Phantom

Susan Kay

Back in print after ten years, Phantom is one of my favorite modern Gothic novels. Susan Kay fleshes out the characters of The Phantom of the Opera, familiar from the Broadway musical and Gaston Leroux's original novel. The result is a lush, romantic, and haunting masterpiece of historical fiction.

The Baum Plan for Financial Independence: And Other Stories

John Kessel

One story in this collection is a darkly humorous sequel to Flannery O’Connor’s legendary “A Good Man Is Hard to Find;” in another, the Bennet sisters from Pride and Prejudice meet the infamous Dr. Frankenstein. I’d love this collection for its sheer chutzpah even were it not brilliantly written (and very, very funny).

This Is Not Chick Lit: Original Stories by America's Best Women Writers

edited by Elizabeth Merrick

This book is great fun to read in public, cover prominently displayed. And the writing is fantastic, too!

Karma and Other Stories

Rishi Reddi

Reddi's characters are hilarious and heartbreaking as they weather culture clashes, family struggles, and injured birds. Try the story "Justice Shiva Ram Murthy" for the incomparable voice of a cranky retired Indian judge adjusting to life in America. Fans of Jhumpa Lahiri will love this book!