Here’s a list of Most Popular Short Story Books to Read in 2022. A short story is a piece of fiction that is usually shorter than a novel and concentrates on a single, self-contained incident or set of events. It frequently features a single protagonist and seeks to convey a specific topic or message.
The short tale is frequently overshadowed by its lengthier counterpart, the novel. But don’t be deceived by its little size; the brief story carries a powerful punch. A short narrative can explore complicated issues, introduce fully developed characters, and leave a lasting impression on the reader in just a few thousand words.
The short story’s shortness is one of its many advantages. The short tale can focus on a single, striking moment or expose a character’s depths through a sequence of carefully chosen elements because there is no requirement to sustain a storyline over hundreds of pages. This economy of words allows the reader to thoroughly immerse themselves in the story, leaving an indelible memory.
So here are 10 popular short story books that are a must read before 2022 ends:
- “The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe” by Edgar Allan Poe
- “Dubliners” by James Joyce
- “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer
- “The Decameron” by Giovanni Boccaccio
- “The Thousand and One Nights” (also known as “The Arabian Nights”)
- “The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter” by Katherine Anne Porter
- “The Complete Stories” by Flannery O’Connor
- “Nine Stories” by J.D. Salinger
- “The Stories of Anton Chekhov” by Anton Chekhov
- “Translated Indian Short Stories” by Samiran Kumar Paul
- “The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe” by Edgar Allan Poe
“The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe” is a collection of all known stories, poems, and essays by Edgar Allan Poe. Some of Poe’s most famous and enduring works are included, including “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Raven,” and “The Pit and the Pendulum.” Poe was an American writer, editor, and literary critic who is regarded as one of the modern detective story’s forefathers. His work is well-known for its dark, gothic themes and explorations of the human psyche. Poe’s work frequently addresses themes of mortality, loss, and the power of the imagination.
Overall, “The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe” is a must-have for everyone who enjoys horror or gothic literature. It offers an in-depth examination of Poe’s writing and the issues he addressed throughout his career. - “Dubliners” by James Joyce
“Dubliners” is a collection of short stories by James Joyce, an Irish writer and poet widely regarded as one of the twentieth century’s most significant writers. The collection, which was released in 1914, is set in Dublin, Ireland, in the early twentieth century. “Dubliners” is a collection of interconnected stories about ordinary people living in Dublin at the time. The stories’ characters are all fighting to find meaning and purpose in their life, and the themes of solitude, dissatisfaction, and the pursuit of happiness are all explored.
Overall, “Dubliners” is a compelling and moving collection of stories that provides a rare glimpse into the lives of regular people in Dublin during a period of significant upheaval. Anyone interested in modern literature and the human experience should read it. - “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer
“The Canterbury Tales” is a collection of stories written in Middle English in the 14th century by Geoffrey Chaucer. The stories are told by a group of pilgrims on their way to Thomas Becket’s shrine in Canterbury, England. As they walk, each pilgrim recounts a narrative, and the collection as a whole presents a unique and diversified glimpse at medieval English culture. “The Canterbury Tales” stories span a wide range of topics, including love, marriage, religion, and social standing. Many of the stories are sarcastic and hilarious, making fun of the various characters and their flaws. There are, however, more serious stories that address deeper issues such as human death and the meaning of truth.
Overall, “The Canterbury Tales” is a famous literary work that provides a deep and diversified look at medieval English life. Anyone interested in history or literature should read it. - “The Decameron” by Giovanni Boccaccio
“The Decameron” is a collection of stories written by Giovanni Boccaccio, an Italian writer and poet, in the 14th century. The novel is organised as a frame story in which a group of young people flee to the countryside to avoid the Black Death, a horrific pandemic that was sweeping through Europe at the time. They individually tell a series of stories over the period of 10 days to pass the time, and the collection as a whole is known as the “Decameron.” It deals with a wide range of topics, including love, marriage, religion, and social standing. Many of the stories are sarcastic and hilarious, making fun of the various characters and their flaws. However, more serious stories address larger issues such as human mortality and the nature of truth. - “The Thousand and One Nights” (also known as “The Arabian Nights”)
“The Thousand and One Nights” is a centuries-old collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian fables and folktales. The stories are given by the queen Scheherazade, who is attempting to postpone her husband, the king’s, execution. Every night, she tells him a narrative but leaves the ending unfinished, so he will let her live another day to hear the ending.
