Book List

Best Short Fiction of 2022

FICTION

SEEKING FORTUNE ELSEWHERE

by Sindya Bhanoo

Graceful stories by a writer with enormous empathy for even the most flawed and forlorn among us. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

PRETEND IT'S MY BODY

by Luke Dani Blue

Original work intent on creating new ways to imagine transformations. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

IF I SURVIVE YOU

by Jonathan Escoffery

A fine debut that looks at the complexities of cultural identity with humor, savvy, and a rich sense of place. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

STORIES FROM THE TENANTS DOWNSTAIRS

by Sidik Fofana

A potentially significant voice in African American fiction asserts itself with wit and compassion. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

A CALM & NORMAL HEART

by Chelsea T. Hicks

Dark and darkly comic stories that herald an important new voice in American letters. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

THE LAST SUSPICIOUS HOLDOUT

by Ladee Hubbard

Hubbard’s eyes and ears are in superb working order as she tells this besieged community’s life story. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

GOD'S CHILDREN ARE LITTLE BROKEN THINGS

by Arinze Ifeakandu

Deftly capturing the richness and dangers of romantic connection, these stories complicate and reimagine queer narratives. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

NOBODY GETS OUT ALIVE

by Leigh Newman

Bighearted stories of domestic discord by a writer with a cleareyed view of Alaska's romance and hardscrabble realism. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

LIBERATION DAY

by George Saunders

A tour de force collection that showcases all of Saunders’ many skills. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

NIGHT OF THE LIVING REZ

by Morgan Talty

Ranging from grim to tender, these stories reveal the hardships facing a young Native American in contemporary America. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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