How Many Short Stories Does It Take To Make A Book?

When it comes to my reading, I am a numbers junkie. I understand that what can be "counted" is highly subjective and that the "number" of books I read is really meaningful only to me. Still, I am a numbers junkie. I've accepted that about myself and I'm learning to deal with it.

What I'm discovering is that because of this weird obsession with numbers, I don't read very many short stories because I prefer to pick them out individually from various books and authors rather than read a book of short stories all the way through. My plan originally was to count the number of pages and have a certain number of pages count as a book in my final totals for the year. However, for some inexplicable reason I am finding that to be too inconvenient. And if I read short stories online I don't know how many pages there are. Consequently, even though I'm buying short story anthologies like mad, I'm once again procrastinating on reading all these little gems because I can't figure out a way to easily count them. Ridiculous but honest.

I'm considering setting a goal next year of 200 books, which is peanuts for some of you wildly prolific readers out there (of whom I am in jaw-dropping awe), but for me it's a major stretch and I don't want to neglect short stories again in pursuit of that goal. So -- How many individual short stories should I read before considering them equal to reading a "book"? I don't want to make it too easy, but I don't want to make it too demanding either. Here's where you come in. Take this poll and give me your thoughts. I understand it's silliness on my part, but I can't possibly be alone in this dilemma. And knowing that makes me feel normal. Well -- you know what I mean. . . :-)

Short Story: THE NOTORIOUS JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY

by Mark Twain

The story of Jim Smiley, a chronic gambler, and his amazing frog, as told by the chatty old Simon Wheeler.

Really, does it matter what the subject matter is when you're reading Mark Twain? His characterizations pull you in so completely that he can talk about anything and you're mesmerized. It's somewhat disturbing that his writing is so charming that a lengthy paragraph about a nasty dog fight almost seemed quaint. That one objectionable (to me) paragraph aside, this is an adorably crafted, silly story.

To read this story online, click here.

This completes the 2008 Short Story Challenge. Yippee!!

Short Story: BLUE WINDS DANCING

by Tom Whitecloud

"Blue Winds Dancing" is the story of a young native American trapped living between two worlds, as a college [student] and a part of contemporary "white" society, as well as an Indian, a member of an ancient society. (Wikipedia)

This is the most beautiful short story I have every read. If they were all like this, I would have become a convert long ago. It just so happened that it's a bit of a Christmas story, so the timing of my coming across it was nice. But the real attraction for me was the torment the narrator feels over being accepted by "civilization" and the need to stay connected to his Indian roots, which are viewed as uncivil, even savage, but ultimately make him much happier.

As a person who is bothered deeply by our consumer-driven society but spoiled by many of the conveniences, I took much of the underlying commentary on that to heart. How much is enough and what is most important in our lives are questions we all must face every day. And I have a feeling if we were completely honest with ourselves, less would be more than we would ever need to be truly happy.


To read "Blue Winds Dancing" on line, click here.

Short Story: A WORN PATH

by Eudora Welty

A poor, elderly black woman endures various hardships on a trip into town.

Once I came to understand why the woman was making her difficult trip, I had to go back and skim the story again. Her little battles with natural elements, her encounter with the hunter, even her very name, Phoenix Jackson, took on new meaning. Under certain circumstances, even the smallest of deeds become acts of heroism.

You can read "A Worn Path" here.

Short Story: THE DESTRUCTORS

by Graham Greene

A group of local hoodlums create a plan to completely destroy a man's home while he is out of town for the weekend.

The idea that stuck with me as I read this story was how sad I was that this home that just barely survived the war is now being completely demolished by these young boys, and their only motive is that the house is beautiful. They have nothing against the owner. They only want to make a name for their gang. And in the end, the lorry driver who unknowingly partakes in the final act of wreckage laughs as he stands next to the devastated homeowner and says, "You have to admit, it's pretty funny." I wanted to smack him.

A person could spend a lot of time mulling over this story and thinking about the things we do out of boredom or a need for attention. Or even simply for mindless entertainment. In our own search for meaning or importance in our own lives we can be completely oblivious to what it does to someone else. Or maybe we just don't care.

Short Story: UP IN MICHIGAN

by Ernest Hemingway

"Up In Michigan" is a three-page story about a crush a woman has on one of the men in a tiny rural town. One night the man gets very drunk, and he takes advantage of her confused emotions.

This is one of those stories that reminds me why I've not been a fan of short stories. It's like a minor scene that needs more . . . something. But then again, I feel that way about a lot of short stories. I openly admit to my failings as a short story reader. However, I think anyone who has had an -- encounter, shall we call it? -- an encounter that ended with feelings of sadness and smallness and bewilderment will admit a stab of heartache even while asking themselves, "So, now what?" Hmmm. Perhaps it doesn't need that something after all.

If I'm not mistaken, this was Hemingway's very first published story, so it probably wasn't the best place to start. But I will continue exploring his work in the future, both novels and short stories, and see where it takes me.

Short Story: BARN BURNING

by William Faulkner

It is stories like these that truly showcase my non-Literature major credentials. I read Barn Burning. I didn't get it. I fell asleep while reading it. Quality analysis not forthcoming. Sorry.

I read this during the Read-A-Thon, and I had a few commenters tell me not to feel bad. It was Faulkner after all. :-) I'm glad it wasn't just me, but I'm not going to blame Faulkner in general. After all, I did read A Rose For Emily last year, and I thought that was a fantastic, creepy little story. I will not be giving up on Faulkner, but this story did nothing for me at all. Perhaps I'll give it another shot later using a study guide.

Short Story: GOD SEES THE TRUTH BUT WAITS

by Leo Tolstoy

In "God Sees The Truth But Waits", a man is imprisoned after he is wrongfully accused of murder. This is a emotional story of acceptance and forgiveness -- acceptance of the failings of yourself and others and the strength to forgive even when understanding is beyond your grasp. All I could think about when I finished this story was something my late Aunt Cathy used to often say, "God always answers your prayers. It's just that sometimes the answer is 'no'."

Read "God Sees The Truth But Waits" here.