Shorts That are Long on Story

Time is of the essence.

And you have just enough of it in an average day to get done what is necessary. It starts the minute after your feet hit the floor, and it ends five minutes before you fall asleep in front of the TV, seven nights a week. If you plan right, you might get a half-hour free somewhere here or there, which is just right for grabbing one of these books to enjoy a short story.

If you’ve ever played the “What If” game with historical events, then “The Age of Calamities” by Senaa Ahmad (Henry Hold and Company) is a book you want. It’ll pour fuel on your imagination’s fire.

What if, for instance, Anne Boleyn refused to die? What if she came back, regardless of what Henry VIII did to do away with her? And what went through the minds of Princesses Tatiana, Olga, and Anastasia before they were killed?

The short stories in this book offer alternate endings to real history, and more – including a heart-pounding choose-your-own historical adventure that’s addictive.

Sometimes, you want a story that lingers in your mind, but the shorter, the better. At twenty pages each, give or take, the tales you’ll find inside “I Could Be Famous” by Sydney Rende (Bloomsbury) will fit you perfectly.

A man named Duke is a bit of a free spirit; he loves being outdoors to rollerblade, sail, bike, and just be active. But when he tells his girlfriend that he has a “hole” in him somewhere, and that he must leave, she wonders if he’ll ever return. Scarier yet, are “holes” contagious?

Another story asks what a best friend’s impending marriage will change about the friendship, and throughout this book, a man named Arlo lurks, trying to make sense of a scandal…or is it just a rumor?

Be aware that this book is edgy and often profane, and you’ll like it just fine.

And finally, if you want a whole novel, but a short one, look for “The Definitions” by Matt Greene (Henry Holt). Everyone who arrives at The Center has one thing in common: they can’t remember. No names, background, family, possessions, or prior career, nothing – everything they once knew about themselves was all wiped out by an illness that no one can explain. As each person at The Center tries to rehabilitate, they struggle to remember, to piece together the lives they must regain, and they begin to wonder if The Center is truly helping or hindering. This is a haunting story that’s just the right length, perfect for a weekend or for a quick vacation.

And if these books aren’t enough, or if you want another collection in a different category, be sure to head to your favorite bookstore or library branch and ask the staff there for help. They can lead you to shelves full of short stories, and they’ll even make recommendations for your reading pleasure – because for your busy life, short stories are essential enjoyment.