Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
2025-2026 Membership is now Open for Registration.
Best Short Stories
Coordinator
Ira Meislik
This group has been a beacon of intellectual stimulation and engagement for many quarters. It’s not just popular; it’s addictive. We delve into two short pieces of fiction, sparking thoughtprovoking discussions. Participants bring their unique perspectives and leave with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the stories we explore together. Our discussions are member-driven and memberled. Everyone’s perspective is encouraged and invited.
One of our two books this quarter is a collection of short fiction from the anthology 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories, edited by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor, which celebrates a century of American short fiction through 40 selected stories. It reflects evolving literary trends and cultural identities, featuring iconic authors alongside contemporary voices. The other is The Greatest Short Stories of Anton Chekhov. Anton Chekhov, born in Russia in 1860, was a renowned playwright and short-story writer. His writing style was characterized by realism and subtlety, often focusing on ordinary people and their struggles. He is considered one of the founders of modernism in theater and his works continue to influence literature and theatre globally.
These books are available from many sellers. Look for 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories, edited by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor [ISBN: 978-0-547- 48585-0 in hardcover], also available for a Kindle and The Greatest Short Stories of Anton Chekhov, translated by Constance Garnett [ISBN: 978-93- 8971-710-5 in paperback], also available in hardcover and for a Kindle. It is suggested that online searchers look for the ISBN number.
SCHEDULE:
+ from 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories
* from The Greatest Short Stories of Anton Chekhov
January 13: The Whole World Knows by Eudora Welty+
The Enormous Radio by John Cheever+
January 27: The Witch by Anton Chekhov*
Easter Eve by Anton Chekhov*
February 10: I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen+
Sonny’s Blues by James Baldwin+
February 24: A Day in the Country by Anton Chekhov*
The Chemist’s Wife by Anton Chekhov*
March 10: The Conversion of the Jews by Philip Roth+
Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O’Connor+
One of our two books this quarter is a collection of short fiction from the anthology 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories, edited by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor, which celebrates a century of American short fiction through 40 selected stories. It reflects evolving literary trends and cultural identities, featuring iconic authors alongside contemporary voices. The other is The Greatest Short Stories of Anton Chekhov. Anton Chekhov, born in Russia in 1860, was a renowned playwright and short-story writer. His writing style was characterized by realism and subtlety, often focusing on ordinary people and their struggles. He is considered one of the founders of modernism in theater and his works continue to influence literature and theatre globally.
These books are available from many sellers. Look for 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories, edited by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor [ISBN: 978-0-547- 48585-0 in hardcover], also available for a Kindle and The Greatest Short Stories of Anton Chekhov, translated by Constance Garnett [ISBN: 978-93- 8971-710-5 in paperback], also available in hardcover and for a Kindle. It is suggested that online searchers look for the ISBN number.
SCHEDULE:
+ from 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories
* from The Greatest Short Stories of Anton Chekhov
January 13: The Whole World Knows by Eudora Welty+
The Enormous Radio by John Cheever+
January 27: The Witch by Anton Chekhov*
Easter Eve by Anton Chekhov*
February 10: I Stand Here Ironing by Tillie Olsen+
Sonny’s Blues by James Baldwin+
February 24: A Day in the Country by Anton Chekhov*
The Chemist’s Wife by Anton Chekhov*
March 10: The Conversion of the Jews by Philip Roth+
Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O’Connor+
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27
10
24
10