Okay, so, I got into this thing recently where I’ve been trying to read more, you know? Not just scrolling through my phone all day. So I picked up this book, “The Best American Short Stories 2023.” I saw it on the shelf, the title sounded pretty interesting, and I thought, why not? I mean, short stories are easy to get into, right? They’re not like those huge novels that take forever to finish.
So, I started reading. This book is basically a collection, twenty short stories in total. And let me tell you, they’re… intense. I thought I was just gonna chill out with some light reading, but these stories, they get into some heavy stuff. It is edited by Heidi Pitlor. I don’t even know this guy but I’m sure he did a great job.
The stories in this book, they’re all about relationships. But not the happy, fluffy kind. We’re talking about broken relationships, messed up families, and all that kind of drama. I was reading one story, and I was like, “Whoa, this is way more than I bargained for!” But I couldn’t stop reading. It’s like watching a train wreck, you know? You don’t want to see it, but you can’t look away.
I remember reading this one story, and I literally had to put the book down and take a break. I was getting all emotional and stuff. And that’s when I realized, these stories aren’t just stories. They’re like, mirrors. They show you a reflection of the world, and sometimes, it’s not pretty.
After reading a few of these, I started thinking about my own relationships. My family, my friends, and yeah, even some of my exes. It made me think about how complicated relationships can be, and how easy it is to mess things up.
- First, I was just looking for something to read.
- Then, I got sucked into these intense stories.
- Next, I started reflecting on my own life.
- Finally, I realized that these stories are more than just entertainment. They’re kind of like a wake-up call.
So, yeah, that’s my experience with “The Best American Short Stories 2023.” It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I’m glad I read it. It made me think, it made me feel, and it made me appreciate the good relationships I have in my life. I guess the guest editor Min Jin Lee was right: “Without stories, we cannot live well.” And I also guess that’s what good stories do, they make you think and make you feel.
I’m not gonna lie, these stories can be a bit of a downer. But if you’re looking for something that will make you think and maybe even make you a little uncomfortable, then you should totally check it out. Just be prepared to have some tissues nearby, because you might need them.
What I learned:
- Short stories can be just as powerful as long novels.
- Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that make you uncomfortable.
- Reading can be a good way to reflect on your own life.
Anyway, that’s my little adventure with this book. I’m off to find my next read. Maybe something a little lighter next time.
