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The Short Story Advent Calendar
The 2017 Short Story Advent Calendar
For the third straight year, the Short Story Advent Calendar is here to be the spice in your eggnog, the rum in your fruitcake—another collection of 24 brilliant stories to be opened, one by one, on the mornings leading up to Christmas.
These stories once again come from some of the best and brightest writers across North America, and beyond. Plus, this year featuring more all-new material than ever before!
Contributors to the 2017 calendar include:
Kelly Link (Get in Trouble, Magic for Beginners)
Jim Gavin (Middle Men, AMC's forthcoming Lodge 49)
Carmen Maria Machado (Her Body and Other Parties)
Ken Liu (The Paper Menagerie, The Grace of Kings)
Maggie Shipstead (Astonish Me, Seating Arrangements)
and [REDACTED x 19]!
As always, each booklet is sealed, so you won't know what story you're getting until the morning you open it. Calendars are available in a one-time print run, which means that once they're gone, they're gone forever. The 2017 edition has also been reimagined, design-wise—did someone say translucent vellum sleeve? Yes. It was us.
These stories once again come from some of the best and brightest writers across North America, and beyond. Plus, this year featuring more all-new material than ever before!
Contributors to the 2017 calendar include:
Kelly Link (Get in Trouble, Magic for Beginners)
Jim Gavin (Middle Men, AMC's forthcoming Lodge 49)
Carmen Maria Machado (Her Body and Other Parties)
Ken Liu (The Paper Menagerie, The Grace of Kings)
Maggie Shipstead (Astonish Me, Seating Arrangements)
and [REDACTED x 19]!
As always, each booklet is sealed, so you won't know what story you're getting until the morning you open it. Calendars are available in a one-time print run, which means that once they're gone, they're gone forever. The 2017 edition has also been reimagined, design-wise—did someone say translucent vellum sleeve? Yes. It was us.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
377 pages, Chapbooks in slipcase
Published December 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Michael Hingston
13 books52 followersMichael Hingston is the author of Try Not to Be Strange, Let's Go Exploring, and The Dilettantes, and co-publisher of Hingston & Olsen Publishing. His journalism has appeared in Wired, National Geographic, the Washington Post, and The Guardian. Hingston lives with his family in Edmonton, Alberta.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 26, 2023
June 25, 2023: A fun reread with my Short-Story Adventarian buddies, one who was reading it for the first time.
A few of the stories noted below stayed favorites, and the one story I described as sci-fi in the comments below has to be Kelly Link's "The Game of Smash and Recovery." I think I understood it more this time, but I also think I'd need to read it a third time to understand it … fully (?).
*
As I said of last year's short story advent calendar: this was so much fun! I'll miss having a new short story to open every morning. (I felt at loose ends this morning without it.) This year my enjoyment was enhanced by interacting with other Short-Story Adventarians on Twitter. Here's to next year's!
Some thoughts I'd posted on Twitter about a few of the individual stories:
Day 2: "Forty-Third C Platoon" by C.P. Boyko: When I first realized the sergeant was a woman and then the radio operator as well, I was a bit taken aback. Then I consciously gauged my feelings about their being female or wondering what if they were male as I read on. Then wondered why it should make a difference. Well played. (Reminded me of "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, which I loved.)
Day 4: "Kings" by Hasanthika Sirisena: Another great story. And great author interview too that had me googling and then reading D.H. Lawrence’s poem "Elephant". A chapter of Lawrence's life that reminded me of his friendship with E.M. Forster.
Day 12: "Souterrain" by Maggie Shipstead: I love today’s novel of a story! Some of my favorite themes: secrets that stay secrets, and their effects.
Day 14: "Eva" by Deborah Willis: Character development, mood, atmosphere, sense of place: this story has so much going for it, including a subtlety that might seem difficult to achieve due to its subject matter.
Day 16: "Tremendous Machine" by Salvatore Scibona: She was like the Republic of Costa Rica... A superb story of the effects of coerced denial. Superb, and unfortunately still timely.
A few of the stories noted below stayed favorites, and the one story I described as sci-fi in the comments below has to be Kelly Link's "The Game of Smash and Recovery." I think I understood it more this time, but I also think I'd need to read it a third time to understand it … fully (?).
*
As I said of last year's short story advent calendar: this was so much fun! I'll miss having a new short story to open every morning. (I felt at loose ends this morning without it.) This year my enjoyment was enhanced by interacting with other Short-Story Adventarians on Twitter. Here's to next year's!
