren’t always easy to love. But their flaws only make them more real, as they grapple with the emotional weight of ambition, privilege, and identity. There’s a rawness to these interactions, whether it’s the discomfort of a reunion with old friends or the complications of an ill-advised creative experiment. And as the stories unfold, readers are invited to examine their own lives and beliefs, even when the characters’ journeys are messier than anticipated.

One standout tale revisits Lee Fiora from Prep, offering fans a glimpse into how time has shaped her in unexpected ways. This sense of revisiting the past, whether through familiar characters or reflective moments, is a recurring theme, adding depth to the collection’s exploration of adulthood.

Sittenfeld has always excelled at humanizing her characters, and here, even the more unsympathetic ones are written with empathy, revealing the vulnerabilities beneath their hardened exteriors. The dialogue feels sharp and authentic, drawing us into the characters’ lives with the ease and precision of a seasoned storyteller.

Final Thoughts: Show Don’t Tell is a masterful collection that captures the messiness of life in a way only Sittenfeld can. These stories are both funny and poignant, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of characters who, like many of us, are still figuring it all out. Fans of her novels will appreciate the nuanced storytelling and emotional depth that makes this collection so captivating.

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[Stephanie Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Pub Day!

Curtis Sittenfeld understands people and she writes about them in such uncomplicated, perceivable ways. Show Don't Tell is a collection of stories exploring human behavior, instinct, insecurity and emotion. I loved it, like scream it from the rooftops type of love. All the stories were interesting and left room for interpretation. The characters are believable and relatable. I can say with 100% certainty that every reader will be able to find a little bit of themselves in at least one character if not many. This book thoughtfully unravels the complexities of life and social constructs. Show Don't Tell is a true work of art, nothing short of masterful.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Roman Clodia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some short stories are all about the plot or the twist but Sittenfeld deliberately dials down the drama in this collection and offers up slice of life tales that are observational and perceptive about life, family, relationships.

There's something about these narrative voices that implies a wit or wry humour even when the stories deal with more fraught situations. The early ones were definitely more resonant for me: postgrad students eagerly awaiting funding letters, and an exposure of a woman who doesn't consider herself racist but...

But mostly these deal with middle age: there are reunions with old friends, acknowledging stale marriages and stepping into a new future, there are concerns about new sexual partners and nostalgia for old ones. It's all low-key but feels realistic.

So not, perhaps, a collection to gallop through as these could feel a bit samey - but a solid, unshowy, almost consoling set of stories that are essentially optimistic about the connections that can be forged and that make up the values of life. 3.5 stars.

Thanks to Random House for an ARC via Netgalley

[Dee (in the Desert) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars for this short story collection. As is often the case, I connected to some stories and did not care for others at all. But Curtis Sittenfeld is a really, really good writer & these are all extremely well crafted stories, many about older women, lots of “day in the life” stuff. A few feel pretty dated already (“Mike Pence Rule” LOL) as many were published previously. Overall, I felt it was worth my reading time!

[Brandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big Curtis Sittenfeld fan and now a completist, and after really liking her last short story collection, You Think It, I’ll Say It, I was excited to read Show Don’t Tell — It did not disappoint!

The sign of a great short story is one that feels complete enough as is yet leaves me interested enough to want to continue reading more about the characters or what’s happening.

Show Don’t Tell largely achieved this and I appreciate how Sittenfeld can write so many different stories capturing authentic human behavior well. I recognized one short story I’d previously listened to as an Audible Original a few years ago and long-time Sittenfeld fans are in for a surprise with a brief return to one her past books. This is an interesting, entertaining, contemporary collection.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not normally one for short story collections, but I'd never read from Curtis Sittenfeld before, and this seemed like a good way to sample their work.

And it was.

I really loved the writing style and will definitely be checking out the full-length novels.

I enjoyed every story in the collection to varying degrees.

Standouts would be A for Alone, White Women LOL, and Patron Saints for Middle Age.

Creative Differences was probably my least favourite.

Overall, I'd give this collection 4 stars.

