Giraffe & Flamingo

By: Curtis Sittenfeld

Narrated by: Tanya Eby

In this incisive short story about memory and the limits of self-perception, the New York Times bestselling author of Rodham and Prep reflects on motherhood, gender, power dynamics, and the lingering effects of the past.

Emily appears to have it all: professional success and a sweet family life. But when her promotion causes her family to relocate to a new city, the move unexpectedly stirs up unpleasant memories of Jack Olney, the handsome jock who bullied her during college.

As Emily sorts through her recollections and past humiliations, she decides to reach out to her old dorm mates. Do they remember her? Are they happy? And whatever happened to Jack?

With piercing emotional truth, Curtis Sittenfeld explores the indignities we can’t ever seem to shake - and the pitfalls of self-reflection.

©2020 Curtis Sittenfeld. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Definitely not her best work.

“MEH” pretty much sums this one up. How does a short story end up so long and rambling? Definitely not her best work. Skip this and go (re)read “Eligible.”

Vapid and boring

I usually love Curtis Sittenfeld. This story felt empty and without any real point. It showcased a woman essentially regressing in maturity in her adulthood. Hugely disappointing.

Glad It was Free

Pro: The narrator did a good job. Her voice was easy to listen to.
Con: The author could have easily left out the ‘F-bombs’ and appealed to a broader audience. In short, it’s a short story about college kids in a Co-Ed dorm sleeping around.

Weird Story, Robotic Reader

The story was only ok. Too obsessed with going to the bathroom. Also, this reader is monotonous.

Weird story

I’m a big fan of Curtis Sittenfeld but this missed the mark. Mostly a short story about pooping in dorm life. Strange. And I HATED the narration.