Short Story Time
Okay my people who “don’t read books” – this one’s for you!
Or maybe you do enjoy reading, you just don’t have time for it. I hear ya.
Welcome to the glorious world of short stories! I’ve actually, honestly, always favored this genre… Somehow these authors create entire worlds with characters and issues that are suspensefully resolved within just a few pages. The fact that these plots can captivate readers so quickly is amazing.
But don’t take my word for it. Have a spare hour? Not even? Check out whichever one of my “top ten” recommendations suits you!
(Click on any of these titles for a free pdf of the text. Type the title into Google to easily find a different version, if necessary. Most of them have a free audiobook version on YouTube, too.)
“The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connel (1924)
This famous thriller explores the idea of a literal manhunt. When big-game hunter Rainsford crashes on Zaroff’s island, roles are reversed as he has to survive a day of being prey. You probably read this in school, but it’s worth rereading… especially before the movie comes out.
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson (1948)
The huge twist at the end makes this story worth reading again and again – especially because knowing how it concludes makes the ‘boring’ beginning make complete sense. Originally published in The New Yorker, Jackson initially received TONS of hate mail, since readers were so disturbed and caught off-guard. And if that doesn’t convince you to read it, maybe my guarantee of extreme levels of symbolism and foreshadowing will.
“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates (1966)
If creepy realism is your thing, JCO has got you covered. When teenager Connie flirts with an older man, who then later shows up at her house when she’s home alone, the self-absorbed girl may have bit off more than she can chew. Plus he might just literarily be the Devil, so that’s a fun analysis for you. And the story is weirdly dedicated to Bob Dylan, so…
Anything by Ray Bradbury (“There Will Come Soft Rains,” “Sound of Thunder,” “All Summer in a Day”)
This crazy old man wrote more than just Fahrenheit 451. You really can’t go wrong with any of his science-fiction stories, but my three favorites are listed above. Even my students who “didn’t like reading” honestly enjoyed his work. They’re fun (but also depressing) and weird (but not outlandish) and make you think (if you want to).
“Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin (1894)
A super short, yet equally famous piece that teaches irony better than anything I know. This two-page story focuses on a woman’s immediate reaction to hearing of the death of her husband. And at this point if you’re thinking, “Doesn’t Meg recommend anything lighthearted?” You sound just like my students, and the answer is no.
“Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1892)
Ever wonder what it feels like to go crazy? While The Bell Jar does an excellent job of exploring that journey, we don’t all have the time (or motivation) to get lost in a novel. Instead, check out Sylvia Plath’s inspiration – a fictional collection of journal entries from a woman locked in a house as “rest cure” in order to ride out her depressive breakdown. You’ll have to read it to find out how well that very-real-at-the-time treatment works…
Anything by Edgar Allan Poe (“Cask of Amontillado,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “Fall of the House of Usher”)
You all know who this is (or, at least, you should), but when’s the last time you read any of his work? He’s smart and creative and deserves to be read more often than in English class on Halloween. You’re also probably wondering why I didn’t specifically recommend “The Raven,” but that’s because it’s technically a narrative poem, not a short story… But if you like his writing, go ahead and knock yourself out. (“Annabel Lee” is pretty great, too.)
“The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien (1990)
O’Brien’s recount of his time serving in Vietnam is so well-written I can’t recommend it enough. In fact, this “short story” is actually the first chapter of a novel that I highlighted in a previous post. The characterization and symbolism remind readers that this war was real and personal – not just some hippie-era debate. Plus, the modern and conversational language makes it easy and enjoyable to read.
“The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs (1902)
I’m not going to lie, the main reason I included this is because of Jordan Peel’s production company. And if you’ve seen Us or Get Out, you’ll kind of know what to expect when reading this supernatural short story. The plot explores that famous theme of “be careful what you wish for” when the White family faces some unintended consequences brought on by their arrogant use of magic. Dun dun dun.
“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut (1961)
Vonnegut reminds me (and many others) of Bradbury… in the best way. This “other” anti-authoritative author has numerous famous pieces of writing – including Slaughterhouse Five. My favorite, appropriately enough, depicts a world where everyone has “handicaps” intended to make them all equal. Despite the science-fiction genre, you can easily create parallels between his dystopian society and modern-day reality, making the ending even more powerful than it already is.
And there you go!
(Looking for novel recommendations instead? Visit either this post or this one.)