best contemporary fiction short stories

One of the best is 'Cat Person' by Kristen Roupenian. It vividly captures the modern dating experience in a very relatable way. The characters are complex and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged until the end.

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.

You can start by checking out literary magazines such as 'The New Yorker' or 'Granta'. They often publish high - quality contemporary short stories. Another option is to visit your local library and ask the librarian for recommendations. They are usually well - informed about new and popular works in the genre.

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.

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.

One option is to visit your local library. Librarians are often well - informed about new and popular science fiction works. They can point you to collections or individual short stories. Also, following well - known science fiction authors on social media or subscribing to their newsletters can lead you to discover great contemporary short stories they recommend or are inspired by. Additionally, websites like Tor.com regularly publish and promote contemporary science fiction short stories.

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.

You can find them in some well - known science fiction magazines like 'Asimov's Science Fiction' or 'Analog Science Fiction and Fact'. These magazines often feature top - notch contemporary short stories.

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.