The Best American Short Stories

In his introduction to this volume Stephen King writes Talent does more than come out; it bursts out again and again doing exuberant cartwheels while the band plays ''Stars and Stripes Forever'' . . . Talent cant help itself; it roars along in fair weather or foul not sparing the fireworks. It gets emotional. It struts its stuff. In fact thats its job.. Wonderfully eclectic The Best American Short Stories 2007 collects stories by writers of undeniable talent both newcomers and favorites. These stories examine the turning points in life when we as children or parents lovers or friends or colleagues must break certain rules in order to remain true to ourselves. In T. C. Boyles heartbreaking Balto a thirteen-year-old girl provides devastating courtroom testimony in her fathers trial. Aryn Kyles charming story Allegiance shows a young girl caught between her despairing British mother and motherly American father. In The Bris Eileen Pollack brilliantly writes of a son struggling to fulfill his filial obligations even when they require a breach of morality and religion. Kate Walberts stunning Do Something portrays one mothers impassioned and revolutionary refusal to accept her sons death. And in Richard Russos graceful Horseman an English professor comes to understand that plagiarism reveals more about a student than original work can.. New series editor Heidi Pitlor writes [Stephen Kings] dedication unflagging hard work and enthusiasm for excellent writing shone through on nearly a daily basis this past year . . . We agreed disagreed and in the end very much concurred on the merit of the twenty stories chosen. The result is a vibrant assortment of stories and voices brimming with attitude deep wisdom and rare compassion.