Chosen because she wrote a historical novel I loved, Slammerkin, back when I was reading lots of historical novels about prostitutes, like this one and this one.

These short stories are set in contemporary times, and are grouped by theme (Babies, Domesticity, Death). Not surprisingly I was most interested by the Babies stories. One ("Sleeping Through the Night") reminded me so much of my own experiences it was uncomfortable. But my interest waned as the stories went on and farther afield (Cajun buddies/rivals in Lousiana; a lesbian couple battling over a sick cat).