Men Under Water: Short Stories

``Inn Essence,'' the tale of a young American salad chef among a group of Thai waiters, is the highlight of this collection; other standouts include ``Purification,'' in which a fishing trip becomes a metaphor for life, and ``Museum of Love,'' a send-up of modern culture. ``Original, at times whimsical, the stories . . . are deft and biting entertainment,'' said PW. (July)