In "Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It," Maile Meloy crafts a riveting collection of stories that navigate the tumultuous landscapes of love, desire, and the human condition, set against the vast backdrop of the American West. With an unerring eye for detail and a masterful grasp of storytelling, Meloy delves into the lives of ordinary people caught in the throes of extraordinary dilemmas. From a ranch hand ensnared in an unexpected romance to a young father haunted by visions of his deceased grandmother, each narrative threads the needle between joy and sorrow, hope and despair, exploring the dualities that define our existence. Meloy's prose is both elegant and incisive, rendering complex characters and their convoluted emotions with a clarity that resonates deeply with the reader. This collection examines the precarious balance between what we yearn for and what we have, the spaces between love and loyalty, and the unyielding desire to grasp both sides of every coin. "Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It" is a testament to Meloy's formidable talent, offering a profound look at the battles we fight, the victories we claim, and the landscapes—both internal and external—that shape our lives. Through these eleven unforgettable stories, Meloy invites us into a world where the only certainty is the aching, beautiful complexity of the human heart.