Focusing on the condition of the modern family, a thematically linked collection of short fiction captures the lives, dreams, and fates of men, women, and children who live outside of the American Dream.

Reprint. Originally published: 2001. "Ballantine reader's circle"--Cover.

Safety man -- I demand to know where you're taking me -- Big me -- Prodigal -- Passengers, remain calm -- The illustrated encyclopedia of the animal kingdom -- Among the missing -- Prosthesis -- Here's a little something to remember me by -- Late for the wedding -- Falling backwards -- Burn with me.