While even a fine novel may ramble a bit at times, a great short story wastes not a word, focusing like a laser to illuminate some significant aspect of the human condition. Perhaps for this reason, short stories are often considered to be the most perfect – and demanding – form of fiction writing. We will sample a number of outstanding American short stories written over the past 100 years, from Hemingway, Baldwin, and Flannery O’Connor “classics” to more contemporary work by Junot Diaz, Tobias Wolff, Lauren Groff, and other celebrated writers. We will be reading three short stories per week (typically totaling 50-75 pages). Wide-ranging discussion will be encouraged.