The separation of a book-lover from his books is a heartbreaking sight.  Nevertheless, as the end of the year events and coursework crush into Nazareth students, it seems almost impossible for students to find time to delve into one of their favorite treats—leisure reading.  Sadly, high school students often feel too overwhelmed to read anything beyond their course syllabi.  As I have experienced this painful withdrawal myself, I would like to propose an alternative: the short story.

Although lacking in page count, short stories have the potential to hold true substance. In fact, the 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Alice Munro, a Canadian short story author.  Munro’s stories take readers on a voyage of entire lifetimes—in solely two-dozen pages. It is important to remember to value quality over quantity.

“Recently, I have been trying really hard to find time to finish the Divergent series,” comments Rachel Pellegrino, Nazareth senior and potential English major at University of Illinois.  “It’s been difficult because I also have a research paper due and other textbooks I have to read—let alone exciting senior activities.”

During this busy time, students should open themselves up to the idea of exploring the undervalued world of short stories.  Short stories accommodate to our schedule. Through their portrayal of characters in dramatic encounters, short stories thrust consequential lessons at us in less time than it takes to view the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy.  Put the controller aside and pick up some William Faulkner!

“I would have to admit that I took away equal, if not more, from the short story The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Gilman than some novels I have read,” states senior Ethan Flanagan.  “The only difference is that the short story accomplishes everything a novel does in a more concise way.”

Short stories overflow with shots of excitement; they invite readers to lose themselves in their thin pages.  In less time than it takes to check up on Twitter of Facebook feed, students can wander on these thrilling adventures–all in a quick and safe manner.  It is time to spend an intimate, imaginative hour with a short story author!

However, the busy student who is eager to sneak into a few short stories must watch out: a little too much Bradbury or Fitzgerald and pretty soon all homework will become second tier!