[Jessica Woodbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second story collection by Sittenfeld and much of my review of the first holds here. I like her short fiction better than her novels. These are very competent, thoughtful, engaging short stories. I also really like how Sittenfeld is determined to keep almost all of these stories around middle-aged midwestern women. It's a needed counterbalance to all the stories about youthful protagonists with big city dreams.

I haven't been reading many story collections. I have been thinking about it and I think it's because they ask me to work, to bring effort. They are going to Do Something and then when they're done we Do Something Else. And with Sittenfeld's collection... I never felt that. I felt like I could just breeze through it. Is this a good thing? Is this a bad thing? I do not have an answer to this question.

I will say that I really did not need the long last story to be a follow up to Prep.

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curtis Sittenfeld has a very distinct niche in that her best fiction revolves around academia. In this collection, almost every story is concerned with the effect that the pressure cooker existence of either university or prep school life has had on the protagonist. These aren't change of life stories, stories containing a sharp edge of drama or realization, but those that are reflective and slice of life. As with any well written collection, this is a more challenging read than a novel of the same length, each story worthy of reading on its own in order to absorb.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published February 25, 2025.

Four stars for this collection of twelve stories, mostly about marriage and female friendships, including a story about Lee Fioravante, the main character in Sittenfeld’s PREP as she returns to Ault for a reunion.

My favorites were the title story about grad students waiting to hear about their fellowships and a neighbor, “Giraffe and Flamingo” in which a woman reflects back on her days in a co-Ed residence hall and “Lost But Not Forgotten,” the aforementioned story about Fiora.

If you are the biggest of all Sittenfeld fans and regularly seek out her work you may be a bit disappointed as most of these stories have been previously published elsewhere, but I had not read them, and the stories were generally all good. Very enjoyable.

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a big reader of short stories, but I enjoyed the previous book I read by Sittenfeld, and I saw a few friends that loved this, so I decided to give it a try, and it did not disappoint ! I enjoyed these stories. Some I liked more than others, which is only to be expected in a short story collection. They are about regular life things such as friendships, marriage, parenthood, work life….and many of them I found pretty funny. Sittenfeld is a talented writer and I would highly recommend you picking this up!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, so unnecessarily political

Get over perpetuating the divide in America. Why not be equally political instead of so obviously one-sided. Guess liberals and progressives will love this book…moderates, conservatives not so much.

[SusanTalksBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** 10/17/25 *** Finished! I really love Sittenfeld's writing vibe and how she portrays people and relationships. I feel like I like almost all of the people she creates in her stories, and am kind of invested in what happens with them - surprisingly that feels uncommon in so many novels! Definitely recommend this book to lovers of contemporary fiction who favor character development and storytelling over gimmicks. 5-stars


*** 10/7/25 *** Just started my 2nd Curtis Sittenfeld book (review of previously read Romantic Comedy here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).

This is a wonderful collection of short stories, at least one of which is inspired by a public figure(s), and they are fantastic. She has a great way of describing very relatable people - mostly women so far - navigating various chapters of their lives. No dramatic hooks, no outrageous themes, just well written and thoughtful characters navigating a certain period of life and sometimes reflecting back on that time later on. But they are interesting and that's what gets you. Even normal every day people's stories pull you in and make you want to learn more - when written well.

I stayed up too late last night reading this and will probably finish it in the next day or so. Sometimes short stories really hit the spot. Full review coming soon.

[Angie Miale · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I often forget how good of a writer Curtis Sittenfeld is; I know she is on my "auto-read" list and that I have rated several books 5 stars including the other short story collection. But this is a really wonderful collection- it is so incredible to read this form; it doesn't have to fall into any sort of beginning-middle-end pattern, there is enough time in each story to really appreciate the story arc and the characterization, and every single story is a variation on a theme of relationships and how we relate to each other. I don't know of any other writer, other than Raymond Carver, who writes short story so well. It is really difficult to publish a collection of short stories as they don't sell well, but it is so brilliant to pick up a book and have 20 minutes or so, and read an entire story arc.

Reading a story without anticipating reveals at specific segments or a definitive "Act 1, 2, 3" type format was so refreshing. Every story was just long enough to understand the main character, whether I liked them or not, and what the goal of the story is. I wish there were more short story writers like Curtis Sittenfeld.

