When the Messenger is Hot
By Elizabeth Craner

     When the Messenger is Hot is a collection of short stories that boldly depict the light and shadow side of human nature, with a continuum of humor. With a diversity of female heroines, she reaches into the often feared depth of humanity with delicious honesty, from eccentric romantic interludes to the unavoidable relationship with one's self.

     Her unique and clever characters resonated at a strangely familiar level, giving comfort while expressing collective truths in a wry and witty manner. There's the agoraphobic writer who builds a home atop a solarium as a less tragic escape, a cynical girl who proposes a less discriminatory alternative to Valentine's day, an alcoholic wannabe who joins AA in a desperate attempt to feel part of a whole, and many more intriguing characters, each portrayed with an undeniable authenticity. It was a refreshing and connecting emotional ride, drawing one into each separate world, chuckling through tears or sniffling through laughter.

     Crane's intricately woven stories negotiate with life, death, and every questionable area in between, while cultivating a compassion for our individual oddities and imperfections. With formidable talent, she offers an understanding of the adversities of living, and love, aware we often dangle in the midst of uncertainty. Her unparalleled characters are charming company, and a reminder that we all share in some common growth pain, offering a breath of relief and world less lonely.

     My experience with Elizabeth Crane's piercing compilation has rendered me a few pounds lighter, several inches deeper, and a bit more forgiving of my own disposition.

     When the Messenger is Hot should be a staple on the shelf of anyone who has ever taken life too seriously, or feel they walk alone amidst this great adventure.