Happy International Short Story Day from The Faster Times

The short story is surely one of the most underrated of all art forms. Even writers tend to view the form as preparation for the novel, with too many publishing an early collection and then neglecting the form for the remainder of their career. We believe the short story is a unique and truly valuable form, offering insights and strengths other writing forms do not. A short story must be crafted with extreme attention to detail; in the short story every word counts.

Today the short story gets it due, as it is International Short Story Day. To show our appreciation, here are a few personal favorites to get you started on your short story reading marathon. What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments section.

“In The Ravine” by Anton Chekhov

“Sea Oak” by George Saunders

“End of the Line” by Aimee Bender

“Araby” by James Joyce

“The Circular Ruins” by Jorge Luis Borges

“The Enchanted Garden” by Italo Calvino

“The Conversion of the Jews” by Philip Roth

“Things You Should Know” by A.M. Homes

“Barking Man” by Madison Smartt Bell

“Secretary” by Mary Gaitskill

“Bullet in the Brain” by Tobias Wolff

For more ideas on what to read, check out this extensive list of recommendations from the official International Short Story Day site.

Erik Oster is an Assistant Editor at The Faster Times and a writer, editor and musician from Fairfield County, Connecticut. After graduating Goucher College in 2008 with a degree in creative writing, ...read more