Some thoughts I'd posted on Twitter about a few of the individual stories:
Day 2: "Forty-Third C Platoon" by C.P. Boyko: When I first realized the sergeant was a woman and then the radio operator as well, I was a bit taken aback. Then I consciously gauged my feelings about their being female or wondering what if they were male as I read on. Then wondered why it should make a difference. Well played. (Reminded me of "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien, which I loved.)
Day 4: "Kings" by Hasanthika Sirisena: Another great story. And great author interview too that had me googling and then reading D.H. Lawrence’s poem "Elephant". A chapter of Lawrence's life that reminded me of his friendship with E.M. Forster.
Day 12: "Souterrain" by Maggie Shipstead: I love today’s novel of a story! Some of my favorite themes: secrets that stay secrets, and their effects.
Day 14: "Eva" by Deborah Willis: Character development, mood, atmosphere, sense of place: this story has so much going for it, including a subtlety that might seem difficult to achieve due to its subject matter.
Day 16: "Tremendous Machine" by Salvatore Scibona: She was like the Republic of Costa Rica... A superb story of the effects of coerced denial. Superb, and unfortunately still timely.
June 29, 2023
2017
Loved this concept for an Advent Calendar and great stories to boot. Looking forward to next year's!
2023
I re-read this collection in June 2023 with a gaggle of SSAC completists and newbies. Realizing I had not included my list of faves in my original review (hey, I was an SSAC newbie in 2017) here goes:
Day 2 “Forty-Third Platoon” by C. P. Boycott
Day 5 “Help Me Follow My Sister to the Land of the Dead” by Carmen Maria Machado
Day 9 “Aftermath” by Laura Van Den Berg
Day 11 “Skinks” by Brent Van Staalduinem
Day 12 “Souterrain” by Maggie Shipstead * top one for me in this edition
Day 13 “Secondary Memory” by Danielle’s McLaughlin
Day 19 “The Friend” by Lindsay Hutton
Day 20 “The Game of Smash and Recovery” by Kelly Link * number two fave
Day 21 “The First Day of Winter” by Rebecca Rosenblum
I call the SSAC 2017 the surrealist collection. “Souterrain” while rooted in realism shows the consequences of family secrets and reminded me of Mavis Gallant’s story, “The Remission.” My second favourite had mixed reviews from other readers. I found the more I allowed myself to inhabit Kelly Link’s futuristic world, the better I understood the story. It’s mind-bending to be sure.
Loved this concept for an Advent Calendar and great stories to boot. Looking forward to next year's!
2023
I re-read this collection in June 2023 with a gaggle of SSAC completists and newbies. Realizing I had not included my list of faves in my original review (hey, I was an SSAC newbie in 2017) here goes:
Day 2 “Forty-Third Platoon” by C. P. Boycott
Day 5 “Help Me Follow My Sister to the Land of the Dead” by Carmen Maria Machado
Day 9 “Aftermath” by Laura Van Den Berg
Day 11 “Skinks” by Brent Van Staalduinem
Day 12 “Souterrain” by Maggie Shipstead * top one for me in this edition
Day 13 “Secondary Memory” by Danielle’s McLaughlin
Day 19 “The Friend” by Lindsay Hutton
Day 20 “The Game of Smash and Recovery” by Kelly Link * number two fave
Day 21 “The First Day of Winter” by Rebecca Rosenblum
I call the SSAC 2017 the surrealist collection. “Souterrain” while rooted in realism shows the consequences of family secrets and reminded me of Mavis Gallant’s story, “The Remission.” My second favourite had mixed reviews from other readers. I found the more I allowed myself to inhabit Kelly Link’s futuristic world, the better I understood the story. It’s mind-bending to be sure.
December 25, 2017
Oh yes, new holiday tradition indeed. Just a delight - a new story every day, some that I knew, some brand new, some classics familiar and un. Plus, in a beautifully designed package? Hell yeah I want this every year.
July 3, 2023
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you’re a literally fan.
Now in its third year, independent publishers Hinson and Olsen have released their much anticipated Short Story Advent Calendar. 24 self contained tale, each by a different author.
You are encouraged, to rise early, break the seal for that day, leading up to Christmas Day. Then mulling over impressions and reaction, there is a small community of fellow readers awaiting to compare notes on Twitter at #ssa2107. Often the author themselves will react, and personally 3 authors did so. Each day the publishers on the facebook page very thoughtfully would have an interview with the author of that days literary gift.
