Can someone please help me find a book of short stories to buy?

[pobletsmum]

Hello,

I'm due to have my 2nd baby in Feb, and would like to find a book of short stories that is easy to read for when I'm in hospital/early days & weeks at home. I don't have the brain power right now to read 'normal' books, and have previously enjoyed a collection of short stories (although I can't find it or remember what it was called).

I would like to find something that is:

• paperback
• mix of authors in one book to give variety
• easy reading, not horror or sci-fi (although it doesn't matter if a small proportion of the stories fall into these categories)

I very rarely allow myself the time to read, but enjoy most contemporary authors (I mean the sorts of books in the bestseller charts). I would read most things from Danielle Steel to Daphne du Maurier, and have enjoyed things like 'the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time' and Harry Potter. In the early days after having a baby, probably the 'cheesier' the better!

Does anyone know of a book that might suit me? I went into Borders this morning thinking there might be a 'Short Stories' section, but was disappointed. I asked 2 members of staff for advice with no luck. Both said I need to have a title/author in mind. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack!

Please help!

Ooh that's tame compared to what Helen Simpson can do with male characters, when she really puts her mind to it, UQD. I forget the title of her anthology that I have, but I don't know what's more depressing, the selfishness and bullying of the men, or the downtrodden victim mode of the women. Don't really know why I kept reading but there was a certain fascination and it made for a lot of discussion at book club.

Still don't see how this constitutes HS being up herself.

I actually did a dissertation as part of my degree on short stories by women writers and have a collection of anthologies, though a lot are out of print now.

I love the sound of that collection Gas and Air, sounds like one to look for in library catalogues as it's sadly out of print.

Hermione Lee edited two anthologies The Secret Self and The Secret Self 2, out of print but I see them quite a bit secondhand, there are secondhand copies on Amazon if that's any help. Susan Hill edited two Pengiun anthologies of Modern Women's Short Stories.

Still seemingly in print/reprinted are Wayward Girls and Wicked Women edited by Angela Carter (who wrote some wonderful short stories herself) and Close Company edited by Christine Park and Caroline Heaton, stories of mothers and daughters. Both published by Virago.

I'd recommend short stories by the following women writers (I do read men as well, but Raymond Carver is the only name in my head right now): Katherine Mansfield, Angela Carter, Alice Munro, Mavis Gallant, Toni Cade Bambara, Colette.

Hope you found/find something good, I'd like to hear what you end up reading.

Looking at your post again, maybe my suggestions are a little less light than what you're after. Maeve Binchy sounds like a good idea. Poolbeg is an Irish publisher of chicklit and commercial fiction, their books are often available over here as well as in Ireland, don't know if they have any good anthologies.

Wow that's quite some list elkiedee! Thanks everyone for your suggestions. So far I think I'm veering towards the 'Girls Night In/Out' etc collections, as they seem to have a real mix of authors & look as though they'll be very easy reading. It's a shame they aren't avilable in a bookshop so I can have a look before I buy. Will probably just buy one on eBay. Haven't done anything about getting one yet cos have had a bad week with pregnany niggles & sprained ankle, and building works at home. Must sort it out soon though, or else I'll end up having the baby before I've got a book.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Whereabouts are you pobletsmum? Eek re building works at home, I assume you're getting ready for the little one? Hope it all goes well.

Well, I thought I ought to report back...

elkiedee - I'm in East of england. Building works nearly finished for the time being, just carpets to go in (tomorrow & thursday) and lots of furniture & furnishings to buy, whcih might have to wait a few weeks. Dustsheets make great curtains!

I didn't end up buying a book, cos it was hard to find one I liked, but I did find 2 in my local library that meet my criteria. They should see me through the next few weeks (baby due mid-feb), I just have to remember to renew/return them promptly! I will still keep my eyes open for one to buy.

Thanks again for all your help.

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My local secondary school are doing Maeve's Circle of Friends for Leaving Cert. Eighteen year old boys....

Trolleydolly - I'll add that one to my wish list. Thanks!

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readers digest do books titled OF LOVE AND LIFE . its a paperback with 3 novels in the one book (they are slightly shortened). and its all contemporary stuff. they're really varied and i find them in charity shops.

"Some New Ambush" by Carys Davies. Fantastic short stories from a Bridport and Fish runner-up.

Lorrie Moore's Who Will Run The Frog Hospital is great.