The Greatest "Contemporary, Short Stories, Fiction" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

Short Stories

The "Short Stories" category encompasses a diverse collection of succinct, fictional narratives that are typically focused on a single theme or a concise plot. Unlike novels, short stories are designed to be read in a single sitting, offering a snapshot of characters' lives, often with a twist or a poignant conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. This genre includes a wide range of styles and subjects, from literary and speculative fiction to mystery and romance, allowing readers to explore a variety of worlds and experiences through the concise and potent medium of the short form. Renowned for their brevity and emotional impact, short stories challenge authors to convey depth and complexity within a limited framework, making every word count and often relying on the power of suggestion and the reader's imagination to complete the picture.

Fiction

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  1. 26. Lantern Slides by Edna O'Brien

    "Lantern Slides" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of life in Ireland. The narratives, rich with the author's lyrical prose, explore themes of love, loss, and the struggles of the human condition. Through a tapestry of vivid characters, from young girls to old men, the stories capture the nuances of Irish society, its traditions, and the transformative power of storytelling itself. The book serves as a poignant reflection on the bittersweet nature of existence, where moments of joy and sorrow are intertwined, much like the ephemeral images of a lantern slide show.

    The 5106th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Incantations And Other Stories by Anjana Appachana

    "Incantations And Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Indian women, exploring themes of tradition, modernity, and identity. The narratives often focus on the personal struggles and inner lives of these women as they navigate societal expectations and their own desires. Set against the backdrop of Indian culture, the stories blend the real with the surreal, weaving together the everyday with the magical through the use of incantations and folklore. The book offers a poignant look at the complexities of life and the power of storytelling in shaping one's reality and sense of self.

    The 5329th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Talking To The Dead by Sylvia Watanabe

    "Talking to the Dead" is a collection of short stories that explore the intricate tapestry of multicultural life in Hawaii, delving into the complex relationships between family members, lovers, and strangers. The narratives often touch on themes of memory, identity, and the spiritual connection to the past, as characters navigate the challenges of communication and understanding across generational and cultural divides. With a blend of humor, poignancy, and a deep sense of place, the stories offer a window into the lives of individuals striving to make sense of their heritage and their place in a rapidly changing world.

    The 5329th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Stories In An Almost Classical Mode by Harold Brodkey

    The collection presents a series of deeply introspective and stylistically complex narratives that explore the nuances of human relationships, identity, and the nature of memory. Through a variety of characters, from a young boy grappling with his family dynamics to adults confronting love, death, and the passage of time, the stories delve into the emotional landscapes of everyday life, often with a focus on the Jewish-American experience. The author's intricate prose and psychological insight offer readers a profound look at the subtleties of inner life and the complexities of the human condition.

    The 5399th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Honored Guest by Joy Williams

    "Honored Guest" is a collection of short stories that explore the themes of death, loss, and grief. The narratives delve into the lives of various characters dealing with these themes, such as a mother dying of cancer, a woman coping with her mother's death, and a girl struggling with her father's unexpected passing. The stories are poignant and often surreal, offering a deep examination of human emotions and the complexities of life and death.

    The 5674th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Dangerous Laughter by Steven Millhauser

    "Dangerous Laughter" is a collection of thirteen short stories that delve into the surreal and fantastical. Each narrative explores unique themes such as a town that becomes obsessed with silent laughter, a man who constructs an enormous tower in his backyard, or a group of teenagers who play a dangerous game of fainting. The stories are filled with rich imagery and intricate details, creating a world that is both familiar and strange, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

    The 5861st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Will You Please be Quiet, Please? by Raymond Carver

    This book is a collection of short stories that explore the lives of various individuals living in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. The characters are often struggling with their personal lives, dealing with issues such as infidelity, alcoholism, and the mundane nature of life. The stories are written in a minimalist style, focusing on the characters' thoughts and actions rather than elaborate descriptions or metaphors.

    The 5868th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. I, etcetera by Susan Sontag

    "I, etcetera" is a collection of eight short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and relationships. The stories are diverse in their themes, exploring topics such as war, love, identity, and illness. The narratives are deeply introspective, often employing experimental forms of storytelling that challenge traditional narrative structures. The author's sharp intellect and incisive observations about the human condition are evident throughout the collection.

