In these philosophic and intensely profound tales of fiction inspired by true events, Leven dramatically depicts the consequences of bungling or fouling-up major life decisions. The tales deal with the broad topics of women, misogyny, teaching, the public school system, medical malpractice, and the law. Susan, an intelligent and educated young woman, even after receiving her university degrees, is still unable to decide on a career to pursue. With help and advice from her family, she decides to closely look back to her childhood for answers and chooses an ill-fated career in public education, leading to devastating consequences. Janet, a single, older woman, after losing her breast to cancer, makes the critical once-in-a-lifetime decision to pursue a malpractice case against her doctors, and here, is introduced to and becomes entangled and exasperated with the law and lawyers. Having twice taken courses in Objectivism with the famous author and philosopher Ayn Rand lecturing, Leven's iconoclastic ideas and dark analysis of life-events will often shatter or disrupt many of today's commonly accepted mores and norms. Each story relentlessly blasts away at and shatters commonly accepted truisms and stale platitudes. Leven is undoubtedly an image-breaker, and the reader will be unable to flee from her challenge to many sacred principles and doctrines by which we are guided through life. After reading these short pieces, one will surely have been exposed to a unique, often original perspective on the events depicted. Leven's characters, along with her readers, are enveloped in a detailed anatomy of the human heart and mind through meticulously painted events, dialogue, and a unique philosophy that permeates all.
