Pull Gently, Tear Here is critically acclaimed poet Alexandra Leggat's first collection of short stories. In these short tales about fitting in, the lives of the characters are pulled in circles as pieces of their identity are torn away by the day to day events shaping their lives. In 'Dodger', a young boy who escapes his abusive family searches for empathy from petty criminals and an affluent woman whose flawless life cracks when their worlds cross paths. In the satirical story, 'Acrylic Dreams', Leggat reveals that something as superficial as nail polish can produce a radical effect on men. And in the poignant 'All Trapeze Artists and Clowns', we experience one character's struggle to achieve the trappings of success in life — the happy relationship, the satisfying career and the proud family — then, upon attaining these treasures, realizing that it's not all it's cracked up to be.

Alexandra Leggat is the author of two previous collections of short fiction, Pull Gently, Tear Here (nominated for the Danuta Gleed First Fiction Award) and Meet Me in the Parking Lot, as well as a volume of poetry. Alexandra works as a freelance writer and editor, teaches creative writing classes through Brock University's Continuing Ed Dept, and conducts writing workshops and seminars. Her articles and book reviews have appeared in Toro, Niagara Life Magazine, Celtic Heritage and The Globe and Mail. She currently lives in Toronto.

Alexandra Leggat's profile page