Best Famous Short Stories to Read in 2025

Discover the best famous short stories books, including gems like Flannery O’Connor’s 'The Complete Stories' for captivating narratives.
The Lottery and Other Stories coverNine Stories coverDubliners cover

Exploring the world of famous short stories opens up a treasure trove of wit, charm, and breathtaking narratives. We carefully selected seven standout collections, focusing on captivating storytelling, vibrant characters, and the ability to leave a lasting impact. Each book promises a unique perspective, offering both seasoned readers and newcomers unforgettable literary experiences. So, grab your favorite reading spot and journey with us through this collection of masterful tales.

On this list:

7 The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson

The Lottery and Other Stories cover

  • Genre: Horror, Fiction
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 312

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Shirley Jackson’s stories make us look over our shoulder. She writes creepy tales that are hard to forget.

6 Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger

Nine Stories cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1953
  • Pages: 198

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Nine Stories has humor and emotion. Salinger gets you to feel every word.

5 Dubliners by James Joyce

Dubliners cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1914
  • Pages: 152

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Joyce captures early 20th-century Dublin in a way like you’re there. Each story leaves a mark.

4 Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

Interpreter of Maladies cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1999
  • Pages: 198

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Lahiri paints Indian-American lives with warmth. Each story is full of real emotion.

3 The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway by Ernest Hemingway

The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Classics
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 650

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Hemingway’s stories are short but they pack a punch. He’s the master of saying a lot with a little.

2 The Collected Stories of Katherine Mansfield by Katherine Mansfield

The Collected Stories of Katherine Mansfield cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Classics
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1924
  • Pages: 576

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Mansfield’s stories are lively and real. She makes the ordinary extraordinary.

1 The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor

The Complete Stories cover

  • Genre: Southern Gothic, Fiction
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1971
  • Pages: 576

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This collection captures Southern life like no other. O’Connor mixes humor with deep insights.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!