Selected Shorts

01/31/2025

We loved this fun "Read Your Way Through New York City" piece in the New York Times, featuring so many of our friends! Check it out at:

We asked 10 writers — including Hernan Diaz, Jennifer Egan and Casey McQuiston — to recommend books that capture their particular slice of life in New York.

01/29/2025

The second story on this Selected Shorts episode, Slippery Roads and Fancy Shorts, is read by Mike Doyle. In Elizabeth McCracken’s “Robinson Crusoe at the Waterpark,” a couple and their son find themselves in over their heads. You can listen to the story wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/4hCajpn
(Photo by Kevin Yatarola)

Image: Mike Doyle, a man wearing a black sweater, stands on the stage in front of a microphone reading a story.

01/28/2025

Just announced! We have an all-star cast taking the stage for our next Selected Shorts. Ann Harada, Fred Hechinger, and Cynthia Nixon join us to celebrate a century of fiction in The New Yorker. Hosted by longtime editor Deborah Treisman. In-person and livestream tix available! https://bit.ly/42xnlzR

Image: A rotating tile featuring Deborah Treisman, Ann Harada, Fred Hechinger, and Cynthia Nixon in front of a red background. The cover of A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker is also featured, and text that says, "Wed, Feb 12 at 7PM."

01/28/2025

Writers! Submissions are currently open for the 2025 Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize, judged by Ottessa Moshfegh. The winning work will be performed by an actor in spring 2025 and published on Electric Literature. The winning writer will receive $1000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers' Workshop. Submit your story by March 7! Details at: https://bit.ly/3GE3N0b

Image: A rotating tile featuring Ottessa Moshfegh and text that says "Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize 2025."

01/28/2025

The first story on this Selected Shorts episode, Slippery Roads and Fancy Shorts, is performed by Aasif Mandvi. Haruki Murakami’s witty “Lederhosen" follows the impact a pair of the traditional German shorts, or fancy pants, has on a marriage. Take a listen wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/4hCajpn
(Photo by Rahav Segev)

Image: Aasif Mandvi, a man wearing a hat and a brown jacket over a shirt, stands on the stage in front of a microphone reading a story.

01/24/2025

Back by popular demand, Selected Shorts returns to Livermore Valley Arts in Livermore, CA on Feb 2 to celebrate the power of togetherness! With actors Justin Kirk, Richa Moorjani, and Kirsten Vangsness. Grab your partner, best friend, or your arch-nemesis and find out why two heads are better than one! https://bit.ly/4ayQVHb

Image: A rotating tile featuring Justin Kirk, Richa Moorjani, and Kirsten Vangsness in front of a green background, and text that says, "Selected Shorts on Tour: Bankhead Theatre, Livermore CA: Sun Feb 2 at 3pm."

01/24/2025

The final story on this Selected Shorts episode, Banned Books with Judy Blume, is performed by Maulik Pancholy. David Sedaris recounts a challenging encounter with a young man in “Bruised." Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/42l2Er3
(Photo by Kevin Yatarola)

Image: Maulik Pancholy, a man wearing a gray jacket over a blue button-down shirt, stands on the stage in front of a microphone reading a story.

01/23/2025

Back by popular demand, Selected Shorts returns to the Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, CA on Feb 1! Join actors Justin Kirk, Richa Moorjani, and Kirsten Vangsness for an evening of stories that emphasize what happens in moments of great cooperation, competing desires, and unexpected encounters. Get your tickets now! https://bit.ly/3CmmCXF

Image: A rotating tile featuring Justin Kirk, Richa Moorjani, and Kirsten Vangsness in front of a pink background, and text that says, "Selected Shorts on Tour: Montalvo Arts Center, Saratoga CA: Sat, Feb 1 at 7:30pm."

