Book Review: British novelist Naomi Wood is out with an astonishingly good short story collection

“This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” is the debut story collection of the British author Naomi Wood. The stories feature 30-something women trying to have it all — kids, partners, satisfying careers. Constantly stressed out, they often go off the rails. One throws a pen at a counselor during a company therapy session for returning mothers. Another plots to disrupt her ex-boyfriend’s wedding. A third makes a sex tape with her husband while their kids are with her in-laws. Associated Press reviewer Ann Levin says Wood’s stories sparkle with wit and energy and are a joy to read. It be released on Tuesday.