The literary world is definitely alive and kicking, as shown here as the written word is further enhanced by the flattening of the world online.
This years collection brought a wide range of themes, which the below par, were kept to a handful. Surprisingly, what was originally heralded as a unique Canadian experience in its debut, this year was overwhelming written by American authors. The old adage if it’s a good story still applies nevertheless.
From historical fiction, sci - fi, to comedy, the range was wide, eclectic and varied. For a collection during a festive time, it also didn’t shy away from life big subjects, with twists aplenty.
C. P Boyko’s ‘Forty Third C Platoon’ shows how human degrading is a equal opportunity employer highlighting a women only platoon. The long shadow from violent death is explored in Laura Van Den Berg’s ‘Aftermath’. For when written well, as was often the case here, the short story can take us on an emotional journey. A Kickstarter fund seems innocent at first, but in Carmen Maria Machado ‘Help Me Follow My Sister into the Land of the Dead’ slowly dawns that it tackles teen suicide.
This year shined into areas: historical literature and parental relationships. Two stories stood apart from the rest: Maggie Shipstead’s ‘Souterrain’ and Hasarithika Sirisena’s ‘Kings’. The former is a beautifully layered tale, spaced over decades involving acts of shame leading to a mans unfortunate death. ‘Kings’ is equally evocative and centres on D. H Lawrence betrayal by his country whilst living in Ceylon.
‘Skinks’ by Brent Van Staalduinen showed how a single snapshot of a hospital bed can be profound highlighting a sons longing for his criminal father. This parallels Rebecca Rosenblum’s ‘The First Day of Winter’ that shows how a single dad attempts to make her teen daughter have the best Christmas whilst out shopping revealing so much more.
This years edition was indeed rich and eclectic with a wide range of voices, topics, themes and twists. Even if you didn’t like a particular story, the debate afterwards online certainly made up for the disappointment. With this third year, a literary tradition has been now firmly established. The online community makes for a richer experience of discourse with liked minded literary lovers...
Yes! Count me in for 2018! 9/10
A revisit in 2023:
It sounded intriguing. But I was sceptical.
The Short Story Advent Calendar (SSAC)box set is an annual tradition established by independent Canadian publishers Hingston and Olsen. Every year they continue to bring unique and eclectic stories wrapped in a beautifully curated art object. It’s uniquely themed tailored for the run up to Christmas.
Rising early in darkness, we hunger for the celebration of all things Yuletide which fits this experience beautifully. A community awaiting to share reactions on Twitter.
So can this be enjoyed at an another time of the year? When the sun is blazing outside for instance? A few fellow veteran ‘Adventists’, (keen to be ‘Completists’ having read every edition since 2015 such as myself), managed to reach out to H & O and secure those editions they missed. @mrmuleman based in Arizona invited to re - explore #ssac2017 together. We merry band of four separated throughout North America decided to do just that.
Seven years on and it was surprising how little I remembered. It was revealing to look back at original notes from 2017. Age is the great equalizer and initial strident reaction seemed a little harsh now. Especially for genres that didn’t appeal.
Which the SSAC thrives on delivering stories in its depth and diversity. This edition had a wide range from surrealism with invisible dogs, science fiction questioning love delivered in pill form; to historic drama of bearded ladies and a famed writer exiled aboard in Ceylon.
What worked here were stories which encapsulated in pages a scene, a relationship, a time with words paint brushing a picture. A literal diorama. Notable stories include: a women returns to her hometown, meeting her ex at a beach party questioning boundaries and her past. (‘Tripping Sunny Chaudhry - Racheal Lyon). The strive of a single dad with his daughter shopping for Christmas. (‘The Day of Winter’ Rebecca Rosenblum). A boy watches his step - dad slip away at hospital whilst the Police stand guard. (‘Skinks’ - Brent Van Staalduinen).
Stories should test our sensibilities and assumptions. In ‘Chemistry’ - Martin Macinnes purports that love could be derived from a pill. A women of privilege and entitlement is tested on life itself when her partner experiences a terrible accident (‘Tremondous Machine’ Salvatore Scibona).
In an earlier age of unguarded philanthropy, a women buys a bearded child to be studied. But the child eventually finds her people in an unusual place. (‘Eva’- Deborah Willis). These stories were strong in their ability to make the reader ponder conflicting boundaries.
