Have you ever wondered why so many great writers are avid readers?
There’s a well-established connection between reading and writing skills. Research by linguist Stephen Krashen (2004) demonstrates that extensive reading significantly enhances vocabulary, understanding of language structures, and overall writing proficiency. Fiction, in particular, teaches invaluable lessons in storytelling, character development, dialogue, and prose—skills every writer strives to master.
Beyond technical skill, reading fiction cultivates empathy and a deeper understanding of human nature. A 2013 study by Kidd and Castano, published in Science, found that literary fiction improves our ability to understand and connect with others—essential for creating authentic characters and narratives.
For me, reading has always been a creative spark. Since I was young, books have been my escape—a way to step out of reality and into fictional worlds. My reading habits shift with my life: during busy periods, I lean toward light, quick reads; when time allows, I savor richer, more complex stories. Recently, I’ve noticed a resurgence in the popularity of short stories, which I love. In a fast-paced world, there’s something deeply satisfying about experiencing a complete narrative in a single sitting.
However, while short stories offer a refreshing change, I believe long-form storytelling remains crucial. Striking a balance between the short and the long, the light and the heavy, ensures that we don’t lose our attention spans entirely. Inspired by this renewed interest in short stories, I’ve decided to curate a reading list for the month ahead to fuel my creativity and inspire new writing projects.
Here’s my selection of short stories across different geners, each to inspire writing.
- “The Answer Is No” by Fredrik Backman
- Category: Humor, Contemporary, Novella.
- Summary: Lucas, a grumpy loner, has his solitude disrupted in this funny and heartwarming tale centered on a mysterious frying pan left near the recycling room.
- Reviews: Praised for its humor and quirky characters, readers found it refreshing and lighthearted (The Bookish Elf, The Book Review Crew).
- “Another Ryan Christmas” by Sadie Kincaid
- Category: Romance, Suspense, Holiday Story.
- Summary: Set in the New York Ruthless series, this novella mixes festive cheer with steamy romance and suspenseful twists.
- Reviews: Fans love its blend of passion and action, with familiar characters adding depth (N S Ford).
- “Evidence of the Affair” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Category: Drama, Epistolary.
- Summary: This poignant tale unfolds through letters between two strangers whose spouses are having an affair, exploring heartbreak and resilience.
- Reviews: Acclaimed for its emotional depth and intimacy, it’s a quick yet impactful read (N S Ford).
- “The Exception to the Rule” by Christina Lauren
- Category: Romantic Comedy.
- Summary: A serendipitous encounter, filled with humor and charm, leaves readers rooting for quirky characters in this meet-cute tale.
- Reviews: Celebrated for its wit and relatability (N S Ford).
- “The Soccer Balls of Mr. Kurz” by Michele Mari
- Category: Satire.
- Summary: Sharp and witty, this story critiques materialism and obsession through Mari’s clever narrative.
- Reviews: Known for its biting humor and thought-provoking commentary.
- Read here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/05/29/the-soccer-balls-of-mr-kurz-fiction-michele-mari
- “The Import” by Jai Chakrabarti
- Category: Historical Fiction.
- Summary: A moving exploration of love, identity, and cultural displacement, set against a poignant historical backdrop.
- Reviews: Readers praise its depth and emotional resonance.
- Read here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/27206674
- “My Good Friend” by Juliana Leite
- Category: Drama, Human Connections.
- Summary: A touching story about friendship and loyalty, it explores what it means to truly support someone.
- Reviews: Praised for its heartfelt and relatable narrative.
- Read here: https://www.theparisreview.org/fiction/7993/my-good-friend-juliana-leite
- “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor
- Category: Southern Gothic, Dark Humor.
- Summary: This darkly humorous classic follows a family road trip that takes a chilling turn, exploring morality and human nature.
- Reviews: Hailed as a masterpiece of American literature, it’s celebrated for its vivid characters and sharp wit.
- “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl
- Category: Horror, Suspense.
- Summary: A young traveler uncovers a sinister secret at a seemingly charming bed-and-breakfast.
- Reviews: Renowned for its gripping suspense and shocking twist, it showcases Dahl’s talent for dark storytelling.