A classic tale with a clever twist at the end.
Youth by Isaac Asimov (1952) — 9,485 words (about 38 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Space Science Fiction magazine, May 1952.
Youth by Isaac Asimov
Tag: Your Daily Dose of Empathy
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Love, Death by Caroline M. Yoachim
I listened to this wonderful time travel story on the first episode of Wil Wheaton’s new podcast, It’s Story Time with Wil Wheaton.
Rock, Paper, Scissors, Love, Death by Caroline M. Yoachim (2015) — 5,385 words (about 22 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Lightspeed magazine issue #66, November 2015.
Tantie Merle and the Farmhand 4200 by R.S.A. Garcia
A story at the crossroads of family and technology, winner of the Nebula award for best short story.
Tantie Merle and the Farmhand 4200 by R.S.A. Garcia (2023) — 6,861 words (about 27 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Uncanny Magazine issue #53, July/August 2023.
The Comebacker by David Eggers
Simply one of the best short stories I have ever read. There is so much feeling in it.
The Comebacker by David Eggers (2023) — 6,400 words (about 26 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in The Atlantic, September 2023.
Junebug by Sarah Hollowell
This amazing story captures the feeling of trying to say the things that you feel when emotionally overwhelmed and there just aren’t the words. A marvelous experience.
Junebug by Sarah Hollowell (2023) — 6,700 words (about 27 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Apex Magazine issue #140, September 2023.
Or All the Seas with Oysters by Avram Davidson
This is one of the stories I read as a kid in a volume of Hugo winners that kindled my love for short science fiction.
Or All the Seas with Oysters by Avram Davidson (1958) — 3,539 words (about 14 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Galaxy Science Fiction Magazine, May 1958.
The Letters They Left Behind by Scott Edelman
A poignant story about a mother doing her best for her daughter and the challenge this creates.
The Letters They Left Behind by Scott Edelman (2023) — 7,461 words (about 30 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Lightspeed Magazine issue #159, August 2023.
A Guide to Matchmaking on Station 9 by Nika Murphy
A rich story with so many layers for its brevity. Subtle. Much is explored without coming right out and saying it. The story really sank into me.
A Guide to Matchmaking on Station 9 by Nika Murphy (2023) — 4,052 words (about 16 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Clarkesworld Magazine issue #204, September 2023.
After the Invasion of the Bug-Eyed Aliens by Rachel Swirsky
This is the most recent five-star story I read. I read it this morning. It is an intriguing allegory exploring difference and change.
After the Invasion of the Bug-Eyed Aliens by Rachel Swirsky (2025) — 9,750 words (about 39 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Reactor magazine, 19 March 2025.
Springtime à la Carte by O. Henry
To celebrate the season, I bring you this delightful story of young lovers in New York City.
Springtime à la Carte by O. Henry (1906) — 2,137 words (about 9 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in the book The Four Million in 1906. You can download all of O. Henry’s short fiction for free in one ebook at standardebooks.com.