A Smoke Stained Cab is the long anticipated debut story collection from Trista Hurley-Waxali. A book infused with magical realism, near future speculation and oddities both familiar and frightening, the book confronts difficult relationships and conversations in a time when dialogue and discourse sound like corporate mantras. It begins with "Desired Effect," a dystopian piece about a father who aims for his daughter's silence. While "Rooted" explores how addiction can stunt one's ability to find their tone. Bringing in a modern flair, "Baby Alexa" is about actively withholding grief from AI. To then close with "Anise," who unapologetically reclaims her voice in a basement garden. These stories aim for the reader to hear themselves in a climate demanding a stance.