What are some of the best contemporary fiction short stories?

One of the best contemporary fiction short stories is 'Cat Person' by Kristen Roupenian. It vividly explores modern relationships and the power dynamics within them.

One great contemporary science fiction short story is 'The Paper Menagerie' by Ken Liu. It beautifully blends family relationships with elements of science fiction, exploring themes of cultural identity through the use of magical origami creatures. Another is 'Exhalation' by Ted Chiang. Chiang's story delves into the concept of entropy and the nature of time in a very thought - provoking way. And 'A Martian Odyssey' by Stanley G. Weinbaum is also a classic among contemporary - ish (it was early but very influential) science fiction short stories, introducing readers to strange and wonderful alien species.

Well, there are quite a few. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a well - known best contemporary short story. It's a feminist classic that delves into the mental state of a woman. 'The Dead' by James Joyce is also among them. Joyce's use of stream - of - consciousness in this story is masterful. And 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway is great. Hemingway's concise and understated writing style makes this story about a couple's unspoken tensions very engaging.

Well, in the realm of best contemporary short fiction, there's Raymond Carver. His minimalist style has influenced many. His stories are often about ordinary people facing life's hardships in a very real and relatable way. Then there's Zadie Smith. Her short fiction can be very thought - provoking, exploring topics like race, class, and modern society. And of course, there's Lydia Davis. Her short stories are often quite short but pack a punch, delving into the human psyche in interesting ways.

Some great contemporary fiction short stories include 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love' by Raymond Carver. His minimalist style is very effective in portraying the mundanity and complexity of love. 'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut is another one. It's a satirical take on equality and the suppression of individuality in society. Also, 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin makes readers question the cost of a utopian society.

There are also collections by individual authors that are worth checking out. For example, Raymond Carver's 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love'. His stories are known for their minimalistic style yet they are deeply impactful, often exploring the relationships and the quiet desperations in people's lives.

Ken Liu is highly regarded. He has a knack for weaving complex cultural elements into his science fiction short stories. His works often bridge different cultures and time periods, creating a rich tapestry of ideas. His translations of Chinese science fiction also contribute to the diversity of contemporary science fiction short stories.

One of the best contemporary short novels is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a chilling story that shows how blindly following tradition can lead to horror. Another great one is 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor, which delves deep into themes of morality and human nature. Also, 'Cat Person' by Kristen Roupenian is quite popular, exploring modern relationships in a very relatable way.

One great example is 'A&P' by John Updike. It's a story that vividly depicts a moment in the life of a young cashier in a grocery store and his reaction to some girls who come in wearing bathing suits. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It shows a small town's disturbing annual tradition in a very real - yet unexpected - way. And 'Cathedral' by Raymond Carver is also notable. It tells a story about a man's encounter with a blind man and how it changes his perspective.

Some excellent contemporary science fiction short stories include 'Ava's Demon' by Michelle Czajkowski. It features a complex and interesting world with a strong female lead. 'Saga' by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples is also very popular. It combines science fiction elements with family drama in a space - faring setting. And 'Ms. Marvel' which has some science - fiction elements in its story about a young Muslim girl with superpowers.