Kerry Langan's stories capture those fleeting moments when a child experiences a revelation about the adult world, often a disturbing portent. She is equally fascinated with childhood experiences that haunt adults and become more significant with the passing of time. Although her characters and settings are highly realistic and often humorous, Langan reveals how pain distorts one's world, how lives can be tenuously held together by secrets and memories. Her characters are not allowed to suffer delusions; they learn hard, undeniable truths about themselves. Where others would look away, Langan does not flinch. 228 pp. ISBN 978-0-9796552-7-2
These are wonderful, heartfelt stories - clear-eyed, masterful, and engaging in every detail. Kerry Langan knows the magic of empathy and of smart storytelling, and I know she will fill you with gratitude, as she did me, for the care and grace she has brought to this beautiful work.
Joe David Bellamy, former member of National Book Critic Circle Board of Directors, author of Suzie Sinzinnati.
With delicate brushstrokes, Kerry Langan paints fine miniaturist portraits of a variety of young, likeable protagonists, all of whom yearn to be seen, heard, and understood as they experience the revelations of maturity and the joy and fragility of life. Kerry Langan's Only Beautiful is sometimes humorous, sometimes bittersweet, and always seductive in the best sense of the word. Hers is a new and original voice, and Wising Up Press has done us all a great favor by publishing her lovely and insightful debut collection. Janice Eidus, author of The War of the Rosens, Urban Bliss, The Celibacy Club, and Vito Loves Geraldine.