01/23/2025

As part of this week's Selected Shorts episode, Banned Books with Judy Blume, host Meg Wolitzer spoke with Blume about the current state of book banning. Enjoy an excerpt of their conversation here, and you can find the full interview at: https://bit.ly/42lcRUl

01/23/2025

The second story on this Selected Shorts episode is performed by Catherine O’Hara. Celebrated children’s author Roald Dahl cooks up the perfect murder in “Lamb to the Slaughter." You can listen to the story wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/42l2Er3

Image: A still image of Catherine O’Hara, who is wearing long red earrings and a blue shirt.

01/22/2025

Happy ! In this chilly weather, there's nothing we love more than curling up with a good book. Started by NYPL The New York Public Library, today is your chance to celebrate the power of reading and the beauty of a well-organized bookshelf. Here are a few of our staff's bookshelves to celebrate!

Images: Four photos of well-organized bookshelves.

01/22/2025

The first story on this Selected Shorts episode, Banned Books with Judy Blume, is read by Troy Iwata. Xu Mason’s witty “Finally a Book that Cannot be Banned” imagines what it would take to write a work that could escape all censure. Portions of Blume’s onstage remarks are also featured in this episode. Take a listen wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/42l2Er3
(Photo by Kevin Yatarola)

Image: Troy Iwata, a man wearing glasses and a gray jacket over a white shirt, stands on the stage in front of a microphone reading a story.

01/21/2025

Calling all writers! Submissions are now open for the 2025 Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize, judged by Ottessa Moshfegh. The winning work will be performed by an actor in spring 2025 and published on Electric Literature. The winning writer will receive $1000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers' Workshop. Submit your story by March 7! Details at: https://bit.ly/3GE3N0b

Image: A rotating tile featuring Ottessa Moshfegh and text that says "Stella Kupferberg Memorial Short Story Prize 2025."

01/16/2025

There's a new episode of Too Hot for Radio out now wherever you get your podcasts! Susie Essman performs Maeve Dunigan's witty story "My Husband, I Vow to Honor You Always Unless..." Enjoy this fun excerpt of Essman's performance, and then head to our Selected Shorts feed for more! https://bit.ly/42iDKIE

01/15/2025

The second story on the Selected Shorts episode, The Road Not Taken, is performed by Santino Fontana. Tom Perrotta’s “Nine Inches" features a teacher who chaperones a middle-school dance, while also coming to terms with his own past choices. You can listen wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/4hfwqBO
(Photo by Kevin Yatarola)

Image: Santino Fontana, a man wearing a red plaid shirt, stands on the stage in front of a microphone reading a story.

01/14/2025

The first story on the Selected Shorts episode, The Road Not Taken, is read by Amber Tamblyn. In “A Woman Driving Alone” by Marie-Helene Bertino, the main character travels a long way to see a friend but seems also to be escaping a challenging moment in her life. Take a listen wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/4hfwqBO
(Photo by Ellen Qbertplaya)

Image: Amber Tamblyn, a woman wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, stands on the stage in front of a microphone reading a story.

01/10/2025

Just announced! We've assembled an all-star cast for our next Selected Shorts of the season. Arjun Gupta, Jane Kaczmarek, and Richard Kind take the stage to perform stories by Jai Chakrabarti, Allegra Hyde, and Jess Walter. 2024 O. Henry Prize Stories guest editor Amor Towles hosts this evening of stories by celebrated names and emerging voices from the oldest major prize for short fiction in America. Join us Jan 22 in-person or over the livestream! https://bit.ly/4j7nos5

Image: A rotating tile featuring Amor Towles, Arjun Gupta, Jane Kaczmarek, and Richard Kind. The cover of the 2024 O. Henry Prize Stories is also featured, and text that says, "Wed, Jan 22 at 7PM."

01/10/2025

The final story on this Selected Shorts episode, Keeping Score, is read by Gildart Jackson. In Joanne Harris’ “Fule’s Gold,” a teacher tries to put himself on the board - by stealing points from an unwitting student. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. https://bit.ly/3C0ufD2

Image: A still image of Gildart Jackson, who is wearing a black jacket over a blue shirt.