Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Best Short Stories
Our Best Short Stories group, a true testament to its name, has been a beacon of intellectual stimulation and engagement at Osher for many quarters. It is not just popular; it is addictive. Every two weeks, this group delves into the depths of two pieces of short fiction, sparking thought-provoking discussions. Participants bring their unique perspectives to the table, and they leave with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the stories we explore together. All members are invited to share this experience. Join your Osher friends every other Tuesday this quarter to vigorously discuss what you’ve read. The group meets in person (with parallel online access). Its discussions are member-driven and member-led. Everyone’s perspective is encouraged and invited. So, whether you want to share your views, lead a session, or only “lurk,” you are invited to join this long-standing Osher group. It is remarkable how much richer each story becomes as it is seen through our collective eyes.
This quarter we will be alternating between two books. One is a collection of short fiction from 52 “great” authors. The other has over two dozen stories by Zora Neale Hurston (1891 – 1960). Hurston was a novelist, folklorist, dramatist, ethnographer and cultural anthropologist. She wrote over fifty short stories, essays and plays. Her style is distinguished and was revolutionary in its integration of African American vernacular. A superb (free) PBS (almost two-hour) documentary about her is available online. Look for “American Experience – Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space.”
Our two books are The Art of the Short Story, edited by Dana Gioia and R. S. Gwynn [IBSN: 978-0-321- 36363-3 in paperback] and The Complete Stories, by Zora Neal Hurston [ISBN: 978-0-06-135018-4 in paperback]. This is the first collection of her short stories, most appearing only in literary magazines during her lifetime. Both books are reasonably priced and available from most online retailers.
SCHEDULE:
* from The Art of the Short Story
+ from Hurston, The Complete Stories
October 8: ‘A Clean Well-Lighted Place’ by Ernest Hemingway*
‘The Dead’ by James Joyce*
October 22: ‘Muttsy’ by Nora Neale Hurston+
‘Possum or Pig?’ by Nora Neale Hurston+
November 5: ‘Before the Law’ by Franz Kafka*
‘The Garden Party’ by Katherine Mansfield*
November 19: ‘The Eatonville Anthology’ by Nora
Neale Hurston+
‘Sweat’ by Nora Neale Hurston+
December 3: ‘Patriotism’ by Yukio Mishma*
‘How I Met My Husband’ by Alice Munro*
Speaker Bio
Facilitator: Ira Meislik never read short stories unless his schooling required him to do so. Now, he is hooked on the genre. He’s excited to read this quarter’s selections, especially those by Hurston and to get a better understanding of each through his membership in this group. That makes him a prime example that no prior experience with short fiction is needed to participate in this fabulous discussion group’s bi-weekly get-togethers.