The voice is a little more cynical than I typically like, but because each main character is not something you invest in for more than 20 minutes at a time, it worked. A lot of insecurity and mild anxiety in the MCs. Brilliant insights and inner dialogue.

12 short stories, and honestly they are all good.

Book to be published February 25, 2025. Thanks to @netgalley and @randomhouse for the ARC.
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #ShowDontTell

[BookOfCinz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of short stories, I ate this entire collection up, absolutely brilliant.

I loved her take on race, love, forgiveness and even how she tells a story about covid was so interesting. A stellar collection.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if I'm growing out of Curtis Sittenfeld or if her writing is just growing away from me. This second collection of short stories, Show Don't Tell, is probably no worse than her first full-length collection, You Think It, I'll Say It, and yet I was far less impressed by it. It's interesting that I'd read almost half of these stories before, either in her previous short collection Help Yourself or as Amazon Originals. Therefore, a number of these were re-reads, and with the exception of 'Giraffe and Flamingo', they did not repay rereading. But then, the new-to-me stories mostly failed to captivate either, although I did like 'The Richest Babysitter in the World' and 'The Patron Saint of Middle Age'.

Sittenfeld deliberately sticks to what she knows, writing about midwestern white American women of a particular generation - now in their fifties, they look back to college days in the 1980s or 1990s. In You Think It, I'll Say It, I thought this was a strength, but I now feel it's becoming a weakness. All her protagonists are identical (even when they are men) and the register, for better or worse, is definitely veering more towards the middlebrow. Sittenfeld's short fiction tends to work better for me when it has a snappy premise - for example, in 'A for Alone', where an artist decides to challenge Mike Pence's belief that women and men shouldn't be alone together unless they are married by taking a series of male friends out to lunch - as otherwise it meanders, the writing not strong enough to accomplish the nebulous magic that some literary fiction manages. I did enjoy reading this collection, and I think many people will enjoy reading it a lot more than me, so I don't want to put off any prospective readers, but I'm going to mute my excitement about the next Sittenfeld release. (And try to forget that she ever tried to write a follow-up to her fantastic Prep ('Lost But Not Forgotten') which somehow brings less than nothing to the table by making Lee Fiora just the same as all the other middle-aged women in these stories.) 3.5 stars.

I received a free proof copy of this collection from the publisher for review.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent set of short stories by Sittenfeld. I just love her - and it was great to spend time with Lee Fiora from “Prep” again. I read “Prep” a few months ago, so Lee is still fresh in my mind.

Highly recommend, especially to Sittenfeld fans.

[Tell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sittenfeld continues to be the premier chronicler of the human condition. Stunning, prickly, and expertly observed, these stories capture so many slivers of what it means to be a person who questions, who wants, who desires, who strays.

We're often told that middle age is when curiosity dies and our lives are settled, but Sittenfeld's characters search for meaning and happiness long after most authors would have moved on younger, less realistic folks. Incredible.

[Kendall · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst books I have read in awhile. In short: white people be whitin’. Trite, diluted, derivative short stories. I took umbrage with how the author wrote (what few) black characters very awkwardly. Not sure if that was a political statement? Or she’s just not sure how to write about black folks? Either way…nah. My black arse was cringing. The most disappointed I have been with a book in a minute, as I am obsessed with Sittenfeld’s last two novels.

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her latest collection of short stories, Curtis Sittenfeld demonstrates why she remains one of contemporary literature's most astute observers of human nature. "Show Don't Tell" presents eleven stories that explore the complexities of relationships, fame, artistic ambition, and the ever-shifting dynamics of modern life. With her characteristic wit and insight, Sittenfeld creates characters who feel so authentic that reading their stories is like remembering experiences from your own life.

The Art of Observation: Sittenfeld's Narrative Style

What sets Sittenfeld apart is her ability to capture the minute details that make a moment real. Whether describing a former boarding school student's encounter with a rock star ("Lost but Not Forgotten") or the delicate dance of professional boundaries ("Show Don't Tell"), she has an uncanny talent for noticing the small gestures and unspoken thoughts that reveal deeper truths about her characters.

