What does it really mean to connect with others? In the chaos of modern life, connection can be tender, transactional, or downright treacherous. From moments of quiet hope to scenes that turn raw and dark, these stories cut into the contradictions of the human experience. A social-climbing mom determined to impress the alpha PTA queen. Bickering colleagues finding solidarity on a disastrous work outing. A young woman hiding a savage secret as she navigates the brutal world of city dating. In her debut collection of short fiction, Jo Avent doesn’t flinch from the messy truth of human ties. Suburban Jungle & Other Stories is by turns sharp, funny, and thought-provoking—an exploration of what we risk for belonging: betrayal, regret, and the uneasy thrill of being known. "Jo Avent is poised to break out in the best way: Crystalline voice, tight plotting, fantastic depth. She takes on the problems of the day with verve and imagination. Buy this and read it again and again!" Joss Norton Jo's short stories exhibit her continuous imagination in her carefully constructed short stories. Her characters are perfectly drawn, encouraging readers to accept them and relate to them. Her conclusions are strong, with all of the loose ends neatly tied up. Jeffrey W. Dorn, Precise details, vivid verbs, and fresh descriptions are found in Jo's short stories. Her impressive knowledge is reflected in such issues as espionage and double agents, for which she may have done her homework, i.e. research. Her plots flow quickly and smoothly, keeping the reader consistently engaged. Her stories do not disappoint. --Ricki Dorn, retired English professor, published poet and essayist