My friend recently mentioned that he didn't finish a short story collection, implying that he normally tries to finish them. Which was kind of surprising to me because I hardly ever finish short story collections. Because of this, I try and get the most out of them by skipping around and reading the best stories. For some reason, they almost always put the best one at the end. Which isn't so great if you're reading it from the beginning and not necessarily going to finish it. I also usually try and look up the most famous or well loved stories to read as well.
Anyways I'm curious if you normally read the entirety of a short story collection, and if not, how you decide which ones to read. Unless I'm mistaken, short story collections aren't usually organized in a super intentional way where they're intended to be read in order. An exception might be Jeff Vandermeer's Ambergris (although I don't think reading it non-linearly would take all that much away). Would be interested to know if yall know of other examples like this.
by moss42069
5 Comments
Jeff VanderMeer [did an AMA here](https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/3es2af/im_jeff_vandermeer_the_author_of_the_southern/) you might want to take a look. [Here’s a full list of our upcoming AMAs](http://www.reddit.com/r/books/wiki/amafullschedule)
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It really depends on a lot of factors, hard to give you any general rule. If you’re not doing it for school, just read whatever gives you pleasure. The first few paragraphs might be enough to give you a sense if this might be up your alley.
I tend to read them one at a time.
On first read, I always read short story collections exactly the same way I read a novel: From the first page of the book to the last page of the book. On the second read, I might or might not skip around.
I do the same thing with music albums. I like to experience the whole entire work on the first time through.
99% of the time I read them from start to finish in order. Occasionally I’ll read specific stories that I’m interested in. Usually as re-reads.