5 Really Good Short Stories

Roberto Bolano - Gomez Palacio

The story is technically about nothing, about a writer and his boss driving into the desert to see lights. But it's so very good. It's like it's describing a mood rather than an event.

Mort Castle - I Am Your Need

It's horror as horror should be. It attacks you on a emotional level. It's not very scary in a "blood and guts" sort of way. It's more about the fear you feel for Marilyn Monroe as she flirts with suicide.

Stephen King - All That You Love Will Be Carried Away

Another horror story that attacks you on an emotional level. It gets you thinking about how you'd be perceived after you die.

Micaela Morrissette - Wendigo

Oh, god. I was so weirded out by this story. Cannibalism, both self and regular, but it's not just that. You're in Wendigo's head and start to understand her cracked reasoning.

Veronica Geng - Love Trouble Is My Business

To me, this story is like an aspiring basketball player watching Michael Jordon spring into the air with his tongue drawn out and his eye on the basket. She is an amazing writer.