I have to do a quick book plug. While I do not have time to sit and read books as much as I would like, I do have one series of books that I find a perfect fit for my busy days.
The Best American Short Stories books are one of my favorite reads. This year's edition is guest-edited by Stephen King, who helps to read thousands of stories and narrow the selections down. While King is not my favorite author (although I have enjoyed his book On Writing and also reserved one of his books recommended by my friend Julie), I had the opportunity to listen to him on NPR's Here and Now talk about the American short story. In the introduction of the book, he describes several wonderful magazines with short stories kept on the very bottom shelf in the bookstore, competing with best-selling and celebrity authors. Many readers never find the little gems that some of these stories truly are and if this form is slowly ebbing away. I hope not.
For me, I love short stories, ever since my junior high school days. Now, they enable me to complete a story before I fall asleep (sometimes, not always) and allow me to feel a sense of completion without taking two weeks to read one book. What a great form of writing. Check out any of the Best American Short Stories if you are looking for something to read. I have really enjoyed them and found some truly amazing writers in the process.
4 comments:
I noticed that one in the bookstore the other day. I'll have to pick up a copy.
For some reason, I can't get into short stories. I'd rather just pick up and read as many pages as I can before dozing off! LOL
I finished my Hallmark magazine yesterday-does that count as a short read? Not quiete sure if we are qualified for those leaf cookies but they sure looked pretty:)
Can I borrow it when you are done? Short stories is about all I can fit into my life as well. Or I will have to pick it up next time we do our BN coffee night.
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