Scribners Best of the Fiction Workshops 1997

I've started something. I work at a book store and we always have a bunch of discounted books in the front. One of the books was this one. I picked it up thinking for $2.99 I was getting a glimpse into the short story I have never tackled. Every night I read one story from one of the three (I bought the other two years '98 and '99) and every night I fall asleep feeling completely at peace. I go along on the journey with the characters and my internal conflict is solved as theirs are solved. It's a lovely feeling. I highly recommend this and the other two Scribner's books for the writers, readers, and non-believers who want inspiration, humanity and understanding.

First, know that I've read more than a thousand short stories and I have an awful habit of skimming non-dialogue parts. That said, Scribner's Best of the Fiction Workshops 1997 is extraordinary -- and I read just about EVERY word. Really. Each story is powerful in its own right -- rich with detail and characters you "know." These are everyday people experiencing tragedy, loss, and just trying to get by. Several of the stories focus on people with disabilities (mental as well as physical), and many of the characters are trapped. Very '90s, but very realistic. After reading each story, I actually had to sit and rest for a while before going to the next one. In most short-story collections, you find one or two clunkers. Not so with this book! I'm on my second reading, and am liking it even more. If you like short stories, or if you write short stories, you must buy this book. You must.