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A Resolution for the Rapacious Reader: Read More Short Stories

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Resolution: Will attempt to finish
the O. Henry Prize Stories of 2003
     Ahaha, sorry I haven't updated in so long.  I have no excuse other than that this month, once I was done with a frenetic school day plus homework and studying, I wanted to do something mind-numbing like watch Skins and documentaries rather than blog.  But I feel disciplined today, so I am suggesting a New Years' Resolution to you all: Read more short stories!  
     This is a resolution for me too because I read far more novels than short pieces.  But I have read some really awesome short stories in the past and I feel like I should seek out more this year.  A good short story is the bridge between a poem and a novel: it is as concentrated, delicate, and detailed as a poem, but allows for more story, more character development, and more drawn-out exploration of themes.  Short stories deserve more love than the word is inclined to give them.  Here are a few that you should try reading this year:
1. "The A&P" by John Updike - This was one of the first great short stories I ever read.  It took me a while to understand
2. "All Summer in a Day" by Rad Bradbury - This story makes me want to tear my hair out.  I need to read more Ray Bradbury science fiction.
3. "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant - The ending is so satisfying and sad.  The message is impossible to miss or forget.
4. "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin - One of the best things about this one is the way Chopin builds the plot's tension right up until the last word.
5. "Happy Endings" by Margaret Atwood - Some people aren't even sure whether this is a short story at all.

      The best thing about this resolution is that it's easy!  You can read most of these short stories online.  Do you guys have any stories to recommend to me?

      - Carly
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Comments

  1. scott aka dadJanuary 26, 2015 at 6:54 PM

    Bring on the short stories. Good idea for me since I read like a chain smoker. I have multiple books in my ash tray, but don't finish all of them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KeitJanuary 27, 2015 at 12:55 AM

    Yes! I have a recommendation alright! :D If you like fantasy, definitely check the short stories from Robert Sheckley & Roger Zelazny, they set an amazing atmosphere!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJanuary 27, 2015 at 7:39 PM

      I just read a couple Robert Sheckley stories on your advice, and they were awesome XD

      Delete

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