The book is The Art of Subtext, by Charles Baxter (published by Graywolf Press). It's great! I'm still only halfway through, but am really enjoying it. It's part of a series, "The Art of--," which is edited by Baxter. I also ordered The Art of Recklessness: Poetry as Assertive Force and Contradiction by Dean Young, which from the sample I read, is a LOT more fun than the rather dry title indicates...