Wednesday, September 2, 2026

The Art of Almost Losing It by Alina Jacobs, 623 pages

 There comes a time in every almost-thirty-year-old woman’s life when getting kidnapped off the street is preferable to admitting that the hot, rich boyfriend you’ve been bragging about for months does not, in fact, exist.

Yes, it’s terrifying being stuffed in the trunk of a Mercedes, but I would rather be locked in a stranger’s penthouse than sleeping on the floor of my parents’ apartment like the loser daughter I am.

Honestly?
It’s nice to get some alone time. And my own bathroom.
He bribes me with money not to call the police.
I scream at him for forcing me to go to brunch as his prisoner at the hottest restaurant in New York.
Now everyone in my parents’ aggressively posh Manhattan neighborhood thinks we’re dating.
Buckle up, buddy.
I have a full wedding itinerary to attend, and congratulations—you’re my fake boyfriend.
Unfortunately, my kidnapper is the worst fake boyfriend in the history of fake boyfriends.
He’s mean.
Aloof.
Emotionally unavailable.
And deeply offended by how much time I spend on my phone.
Meanwhile, I’m trying to ignore how yummy he smells, all muscular and tall as he fumes next to me in bed, furious because I asked him when the sexy portion of the kidnapping is going to happen.
It’s a fair question, though, right?!? I thought kidnapping came with benefits!
Guess my kidnapper didn’t want me that much after all.
Men lying about their desire for a relationship. Story of my life.
Now I’m trapped.
He’s miserable.
And somehow, this is starting to feel dangerously like a relationship.




Doctor in the House by Richard Gordon, 187 pages

 "One of the tests for prospective obstetricians was provided by a life-size papier maché model of half the female trunk, into which a straw-stuffed baby was slilpped through a trapdoor. The candidate was then provided with a pair of obstetrical forceps and required to deliver it.

Benskin solemnly applied the two blades to the head and gave a strong pull. Nothing happened. He pulled harder, his feet slilpped on the polished floor, and over his head flew mother, baby, forceps and all.
The examiner picked up one blade of the forceps and handed it to him. "Now hit the father with that," he said sourly, "and you'll have killed the whole bloody family.""