As someone who typically reads novels and series, does anyone have recommendations of really good short stories to check out? I will read any genre, though I’m mostly looking for more contemporary short stories. Thanks!
It’s super short, you can read it in 10 minutes or less, but it’s so beautiful. I love it. Just Google it and you can read it online!
charactergallery on
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
MusicBlik on
Frank Stockton has a wonderful collection of short stories that includes his most famous work, “The Lady or the Tiger” (1882). I just looked him up to give that date and was astonished he wrote so long ago; his work is just so fun!
On the other hand, I have never been more enraged at a short story than when I finished Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” (1885).
And, of course, I will always recommend Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game” (1924).
Acceptable_Rule_7590 on
The Yellow Wallpaper
It’s not contemporary but it was very ahead of its time!
birdpictures897 on
If you like horror and dark fantasy, check out any of Ellen Datlow’s anthologies. I particularly enjoyed *Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells* (1800s/Victorian-era fantasy) and *Body Shocks* (body horror, some of it very gory and disturbing, definitely for adults), though I realize those themes are not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea.
starrfast on
Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut is one of my faves. Standard Loneliness Package by Charles Yu is one I read for school but think about constantly.
I’m also seconding the Yellow Wallpaper. I agree with the other commenter who said it was ahead of its time. It’s a great read.
IfIHad19946 on
Any of Stephen King’s novella collections (there are 13) and typically the most recommended are Nightmares and Dreamscapes, Skeleton Crew, Night Shift, and Four Past Midnight, but they’re all great.
MattAmylon on
Hell Is The Absence Of God by Ted Chiang (all his stuff is wonderful)
Pair A Spurs by Annie Proulx
The Garden Of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges
Passion by Alice Munro (personally my favorite short story ever)
The Husband Stitch by Carmen Marie Machado
Those Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. Leguin
8 Comments
Ex Oblivione by HP Lovecraft
It’s super short, you can read it in 10 minutes or less, but it’s so beautiful. I love it. Just Google it and you can read it online!
Recitatif by Toni Morrison
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Frank Stockton has a wonderful collection of short stories that includes his most famous work, “The Lady or the Tiger” (1882). I just looked him up to give that date and was astonished he wrote so long ago; his work is just so fun!
On the other hand, I have never been more enraged at a short story than when I finished Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” (1885).
And, of course, I will always recommend Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game” (1924).
The Yellow Wallpaper
It’s not contemporary but it was very ahead of its time!
If you like horror and dark fantasy, check out any of Ellen Datlow’s anthologies. I particularly enjoyed *Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells* (1800s/Victorian-era fantasy) and *Body Shocks* (body horror, some of it very gory and disturbing, definitely for adults), though I realize those themes are not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea.
Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut is one of my faves. Standard Loneliness Package by Charles Yu is one I read for school but think about constantly.
I’m also seconding the Yellow Wallpaper. I agree with the other commenter who said it was ahead of its time. It’s a great read.
Any of Stephen King’s novella collections (there are 13) and typically the most recommended are Nightmares and Dreamscapes, Skeleton Crew, Night Shift, and Four Past Midnight, but they’re all great.
Hell Is The Absence Of God by Ted Chiang (all his stuff is wonderful)
Pair A Spurs by Annie Proulx
The Garden Of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges
Passion by Alice Munro (personally my favorite short story ever)
The Husband Stitch by Carmen Marie Machado
Those Who Walk Away From Omelas by Ursula K. Leguin