Best 6 Popular Short Stories 2025: Top Picks Reviewed
We share our top picks of popular short stories books, helping new readers find their perfect literary escape.
Discovering the best collection of popular short stories can be like finding buried treasure. We prioritize engaging plots, lively characters, and stories that stick with you long after the last page. Our list highlights six fascinating books where you’ll encounter humor, heartbreak, and the unexpected. Whether you’re new to short stories or a seasoned reader, these picks promise something special.
On this list:
6 Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
We picked ‘Interpreter of Maladies’ for its vibrant tales that capture the Indian-American immigrant experience. The stories are as heartwarming as the time I accidentally called my mom’s friend ‘auntie’ when she was only 30. Each story feels like peeking into someone’s diary, which is both intriguing and slightly awkward.
5 The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
This book was chosen because it brilliantly explores both the physical and emotional burdens of soldiers in Vietnam. It reads like a war veteran’s campfire story, full of intense moments and raw emotion. We felt like we could almost hear the distant choppers.
4 Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
This is the perfect book when you need a break from reading ‘Catcher in the Rye’ for the 5th time. The stories are quirky, just like that weird but lovable uncle we all have. They’re mysterious, a bit like that locked shed in our backyard.
3 Dubliners by James Joyce
These stories offer a snapshot of life in Dublin that’s authentic and touching. Reading this is like sitting with an old friend who’s great at storytelling but forgets to tell you how the story ends. Full of bittersweet moments.
2 Tenth of December by George Saunders
Saunders’ collection stood out for its wit and creativity. It’s like watching a stand-up comedy skit where the jokes make you laugh and think. A collection that’s as refreshing as a cold drink on a sunny day.
1 The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway by Ernest Hemingway
This one takes the cake because Hemingway’s stories are timeless masterpieces. Each story is like a shot of espresso: short, strong, and enough to jolt you awake. His direct style and powerful storytelling make every page worth savoring, like a fine wine. We appreciate how he mixes grace with grit, creating tales that stick in your mind. The collection is like our favorite playlist with a mix of moods, from adventure to passion. It sets the bar high for what popular short stories can achieve.
