“Grief” – Anton Chekov — Because many of the stories you read, many of the stories you write, whether you know it or not, are influenced in some shape or form by Chekov.
“William Burns” – Roberto Bolaño — For one it’s Bolano which is reason enough. Also love the matter-of-fact, almost non-chalant framing device on this one, and the economy, it’s right around three pages, a fascinating turn from a guy whose novels are mammoth.
Nine Stories – J.D. Salinger — Holden Caulfield gets the bulk of the attention, but for my money the Glass Family saga eclipses Catcher in The Rye.
