To Build a Fire by Jack London

A classic well worth another read.

To Build a Fire by Jack London (1908) — 7,042 words (about 29 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Century magazine, August 1908.

Muna in Barish by Isha Karki

A wonderful allegory of those in the under classes supporting one another.

Muna in Barish by Isha Karki (2023) — 7,971 words (about 32 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Lightspeed magazine issue 158, July 2023.

What a masterpiece! Evokes all the feelings of television advertising and touches on all the real troubles and desires that consumerism covers up.

Can You Hear Me Now? by Catherynne M. Valente (2023) — 5,908 words (about 24 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Uncanny magazine issue 54, September/October 2023.

Here we have a fascinating and excellent use of multiple points of view.

Bodyhoppers by Rocío Veg (2025) — 5,280 words (about 21 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Clarkesworld magazine issue #221, February 2025.

A vegetarian cook decides to learn to cook meat with surprising results.

The Last Serving by Lincoln Michel (2023) — 1,006 words (about 4 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Lightspeed magazine issue #152, January 2023.

A deeply emotionally evocative classic Russian tragedy.

A Gentle Spirit by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1876) — 16,000 words (about 64 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in 1876,

A vampire on the moon attempts to save mankind.

Message in a Vessel by V.G. Harrison (2023) — 4,900 words (about 20 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Apex magazine issue #135, January 2023.

When an innocent girl falls for a bad boy with tattoos, all is not as it seems.

Blank Space by Delilah S. Dawson (2023) — 4,745 words (about 19 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Uncanny magazine issue #51, March/April 2023.

What if there really was something to those fears of what lies under your bed or in your closet?

The Ghasts by Lavie Tidhar (2023) — 4,932 words (about 20 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Uncanny magazine issue #53, July/August 2023.

A lovely story of overcoming secrets and pain.

The Music of the Siphorophenes by C.L. Polk (2023) — 9,232 words (about 37 minutes for the average reader)

Originally published in Uncanny magazine issue #53, July/August 2023.