#Non-fiction: The American Short Story

Raymond  Carver

William Faulkner  

John Updike

Flannery O’Connnor

• Author: Martin Scofield
• Title: The Cambridge Intro to The American Short Story
• Published: 2006
• List of Challenges
• Monthly planning
• Non-Fiction List
• List of Short Stories read

Finished: 17.02.2019
Genre: non-fiction, literary reference
Rating: A

Conclusion:

1. This was an excellent overview of the American short story!
2. The short story is no longer the baby brother of the novel.
3. It is a genre open to experimentation, new ethnic voices and
4. focuses on the most intense and life-changing experiences.
5. Raymond Carver kept a 3×5 card on his desk with a quote by
6. Anton Chekhov:
7. “ …and suddenly, everything became clear to him…”
8. This was an expression of the essential short story effect.

Last thoughts:

1. In this digital age with our declining attention spans
2. …some may consider short stories as
3. bonbons for lazy readers.
4. I’ve discovered  genius the day I dared to give up
5. …on reading novels and read short stories.
6. Example: The Complete Stories  by Flannery O’Connor.
7. Invite the coyote into your life!
8. Invite the short story into your TBR!