Certain American States

Following up on two acclaimed novels, author Catherine Lacey’s debut short story collection, Certain American States, chronicles love, loss and grief in a dozen tales. In “Please Take,” one widow casts her late husband’s clothing onto the street to erase his memory, only to later see the familiar threads on a stranger. In the eponymous “Certain American States,” another woman is brought to the deathbed of her godfather who reluctantly raised her before they grew estranged. Through 12 powerful stories, Lacey narrates the tales of characters who are reminded of old friends or family in troubling times. Be certain to stop into Harvard Book Store to see Lacey on Sept. 5. / Natalie Gale