    The 6104th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Drown by Junot Diaz

    "Drown" is a collection of short stories that provide a poignant look into the lives of Dominican immigrants in America, particularly in New Jersey. The stories are interconnected, focusing on the struggles of a young man dealing with issues of poverty, father abandonment, love, and identity. The narrative intertwines his experiences in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, offering a raw and candid depiction of immigrant life, cultural displacement, and the complexities of masculinity and maturity.

    The 6440th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Another Marvelous Thing by Laurie Colwin

    The book is a collection of interlinked short stories that explore the complexities of an extramarital affair between two people who are otherwise comfortably settled in their respective marriages. The narrative delves into the nuances of their relationship, examining the clandestine joy, emotional intricacies, and moral dilemmas they face. Through a series of vignettes, the book captures the bittersweet moments of their connection, offering a poignant and insightful look at love, longing, and the human condition.

    The 6454th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Oblivion: Stories by David Foster Wallace

    "Oblivion: Stories" is a collection of eight thought-provoking short stories that delve into the complexities of the human mind and the struggle to understand reality. The stories explore a range of themes, from corporate culture and advertising to insomnia and existential dread, often blurring the line between reality and illusion. The characters are often trapped in their own minds, wrestling with their perceptions and struggling to make sense of their world. The narratives are filled with intricate details, complex narratives, and challenging themes, reflecting the author's unique style and keen insight into the human condition.

    The 7112th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Something I've Been Meaning To Tell You by Alice Munro

    The book is a collection of thirteen short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of life in small-town and rural Canada. Through a masterful use of language and deep psychological insight, the stories explore themes of memory, loss, love, and the passage of time, often focusing on the lives of women and the subtle dramas that unfold in the seemingly mundane. The narratives are rich with detail and reveal the author's keen observation of the nuances of everyday life, capturing the moments of revelation that can alter one's understanding of oneself and others.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

    "Unaccustomed Earth" is a collection of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri that explores the lives of Bengali immigrants and their children in the United States. The stories focus on themes of family, love, loss, and cultural identity as characters navigate the challenges of assimilation and the tensions between their American and Bengali identities. The collection is divided into two parts, with the first featuring interconnected stories about the experiences of two generations of a Bengali family, and the second featuring standalone stories that explore similar themes. Overall, the book offers a nuanced and poignant portrayal of the immigrant experience and the complexities of cultural identity.

    The 7823rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Night In Question: Stories by Tobias Wolff

    "The Night In Question: Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and moral dilemmas. The narratives explore the lives of various characters, each facing a pivotal moment that tests their values, loyalties, and understanding of themselves and others. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful use of language, the author weaves tales that range from the struggles of a father trying to connect with his son, to the haunting memories of a Vietnam veteran, to the moral quandaries faced by individuals in moments of crisis. The stories are united by their focus on the pivotal, often troubling moments that define and reveal the essence of the human condition.

    The 7889th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Both Ways Is The Only Way I Want It by Maile Meloy

    "Both Ways Is The Only Way I Want It" is a collection of short stories by Maile Meloy that explore the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of everyday life. From a man struggling to keep his family together in rural Montana to a woman navigating her way through a complicated love triangle in Los Angeles, each story presents a unique and nuanced perspective on the challenges of modern life. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, Meloy crafts a collection of stories that are both poignant and thought-provoking.

    The 7922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Night Circus And Other Stories by Ursula Kovalyk

    "Night Circus and Other Stories" is a collection of interconnected tales that explore the lives of various characters in a small town. From a young girl's fascination with a mysterious circus to a woman's encounter with a peculiar stranger, each story delves into themes of love, loss, and the extraordinary moments that shape our lives. With lyrical prose and a touch of magical realism, the book invites readers to step into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide, leaving a lasting impression on both the characters and the readers themselves.

