May: Reading Short Works

Novellas and short stories for a sense of completion

Dear readers,

Is it just me, or does May also feel to you like a month to focus on completion?

In April, I had so many Post-It notes going I wore them like a To-Do List suit on all my errands without fear of arrest. As soon as one was done, I replaced it with another.

But the ones that followed me into this month are losing their stickiness. I’m letting them fall like I think someone’s going to start throwing me $20 bills.

These days I just want to finish what I start and breathe a little before taking on any new commitments.

Yes, the fact that my occupational rhythm has been pegged to the northern hemisphere academic calendar for a solid 20 years likely has a lot to do with this senioritis-like feeling. This year I may also be particulary weary from a vigilant effort to stay informed (buzz! ping!) about events beyond my control, the kind requiring months or even years to play out to a resolution. It’s so unsatisfying.

So: May calls for some low-page-count reads. Many short stories can b…