Sacred Selections: Short Story Recommendations

Here are some short stories that we think you should read. We all picked different genres and types of stories, so there's something for everyone here. Let us know if you decide to check something out! Happy reading! 

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Julie Recommends.....

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What: Instant Love, by Jami Attenberg
 
Why: I’ve just discovered this book, originally published in 2006, but I instantly fell in love with it. (Ha! Notice the clever play on the title). It’s a series of linked short stories about three women and their romantic histories. It’s clean, engaging, and true.

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What: Anything by Kelly Link
 
Why: Her stories are dark and dreamy. Narrative that sneaks into the depths of your mind and opens the dark treasures you’d forgotten.
 

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Morty Recommends.....

 
Uncle Morty:
What: The Dark Dark: Stories
 
Why: I’m not sure yet because I just purchased it, but it promises to be a tour de force of the truly weird invading the ordinary, and I sympathize.

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What: When Giraffes Flew, by Jeff Weddle
 
Why: This is a Sacred Chickens favorite from the archives. It has that edge of darkness mixed with a bit of humor that Uncle Morty prefers. If you haven’t read it, give it a try.

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Jarad Recommends.....

​Jarad:
What- Fire in the Hole- Elmore Leonard
 
Why- This is the short story that inspired the hit TV series Justified, one of my all-time favorite shows. Featuring US Marshals, neo-nazis, and a rocket launcher, Leonard’s writing is sure to enthrall and engage readers. Tonally, it's very similar to the show, which I was very happy to find. I look forward to reading more from Leonard! 

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What- Children of the Corn- Stephen King
 
Why- This short story also inspired a movie franchise of the same name. It was actually my first exposure to Stephen King, at a time when I was probably too young to be reading it. I can’t pass by a corn field without thinking of the children who might be lurking behind the rows, and their wrathful deity whom they worship. In my opinion, it’s still one of the best works by King out there, and I always wished he would’ve written a sequel or novel about the town of Gatlin.
 

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