Short stories and novellas can get lost in the shadow of epic novels and great works of biography, but the compact storytelling form can pack a wallop. Aside from my standbys Poe, Maupassant and Conan Doyle, these are some of my favorite stories and novellas.
We’re gonna go for five titles today — I’ve never been one for flashy, empty airport reads like The Abacus Conundrum. And I cringe at the categorization of “beach reads.” Still, I admit that there are books that are quick, fast-paced and comparatively easy reads — books that don’t require rumination or notes in the margin.…
Maguire has made a name for himself by re-imagining well-known fairy tales and children’s’ stories from the point-of-view of another character. From “Snow White” to “A Christmas Carol”, Maguire uses back story and inventiveness to create an alternate reality. Wicked, which told the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, became a blockbuster Broadway musical.…
Excerpted from Jabberwocky by LEWIS CARROLL ‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe. All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe. “Beware the Jabberwock, my son! The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun the frumious Bandersnatch!” He took his vorpal…