    The 8091st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Twilight of the Superheroes by Deborah Eisenberg

    "Twilight of the Superheroes" is a collection of six short stories that explore the complexities of modern life and relationships. Each story offers a unique perspective on themes such as love, loss, identity, and the passage of time. The characters are often faced with moral dilemmas and personal crises, and their struggles are set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The narrative style is characterized by its intricate detail and psychological depth, providing a thoughtful examination of the human condition.

    The 8121st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The New Yorker Stories by Ann Beattie

    "The New Yorker Stories" is a collection of Ann Beattie's short stories previously published in The New Yorker magazine. The stories explore the complexities of human relationships, often with a focus on middle-class suburban life. Beattie's prose is sharp and insightful, delving into the inner workings of her characters' minds and emotions. The collection spans several decades, showcasing Beattie's evolution as a writer and her enduring relevance in the literary world.

    The 8124th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Women in Their Beds by Gina Berriault

    "Women in Their Beds" is a collection of 35 short stories that offer profound, often heartbreaking glimpses into the lives of a variety of characters. Each story explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, with a particular focus on the experiences of women. The book is known for its richly detailed prose and deeply empathetic portrayal of its characters.

    The 8283rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz

    This book is a compelling collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of love, infidelity, and the struggles of the human heart through the lens of the immigrant experience. Centered around the life of Yunior, a young Dominican-American man, the narrative weaves through his various romantic relationships, capturing the raw emotions and consequences of his actions. Through vivid prose and poignant storytelling, the collection explores themes of masculinity, cultural identity, and the quest for belonging, offering a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of love in its many forms.

    The 8428th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Varieties Of Exile by Mavis Gallant

    "Varieties of Exile" is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of characters who find themselves in various forms of exile, whether geographical, emotional, or cultural. The narratives explore the complexities of displacement and the search for identity, often focusing on European émigrés in the mid-20th century. The stories are marked by sharp observation, wit, and the subtle interplay between memory and reality, as the characters navigate the challenges of adapting to new environments while grappling with the lingering ties to their pasts. Through a series of poignant and finely crafted vignettes, the book offers a nuanced examination of the human condition and the universal experience of feeling out of place.

    The 8508th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. After Rain by William Trevor

    "After Rain" is a collection of twelve short stories that delve into the lives and emotions of various characters, each facing pivotal moments of realization or transformation. The stories, set primarily in England and Ireland, explore themes of love, loss, missed connections, and the subtle dramas of everyday life. The characters, often lonely or disillusioned, find moments of grace or understanding that subtly shift their perspectives or their lives. The title story, for instance, features a woman who gains insight into her relationship with her parents and her own path after reading old letters following a breakup. The collection is marked by its quiet intensity and the author's precise, evocative prose.

    The 8541st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Last Night by James Salter

    "Last Night" is a collection of ten short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, love, and mortality. The narratives are marked by their elegant prose and keen psychological insights, as they explore the intimate moments and pivotal events that shape the lives of the characters. From the story of a couple facing the wife's terminal illness to the tale of an adulterous love affair with unforeseen consequences, the book captures the poignant and often painful moments that define our fleeting existence. The stories are a testament to the author's mastery of the short story form, showcasing his ability to convey the depth of human emotion with subtlety and grace.

    The 8682nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. A Manual For Cleaning Women: Selected Stories by Lucia Berlin

    "A Manual For Cleaning Women: Selected Stories" is a collection of short stories by author Lucia Berlin. The stories are autobiographical in nature and cover a range of topics, from poverty and addiction to love and loss. Berlin's writing is raw and honest, drawing on her own experiences as a cleaning woman, nurse, and alcoholic. The stories offer a glimpse into the lives of those on the fringes of society and explore the complexities of human relationships. Overall, the book is a powerful and moving testament to Berlin's talent as a writer and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

    The 8719th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Rock, Paper, Scissors And Other Stories by Maxim Osipov

    "Rock, Paper, Scissors And Other Stories" is a collection of captivating short stories that delve into the lives of ordinary people in a small Russian town. Through these interconnected tales, the author explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the human condition, the stories in this book offer a poignant and thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of individuals navigating the challenges of modern-day Russia.

    The 9004th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download