Personal Challenge ---Story of the Week (LOA)

Hey Everyone,

I’m not sure if I have mentioned this, but I love short fiction. There are abundant reasons why to read short stories. If you don’t have a lot of time to invest in a novel, try a short story. I f you want to try a new genre, try a short story in the genre first!

There are printed short story collections, but there are also a ton of websites where you can read short stories for free. One of my favorite websites that highlights short works Story of the Week is run by Library of America (LOA). They are a publisher that focuses on printing long-lasting copies of works that reflect literature (fiction and non-fiction) in America.  Besides highlighting what their published works, the LOA also has a Story of the Week feature on their website. Each week a new story from one of their books is made available on their website. The even send out an email to remind readers when a new story is up on their site.

Though I have read the short fiction they have published, I haven’t been consistent which is why I am challenging myself to read all the fiction the LOA has published on their Story of the Week site. This (as of now) comes out to a total of 458 works!

So if you want to read along, the first short piece is “The Cut-Glass Bowl” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Until the next chapter,

   Victoria

In case the hyperlinks don't work, here are the URL's:

http://storyoftheweek.loa.org/p/stories-in-numerical-order.html

http://storyoftheweek.loa.org/2009/12/cut-glass-bowl.html

Bridal Boot Camp

Meg Cabot's newest work Bridal Boot Camp is on e-shelves at last!

This romance novella is set on Little Bridge Island, the setting of Cabot’s forthcoming romance novel, No Judgments. Fitness trainer Robbie is fresh out of a relationship that has left her a bit wary of falling in love again. During one of her fitness classes, bridal boot camp, sheriff’s deputy Ryan walks in. Though she is resolved to steer clear of dating, his perplexity over the differences between a spin-mat and a yoga mat endears him to Robbie.

While the pacing of the novella is quick, Robbie’s back story is covered, so that her reluctance to approach Ryan is convincing. Ryan’s backstory is not as detailed, though this being the start of a series set on the island, readers might learn more about Robbie and Ryan in future novels. 

Overall, a short fun read that was would be the perfect way to kick off someone’s summer romance reading.

Until the next chapter, 

   Victoria