9 Inspiring Short Story Collections

If there is a call back to childhood wonder, look no further than this collection by L. M. Montgomery. The author of Anne of Green Gables wrote more than just the beloved novels she became known for. 

These long-forgotten stories share the origin of her charm, as well as little snippets of Montgomery’s life and possible connections that may have inspired what she is writing about. This collection includes Editor’s Notes as well. 

Reading this work is a wonderful way to tap back into the magic Montgomery always shared through her stories. 

The short stories in this collection by Scottish poet and novelist Iain Chrichton Smith demonstrate the writer's emotional and humorous range. The character Murdo is a particular delight, appearing in different pieces throughout. 

A wide swathe of themes show up in the writing here, though Smith doesn’t allow the more serious ones to strip him of his irony. Instead, he employs his consistent style to drive home every narrative. These stories are a true delight to read for anyone, familiar or new, to his work. 

Alison MacLeod invites readers to join her on a walk through time and space. She traverses big life questions, ultimately not shying away from them but looking them right in the eye. 

She explores what it is to live, to die, and to know those who aren’t with us any longer. Through both narrative and reflection, MacLeod opens the eyes of anyone reading to how our minds ultimately shape our true experience of the world, and how little we actually know about it. 

A unique collection of prose, Prairie, Dresses, Art, Other takes readers into four distinct but still connected universes. Danielle Dutton explores the surreal as well as our relationship to reality through short stories, essays, and ultimately undefinable work. 

Readers looking for stylistic variety and a strong voice will want to pick up this book from Dutton. Ultimately, it may leave them with more questions than answers. It’s always the best work that does. 

Reality-warping narratives take hold as you read this collection by Mo Moshaty. The stories are each aligned with a tarot card, and it isn’t always obvious why or how. 

It is through reading and experiencing Moshaty’s woven tales that the reader comes to understand each connection. With visceral writing, Clairviolence is a book horror fans will love. 

The stories keep you guessing and are spun in language both approachable and bordering on a fever dream. 

Readers won’t be able to get enough from these stories by Paul Tremblay. They evoke such powerful emotions, and the unique story structure strings the reader along helplessly. 

Curiosity will inevitably take hold while immersed in The Beast You Are. Each ending leaves space to want more. It’s easy to feel connected through Tremblay’s strong writing. Ultimately, it will be the reader devouring every last word. 

Sayaka Murata enchants readers with her surreal worlds. She encapsulates them in these short stories collected in Life Ceremony.  

At every turn, Murata reminds readers to expect the unexpected. There’s always a dose of in-plain-sight strangeness waiting. 

It’s captivating, and these short stories are the perfect bite-sized foray into her work.

This collection of short stories told in graphic novel form pairs Haruka Marukami’s captivating storytelling with intriguing illustrations. This book contains four stories. Readers will find themselves studying the artwork and words equally. 

If you’re a fan of Marukami’s novels, these short stories are hard to pass up. Murakami tells these stories in a way that we’re drawn into the body of the main character. Some of the tales drown you with sadness near the end, while others invite you to walk and contemplate this thing called life. 

Filled with emotion and easy to read, everyone will find something to love here. 

Haruka Murakami Manga Stories 2 is another collection from this celebrated author. The stories wind an interesting path, leaving the reader unsure of where they may end up. The illustrations are a wonderful addition and such a quirky fit to the strange stories. 

For those who haven’t explored the novels of Murakami yet, one of these books is a great way to dip your toe in and see how the writer pulls you right under. He writes about everything from young lovers talking in bed to the emotional isolation of a doctor to one’s sense of identity and love. 

It’s a lot of ground to cover in three short stories, but Murakami excels. You don’t have to be a lover of graphic novels to see the beauty in this collection.