Crafting the Very Short Story: An Anthology of 100 Masterpieces

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Crafting the Very Short Story: An Anthology of 100 Masterpieces

Editor: Mark Mills

First line: "I suspect," critic Charles Baxter has said, "that [the very short story] appeals to readers so much now because they are on so many thresholds."

Why you should read this book: This anthology gathers very short stories, usually under five pages, from ancient, modern, and post-modern sources, along with literary criticism and first-person author interpretations of their own work. It's a great book for readers and for writers, and provides a wonderful overview of the work of great writers, along with much useful information on crafting the very short story. For busy people who can't string more than ten minutes together for reading, very short stories are a perfect solution.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're ready to cozy up to a nice, long novel.

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Studies show that children who regularly hear books read and see adults reading books have an easier time learning to read. If your children do not realize that books are fun and contain interesting ideas, they will be less motivated to learn how to read and write. Children who do not learn to read and write have difficulty succeeding in school and at life.

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You can learn more about children's books at the American Library Association website. Your public library is a great place to introduce your children to books. They will have special programs and incentives for kids of all ages to love reading. In most systems children are entitled to their own library cards from the time they are old enough to write their own names. It's a great way to teach responsibility as well as foster a lifelong love of learning and books.

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Dragon's Library

Thursday, March 27, 2008