I was going to give The Dangers of Smoking In Bed 2.75 stars, but, the last 3 stories made me change my mind. It is, by no means, poorly written. If you’re looking for writing inspiration or struggling with sensory descriptions, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Smells are written impeccably, I’ve never read a book that so accurately and unusually portrayed odours. 

My issue was that some stories really dragged, but some were really strong. I guess I just expected more horror or violence, I wished so often that the characters interacted stronger with their conflicts instead of being so passive. Many of the narrators simply watched the people around them truly experience something, which is great. To an extent. For something written by   a feminist viewpoint - I think - I wanted a piece of two of raw firsthand feminine rage, and I was left unsatisfied. 

 I was reminded of Eric LaRocca, who I think struggles with the same thing in his short story collections, too. As a whole, this novel has truly great moments and weak moments. I just, so badly, wanted more from many of the narrators, even in the short stories I genuinely liked.