Mixed Company, a book of twelve fiction short stories by Jenny Shank, is filled with diverse characters of humanity, depth, and humor.
Based primarily in Denver, with the exception of a poignant journey of a Denver family’s visit to Paris, this story collection is filled with people of different racial and economic backgrounds who find themselves thrown together with the expectation of accomplishing some sort of goal. The mix and ideals of the various characters in the stories are told with humor, grit, honesty and an innocence that I found spellbinding.
Every player Shank depicts has clear imagery, a reason for being there, from a worried pregnant woman, to an awkward middle-school basketball player, to a white mother of an adopted Black boy—all of them in search of happiness, or at least acceptance.
Each story has its own message and I found myself alternately laughing, cringing, or close to tears. Although I usually prefer novels—something that I can savor for a period of time—I loved this collection of short stories.