City Of Churches by Donald Barthelme, 1972 Continue reading
Author: bcw56
2023 favorites
2023 Favorites
Happy new year!
Every year at this time, I treat the SSMT audience to a giant list of all the stories featured on the website from the previous 12 months, organized by how much I liked them. I can’t imagine this is of interest to anyone else. But I do it anyway. The main point here is the incredible number of incredibly excellent short stories. I think this was probably my favorite year of reading.
So let’s celebrate!
In 2023, SSMT went daily for the first time – 365 short stories in 365 days. I’m planning to stop the site on June 9 of this year, which will be 10 years to the day from the start. It’s a relief to think about – with two young daughters, it’s more difficult than ever to find time for short stories. But it also makes me sad. I want to continue having time for short stories.
I guess we’ll see. The plan for now at least is to continue daily toward that 10th anniversary. And then? Who knows what’s in store?
For now, here’s that list of amazing 2023 stories, ordered by my personal enjoyment: Continue reading
‘It’s Not You’ by Elizabeth McCracken
It’s Not You by Elizabeth McCracken, 2019 Continue reading
December 2023 favorites
‘How To Become A Writer’ by Lorrie Moore
How To Become A Writer by Lorrie Moore, 1985 Continue reading
‘The Trip’ by Weike Wang
The Trip by Weike Wang, 2019 Continue reading
‘Femme’ by Aryn Kyle
Femme by Aryn Kyle, 2004 Continue reading
‘Alaska’ by Tom Franklin
Alaska by Tom Franklin, 1999 Continue reading
‘Giving’ by Dean Doner
Giving by Dean Doner, 1964 Continue reading
‘Perhaps A Family Failing’ by Elizabeth Taylor
Perhaps A Family Failing by Elizabeth Taylor, 1958 Continue reading


