But each one ended in a minor disappointment, ultimately leaving the reader with very little emotional impact. The characters also became mildly annoying over time. Whether male or female, straight or gay, all the inhabitants of Gates' worlds seem to come from the same mold. They almost always have trouble with relationships. They cheat, provoke fights, and have other minor vices.
None are likable.
However, none are dislikable enough to motivate the reader against them. Perhaps these stories work better as individual pieces, with the reader taking a long break between reading each one. After a while, you just can't stand hearing about any more neurotic yuppies and their self-destructive relationships. And so it is with this collection, though Gates' characters and stories get tiresome much quicker than those in a Woody Allen movie.