disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial

This was such an interesting anthology of short stories to read through, as it was fully set in the world we live in, but back in 2020 through the early months of the pandemic/global shutdown. I felt transported back in time and began to reflect on my own time in my studio apartment and how it compared to the kids I read about in these pages. The theme of this anthology refers back to the titular notion of being "together" and finding connection and community while we are physically apart. 

Like any anthology, there were a few stories that really pulled me in, and others that were just fine. However, overall, though shutdown was a very challenging time for our world, I felt most of these stories were hopeful and left me feeling grateful for the connections I formed during that deeply traumatic time. 

Individual ratings:
Love, Delivered (Erin A. Craig) - 3 stars
The Socially Distant Dog-Walking Brigade (Bill Konigsberg) - 3 stars

One Day (Sajni Patel) - 3 stars
The Rules of Comedy (Auriane Desombre) - 1.5 stars
The New Boy Next Door (Natasha Preston) - 1.5 stars
Love with a Side of Fortune (Jennifer Yen) - 3.5 stars
The Green Thumb War (Brittney Morris) - 2.5 stars
Stuck with Her (Rachael Lippincott) - 3 stars
Masked (Erin Hahn) - 3.5 stars

Ultimately this anthology just fell really flat for me. I knew going into it that it was going to heavily mention the COVID19 pandemic, but it also promised some lighthearted, fun stories to escape with and I just....wasn't served that. Erin Hahn's Masked was my favorite story by far, but that even left a lot to be desired. If you're looking for an anthology to read, especially during this time, I wouldn't recommend this one. :(