“The Thousand and One Nights” stories contain a wide range of topics, such as love, adventure, magic, and the power of storytelling itself. Many of the stories are fantastical, with genies, sorcerers, and talking animals as characters. There are, however, more realistic stories that deal with topics such as love, betrayal, and loss. - “The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter” by Katherine Anne Porter
“Katherine Anne Porter’s Collected Stories” is a collection of short stories written by Katherine Anne Porter, an American writer and journalist recognised for her study of deep psychological topics. Some of Porter’s most famous and important stories are included in the collection, including “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” and “Flowering Judas.” Porter’s works frequently centre on her characters’ inner lives and the decisions they make. They are noted for their profoundly detailed and evocative descriptions, and they frequently deal with loss, sorrow, and the search for meaning.
Overall, “Katherine Anne Porter’s Collected Stories” is a must-read for anybody interested in American literature or the art of the short story. Porter’s writing is rich, descriptive, and genuinely moving, and this book demonstrates her storytelling prowess.
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- “The Complete Stories” by Flannery O’Connor
“The Complete Stories” is a collection of short stories by Flannery O’Connor, an American writer recognised for her dark, funny, and frequently frightening storytelling style. Some of O’Connor’s most famous and important stories are included in the collection, including “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” and “Everything That Rises Must Converge.” Faith, redemption, and the human condition are common themes in O’Connor’s stories. They are noted for their vivid and distinctive characters, as well as sharp and frequently unpleasant plot twists.
Overall, “The Complete Stories” is a must-read for anybody interested in American literature or the short story as an art form. O’Connor’s writing is dark, hilarious, and profound, and this collection demonstrates her skill as a storyteller. - “Nine Stories” by J.D. Salinger
J.D. Salinger, well known for his novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” wrote a collection of short stories titled “Nine Stories.” Some of Salinger’s most famous and important stories are included in the book, including “For Esmé—with Love and Squalor” and “A Perfect Day for Bananafish.” Salinger’s works frequently deal with themes of loneliness, disappointment, and the search for meaning in a complex and brutal world. They’re known for their deep and nuanced characters, as well as their sensitive and often poignant explorations of the human condition. “Nine Stories” is an essential read for anybody interested in American literature or the short story form. Salinger’s writing is delicate, sensitive, and profound, and this collection demonstrates his brilliance as a storyteller. - “The Stories of Anton Chekhov” by Anton Chekhov
“The Stories of Anton Chekhov” is a collection of short stories by Anton Chekhov, a Russian writer widely regarded as one of the best short story authors in literary history. Some of Chekhov’s most famous and influential stories are included in the book, including “The Lady with the Pet Dog” and “The Bet.” Chekhov’s works frequently deal with themes of loneliness, solitude, and the search for meaning in a harsh and cruel world. They are well-known for their quiet and nuanced aesthetic, as well as their ability to depict the complexities of human emotion and experience.
“The Stories of Anton Chekhov” is essential reading for anybody interested in Russian literature or the short story form. Chekhov’s writing is delicate, tragic, and profound, and this collection demonstrates his brilliance as a storyteller. - “Translated Indian Short Stories” by Samiran Kumar Paul
The book would undoubtedly appeal to both Indian and foreign college and university students due to its methodology and presentation of Indian stories written in various Indian languages and translated into English. The terminology employed in English will bring back memories of colonial English in British India. The book demonstrates that Indians can produce some of the best stories in the world.
Short stories can cover a wide range of subjects, including love, loss, identity, and conflict. They can also be set in any time period or region, making them accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
Read: List of 10 Most Popular Classic Children’s Story Books of all Time.
Consider giving short stories a try if you haven’t already. You might be amazed at how much depth and emotion can be conveyed in a few thousand words. And who knows, you might find a new favourite author or genre.
