Tuesday is National Read A Book day, and I’m assuming you don’t have the time to celebrate by reading a book. You’re in luck, because I have compiled seven of some of my favorite short stories! These stories are classics and some are easily accessible online. Depending on the classes you are taking or may be taking, you might have a head start on assigned readings!
“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” by Joyce Carol Oates
This story is about a thirteen or so year old girl named Connie. Connie doesn’t really get along all that well with her parents as of late and likes to spend time hanging out with her friends and listening to their favorite music. One day, when Connie is home alone, a strange man pulls up in front of her house, claiming to know her and what she’s like. Aside from the expected feelings of “oh god who is this creep and how is this going to end,” there are a lot of “unworldly” tones and moods from this strange horror story.
“All Summer In A Day” by Ray Bradbury
Bradbury is fantastic at writing short stories but ever since I first read this one over five years ago, it has stuck with me. Another science fiction, the setting is Venus, where a group of schoolchildren have never seen the sun, except for one, who everyone choses to ostracize and mock for believing the sun is coming out for an hour.
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
Written with only a few edits afterwards, this short story is definitely chilling. It follows a town on their lottery day. What is the lottery? You’ll have to read to find out. But watch for the hive mind of the citizens, their stubbornness to continue their practice, the general attitude of everyone.
“A Side Of Ketchup” by Dana K. Sato
I love the author of this piece, and this is honestly one of the best short stories I have read, partly because the author is incredible and partly because the topic is ridiculous. Read all about Gus, his unusually “decorated” hot dog stand and what happens to the people who order “just the bun” at oddvillepress.com. It is in volume two, issue four.
“Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin
I enjoyed this story so much I sought out a Chopin collection. This story is hilarious; it follows the short revelation of a recently widowed woman in her realization that she is now “free” from her husband’s will and control over her. Chopin is excellent with language usage to criticize misogynistic ideas and this story takes care to show examples of that.
“Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut
Want a dystopian science fiction story that makes you think? Harrison Bergeron is a creepy story detailing the brief act of rebellion in a world where “equality” has been taken literally rather than allowing for “equity”. Make sure you read this with someone though- you’ll want to talk about the ending to a person who knows what you’re talking about.
“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
This short story follows a black mother struggling with her eldest daughter, Dee or “Wangero’s” conceptions of her and her younger sister, and her rejection of her roots rather than a traditional “native African” family. Walker’s story pokes subtle fun at Wangero through her writing but also captures dynamic between family not often captured, regarding a topic not often talked about.
