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10 Short Stories for Summer Reading

May 31st, 2013

Looking for summer reading? Summer is the perfect time to break out of one’s usual reading patterns and to explore new interests, ideas, and authors. For that reason, we think short stories make great summer reading. Here are 10 short stories that can be read in one sitting and that provoke deep thought and reflection:

1. Stephen Crane, “The Open Boat” (a gripping tale of survival)
2. John Updike, “Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu” (the quintessential ode to baseball)
3. Albert Payson Terhune, “The Coward” (a terrific dog story; find it in your copy of WSPWH)
4. Anthony Grooms, “Food That Pleases, Food to Take Home” (a powerful story about equality and compassion during the Civil Rights Era)
5. Manuela Crosno, “Martinez’ Treasure” (a charming tale of the human spirit, great for younger students)
6. Willa Cather, “The Best Years” (her final short story about a Nebraska schoolteacher; find it in your copy of WSPWH)
7. Ursula K. Le Guin, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” (a philosophical fable about the pursuit of  happiness)
8. Henry James, “Pandora” (the story of a self-made woman)
9. Ernest Hemingway, “Soldier’s Home” (about a soldier’s return home after World War I)
10. Willa Cather, “The Namesake” (the perfect story for Flag Day on June 14)

All these stories can be found online or in an anthology like WSPWH. Find more stories at our Library.

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