This collection gathers short stories that explore the strange and uncanny moments where everyday life meets the fantastic. Curated by Kevin Brockmeier, the anthology features a wide range of tales from celebrated authors like Stephen King, Peter S. Beagle, and Rebecca Makkai. Each story offers a unique journey into the surreal, blurring the line between what is real and what is not.

Prose complexity: 7/10

Thought-Provoking Whimsical Dreamy Dark

Multiple POVs

Fantasy Literary Fiction Magical Realism

Authors

Jeffrey Ford is the author of the gripping Western novel Dead Man's Hand. His work often explores the darker corners of human nature and the American West.

J

John Kessel

John Kessel is a science fiction and fantasy writer who has edited several major anthologies, including The Year’s Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2021 Edition. His short fiction frequently appears in Clarkesworld and is collected in books like American Apocalypse.

Kevin Brockmeier is the editor of The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2012. He's a writer known for his imaginative fiction.