"In these beautifully written stories, P.A. Callaro shows us a wide variety of people grappling with the fundamental problem of how to maintain vitality, creativity, kindness, and hope in a world that presents so many impediments to the flourishing of these crucial human virtues. Not Down in Any Map is a thoughtful, nuanced, soulful debut." -Matthew Sharpe, author of The Sleeping Father, an NBC Today Show Book Club selection, and Jamestown, and former Adjunct Assistant Professor of Writing, Columbia University MFA Program
In this collection of twelve insightful and evocative stories, vivid characters bruised by their relationships, their decisions, or by life itself are compelled to move in new directions.
These are everyday people tempted, or forced, to search for truth, guided by the signposts of their urban world. But along the way, each discovers a primordial truth: that the world is indifferent, and its signposts are ambiguous, often concealing truth rather than illuminating it.
Written with fearless introspection, lyrical prose, and rich symbolism, Not Down in Any Map explores the choices we make between fear and courage, hostility and compassion, disillusionment and hope-momentous choices bearing the power to either curse or save.



"A... vivid collection of urban tales full of memorable characters." -Kirkus Reviews "In these beautifully written stories, P.A. Callaro shows us a wide variety of people grappling with the fundamental problem of how to maintain vitality, creativity, kindness, and hope in a world that presents so many impediments to the flourishing of these crucial human virtues. Not Down in Any Map is a thoughtful, nuanced, soulful debut." -Matthew Sharpe, author of The Sleeping Father, an NBC Today Show Book Club selection, and Jamestown, and former Adjunct Assistant Professor of Writing, Columbia University MFA Program
In this collection of twelve insightful and evocative stories, vivid characters bruised by their relationships, their decisions, or by life itself are compelled to move in new directions.
These are everyday people tempted, or forced, to search for truth, guided by the signposts of their urban world. But along the way, each discovers a primordial truth: that the world is indifferent, and its signposts are ambiguous, often concealing truth rather than illuminating it.
Written with fearless introspection, lyrical prose, and rich symbolism, Not Down in Any Map explores the cho