One of the Best Short Story Collections I’ve Ever Read

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S. Zainab considers herself someone who writes extensively, though the thought itself makes her feel lightheaded. She specializes in fantasy and horror genres and is currently holding onto a manuscript while navigating through darkness. You can connect with her on Twitter: @sainabwilliams.

Apologies for the oversight in last week’s Gatsby post where I forgot to mention the actual book I was referring to, and thank you for pointing it out. The missing book and its description have been found, and you can access the complete post here. Let’s move forward to this week’s selection!

Most of the short story compilations I’ve delved into come from the realm of science fiction and fantasy due to my background and expertise in that area for numerous years. Occasionally, I’d step out of my comfort zone to explore a broader range of books, which led me to discover this particular short story collection. I can’t recall precisely what intrigued me to pick this title, but what I do know is that opting for a book beyond the SF/F genre was both thrilling and intimidating because I realized that whatever I chose would be one of the few to fit into my reading schedule. Perhaps it was the captivating book cover, the appeal of an author new to me but already receiving accolades, or the concept of stories featuring Black women and girls seeking a temporary escape from societal expectations. I’m grateful for whatever prompted me to select this book as it has secured a top spot on my list of favorite short story collections.

“The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” by Deshaw

Deesha Philyaw may seem like a longstanding figure in the literary world, but “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” marked her debut in 2020. With this collection, she made a significant impact, becoming a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction and actively engaging in bookish podcasts and literary fellowships. Her unique voice shines through in these narratives about Black women existing outside traditional norms and conventions.

I vividly recall the stereotypes of Black women portrayed in media during my youth, and I believe there is still a long way to go in terms of cultural industries and institutions supporting and promoting stories that embrace the multifaceted nature of Black women. It doesn’t surprise me that this collection was published by a university press. This is why books that break barriers and achieve success still feel uncommon and valuable. The characters in this collection navigate through challenges that shake their faith, explore their sexuality, and live in manners that may surprise conservative individuals. However, they live authentically, and Philyaw’s skill brings out the complexity and depth they deserve within a few pages. By the end of each story, I felt a deep connection with these characters, akin to befriending them. This collection is a rarity where every story captivated my attention. I eagerly anticipate Philyaw’s debut novel, “The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman,” set to be released in 2026.

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We appreciate a well-designed book cover, and this week, we’re spotlighting a selection of the finest short story covers. Rest assured, these covers will look elegant on your bookshelves! Continue reading for a snippet and become an All Access member to unlock the complete post.

Throughout my discussions on exceptional book covers, I have observed that short story compilations often boast some of the most innovative, memorable, and visually appealing covers. Why is this the case? It could be because short story collections are a tougher sell to the average reader, necessitating strong marketing to appeal to bookshop browsers, whether online or offline. Additionally, many remarkable short story collections originate from smaller publishers, allowing more freedom in design creativity due to fewer stakeholders involved. The diverse nature of short story collections may also invite more creativity in the cover design process.

Regardless of the reasons, I believe anyone who appreciates a well-crafted book cover will find this trend intriguing. Let’s explore some of the striking covers of short story books that have hit the shelves this year, as well as a preview of upcoming collection covers that you’ll want to add to your reading list immediately. If you’re reading this in mid-May, you’re in time to celebrate Short Story Month, offering an extra incentive to delve into bite-sized fiction. Remember, any month can be short story month, but May provides an added push to immerse yourself in concise narratives.

As always, it remains challenging to identify cover designers and artists for book covers, particularly if this information isn’t readily available on publishers’ websites. It often requires diligent research and a bit of luck to credit the individuals behind these creative designs.

“Autocorrect” by Etgar Keret, translated by Jessica Cohen and Sondra Silverston (May 27)

If you’re in search of a collection featuring darkly humorous stories, this cover will certainly catch your eye. A nonchalant squirrel appears to have been catapulted into the book title, displaying a sense of composure amidst the chaos. The design exudes a simplistic yet dynamic appeal.

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