The collection's title story exemplifies this strength. Following a group of MFA students navigating the politics of graduate school funding, it perfectly captures the anxiety of artistic ambition colliding with financial reality. The protagonist's keen observations of her fellow students and their complex social dynamics create a story that is both wickedly funny and painfully true to life.

Themes That Resonate
Marriage and Its Aftermath

Several stories in the collection deal with marriage, divorce, and the ways relationships evolve over time. In "The Marriage Clock" and "The Tomorrow Box," Sittenfeld explores how couples navigate changing expectations and growing apart. These stories are particularly powerful in their portrayal of the quiet moments when relationships shift, often imperceptibly, until change becomes inevitable.

The Politics of Modern Life

Sittenfeld doesn't shy away from contemporary issues, addressing them with nuance and complexity. "A for Alone" tackles the intersection of art and politics through a creative project challenging gender segregation, while "White Women LOL" examines racial dynamics and privilege in suburban America. These stories feel particularly relevant to our current moment, yet avoid heavy-handedness in favor of human complexity.

Fame and Its Consequences

The collection includes several stories that deal with fame and its impact on both the famous and those adjacent to celebrity. These pieces are especially compelling given Sittenfeld's own experience with literary fame, offering insight into the ways public recognition can both elevate and isolate.

Strengths and Notable Stories

Character Development

Sittenfeld excels at creating fully realized characters in just a few pages. Each protagonist feels distinct and authentic, with their own particular ways of seeing the world. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, even when they appear only briefly.

Stand-Out Stories
- "Show Don't Tell" - A masterful exploration of power dynamics in academia
- "Lost but Not Forgotten" - A satisfying revisit with Lee Fiora from "Prep"
- "The Patron Saints of Middle Age" - A poignant examination of friendship and time's passage
- "White Women LOL" - A sharp look at racial dynamics and self-awareness

Areas for Improvement

While the collection is strong overall, some readers might find certain stories less compelling than others. "Creative Differences" feels slightly less developed than its companions, and occasionally Sittenfeld's characters can seem too similar in their educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Writing Style and Technical Mastery

Sittenfeld's prose is clean and precise, with moments of startling beauty that never feel forced. She has a particular talent for dialogue that captures both what people say and what they mean, often revealing the gap between the two. Her use of first-person narration in many stories creates an intimate connection with readers while maintaining careful control of perspective and revelation.

Final Verdict

"Show Don't Tell" is a remarkable achievement that showcases Sittenfeld's considerable talents while pushing into new territory. While not every story will resonate equally with all readers, the collection as a whole offers a rich and rewarding reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Show, Don’t Tell is a funny and deeply relatable short story collection about marriage and friendship. The characters feel so real it’s like sitting across from them, talking honestly about life, aging, love, and the bonds that sustain us.

Tender and thought-provoking, these stories offer a warm, empathetic, and honest portrayal of women and their relationships. The writing is sharp, observant, witty, and charismatic, with moments that quietly define who we are at different stages of life.

As with any collection, some stories resonate more strongly than others, and the pacing can feel uneven at times. Still, the emotional depth and humanity of the writing stand out, making this a collection that lingers. It’s hard to rate a book with so many different voices and moods, but its honesty, warmth, and insight make it a rewarding read.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curtis Sittenfeld won my heart with her short stories, stumbled upon organically (well, as organically as you can consider popping up all over Kindle and Audible to be) . After moving on to her artful retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, I knew I was a fan for good.

That being said, my hopes were high. Dualities have also been giving my brain a run for my money lately so having a handful of them reduced to easy to digest short stories was cathartic - though in true Curtis Sittenfeld fashion, never too heavy for a COL (chuckle out loud). I'm very very pleased to say... Show Don't Tell didn't disappoint. Some stories I could have done without and others I had read before (S/O to Kindle again for having 1 positive impact on the world - bringing us lots of Curtis Sittenfeld). One story made me cry though, and another I wrote a rating of "700/5". Despite the math technically being off, this get's 5/5 from me.

