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Short Story Hour

The Best American Short Stories of the Century

Join us for thoughtful discussions on enduring classics and hidden gems spanning a century of American storytelling. Let words come to life!

Enjoy reading short stories? Looking for thoughtful discussions on enduring classics and hidden gems spanning a century of American storytelling?

Whether you're an avid short story reader or just beginning to explore the form, our Short Story Hour offers a welcoming space to share your thoughts, gain new perspectives, and forge literary connections.

We’re reading stories from The Best American Short Stories of the Century (edited by John Updike).

Join us every second Wednesday at 2:30 PM in the Reading Room!

Register to let us know you're coming.

August Story Selections:

For August 12, we'll discuss the following two stories from from The Best American Short Stories of the Century:

1. "The Second Tree From the Corner" by E.B. White (1948) pp. 281-285
2. "The Farmer's Children" by Elizabeth Bishop (1949) pp. 286-294

There are also very brief biographical notes on each author at the end of the anthology:

• E.B. White p. 795
• Elizabeth Bishop p. 790

September Story Selections:

For September 9, we'll discuss the following two stories from from The Best American Short Stories of the Century:

1. "Death of a Favorite" by J.F. Powers (1951) pp. 295-311
2. "The Resemblance Between a Violin Case and a Coffin" by Tennessee Williams (1951) pp. 312-324

There are also very brief biographical notes on each author at the end of the anthology:

• J.F. Powers p. 794
• Tennessee Williams p. 795

Copies of the anthology are available in MARINet and Link+.

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