Ratings by Story:
Show Don't Tell 3/5 (can people too close to your success really be 100% happy for you, or is it tainted?)
The Marriage Clock 5/5
White Women LOL 5/5
The Richest Babysitter in the World 700/5
Creative Differences 4/5 (ending wasn't my fav, but great look what you give value and which relationships are truly the most intimate)
Follow-Up 4/5 (esp refreshing as my MIL is dealing w breast cancer rn)
The Tomorrow Box 4/5 (read previously as a standalone short story)
A for Alone 4/5
The Patron Saints of Middle Age 4/5
Giraffe & Flamingo 4/5 (read prev & said "I was also destined to be full of fun facts thx to my mom, you fall into the specifics of one story w/o realizing
The Hug 700/5 (the one that made me cry)
Lost But Not Forgotten 3/5 (didn't realize this was a f/u to Prep... maybe had I known & read Prep, I'd have enjoyed it more

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Curtis Sittenfeld, and Random House for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}

[Natalie (Natflix&Books)]

An update on Lee Fiora!

When I was in high school, I remember reading a story in Seventeen magazine from the winner of their short story contest. It followed a teen in love with her friend. I adored this story. I read it over and over. I found a copy of the magazine years later only to discover that the author of this story that I loved so much was no other than Curtis Sittenfeld, the author of my favorite novel Prep. All this to say that Sittenfeld writes some awesome short stories, and I cannot wait for this.

[Rainie &#x1f3a7; · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNFed this. It’s just not that interesting to me. Personally, a compelling slice-of-life story has to be darker (like Road Dahl’s short stories for adults) or more whimsical (like Studio Ghibli films). While I could read between the lines & understood what the author was attempting to portray, I just didn’t enjoy the stories as much as I thought I would.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another engaging collection of short stories from Sittenfeld. Her collections are some of the few for which I enjoy most, if not all of the stories.

[Alena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ripped through this short story collection in a single day, finding a lot of familiar and relatable material since most involve the thoughts and challenges of their mid-life narrators. Even if these stories aren't exactly reflective of my life, the voices and perspectives feel instantly familiar to me. And I did read the novel Prep and, although I couldn't have told you any details, instantly recognized the continuation of that main character in this collection.
I think I actually prefer her short story format more than her full novels. Very enjoyable.

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curtis Sittenfeld is an auto-buy author for me. I’m consistently captivated by her clever, funny and insightful writing style. I was thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read and review Show Don’t Tell, her latest collection of short stories. The underlying theme of this collection is women at a middle age crossroads who are willing to do anything for what they want. The author does not shy away from controversy and the main characters aren’t always sympathetic. She explores themes of long term relationships, infidelity, fame, and white privilege. My only complaint would be that the stories feel somewhat similar. Overall an entertaining and intelligent collection of short stories.
4/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Tilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

After loving Sittenfeld’s previous novel Romantic Comedy, I was excited to read this new short story collection. While the writing is immersive, and some of the stories are quite impactful, the overarching tone is very melancholy, which was unexpected after the sparkling humour of her earlier novel. I appreciated Sittenfeld’s interest and commitment to portraying the daily lives and internal struggles of middle-aged Midwestern women, but I found this focus made it almost impossible to differentiate between the narrators of each story; the effect was that it read almost like a novel of individual snapshots from the same perspective, following pretty much the same format, instead of a collection of distinct pieces. The recurring themes of unhappy marriages and missed chances added to this effect, so though I recognize the technical craft of the stories, I was left feeling underwhelmed.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written, but this book was not for me.
If I’m going to read a book of short stories, it needs to be stories that are somewhat captivating. By the time I was on story number 3, I had already forgotten what story number 1 was about. None of the stories made me want to pick up the book and keep reading. It was not what I expected from Sittenfeld. Rodham, Romantic Comedy, and Eligible are a few of her books that I’ve read, really enjoyed, and would recommend to others.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.

[Claire Grebner · Rating 1 out of 5]

as soon as I realized that I was not the target audience for this, I should have stopped reading. even if I was the target demographic, I don't feel like this was very good at all and was instead quite random and abrupt in an off-putting and cringey way.