If one story showed how our social landscape has changed so much in seven years it would have to be Rebecca Schiff gender statement ‘How to be a Slut’. A long riff on why a women should be sexual promiscuous read a little dated.
As always, this annual tradition collection is a reason and a vehicle to deliver new stories, ideas and themes. Whilst it thrives as it does every December 1st onwards, this experiment proved it can be re - explored and enjoyed. Our interactions where varied even when I did come to the discussion always last being on the west coast. (My fellow readers were in Arizona, New Orleans and Ontario).
Dip back or discover past editions for the first time. It’s a very worthwhile experience as was this edition. Thank you all: @ttbrader @barbaramcveigh @mrmuleman @hingstonolsen.
10/10
Now in its third year, independent publishers Hinson and Olsen have released their much anticipated Short Story Advent Calendar. 24 self contained tale, each by a different author.
You are encouraged, to rise early, break the seal for that day, leading up to Christmas Day. Then mulling over impressions and reaction, there is a small community of fellow readers awaiting to compare notes on Twitter at #ssa2107. Often the author themselves will react, and personally 3 authors did so. Each day the publishers on the facebook page very thoughtfully would have an interview with the author of that days literary gift.
The literary world is definitely alive and kicking, as shown here as the written word is further enhanced by the flattening of the world online.
This years collection brought a wide range of themes, which the below par, were kept to a handful. Surprisingly, what was originally heralded as a unique Canadian experience in its debut, this year was overwhelming written by American authors. The old adage if it’s a good story still applies nevertheless.
From historical fiction, sci - fi, to comedy, the range was wide, eclectic and varied. For a collection during a festive time, it also didn’t shy away from life big subjects, with twists aplenty.
C. P Boyko’s ‘Forty Third C Platoon’ shows how human degrading is a equal opportunity employer highlighting a women only platoon. The long shadow from violent death is explored in Laura Van Den Berg’s ‘Aftermath’. For when written well, as was often the case here, the short story can take us on an emotional journey. A Kickstarter fund seems innocent at first, but in Carmen Maria Machado ‘Help Me Follow My Sister into the Land of the Dead’ slowly dawns that it tackles teen suicide.
This year shined into areas: historical literature and parental relationships. Two stories stood apart from the rest: Maggie Shipstead’s ‘Souterrain’ and Hasarithika Sirisena’s ‘Kings’. The former is a beautifully layered tale, spaced over decades involving acts of shame leading to a mans unfortunate death. ‘Kings’ is equally evocative and centres on D. H Lawrence betrayal by his country whilst living in Ceylon.
‘Skinks’ by Brent Van Staalduinen showed how a single snapshot of a hospital bed can be profound highlighting a sons longing for his criminal father. This parallels Rebecca Rosenblum’s ‘The First Day of Winter’ that shows how a single dad attempts to make her teen daughter have the best Christmas whilst out shopping revealing so much more.
This years edition was indeed rich and eclectic with a wide range of voices, topics, themes and twists. Even if you didn’t like a particular story, the debate afterwards online certainly made up for the disappointment. With this third year, a literary tradition has been now firmly established. The online community makes for a richer experience of discourse with liked minded literary lovers...
Yes! Count me in for 2018! 9/10
A revisit in 2023:
It sounded intriguing. But I was sceptical.
The Short Story Advent Calendar (SSAC)box set is an annual tradition established by independent Canadian publishers Hingston and Olsen. Every year they continue to bring unique and eclectic stories wrapped in a beautifully curated art object. It’s uniquely themed tailored for the run up to Christmas.
Rising early in darkness, we hunger for the celebration of all things Yuletide which fits this experience beautifully. A community awaiting to share reactions on Twitter.
So can this be enjoyed at an another time of the year? When the sun is blazing outside for instance? A few fellow veteran ‘Adventists’, (keen to be ‘Completists’ having read every edition since 2015 such as myself), managed to reach out to H & O and secure those editions they missed. @mrmuleman based in Arizona invited to re - explore #ssac2017 together. We merry band of four separated throughout North America decided to do just that.
Seven years on and it was surprising how little I remembered. It was revealing to look back at original notes from 2017. Age is the great equalizer and initial strident reaction seemed a little harsh now. Especially for genres that didn’t appeal.
Which the SSAC thrives on delivering stories in its depth and diversity. This edition had a wide range from surrealism with invisible dogs, science fiction questioning love delivered in pill form; to historic drama of bearded ladies and a famed writer exiled aboard in Ceylon.
What worked here were stories which encapsulated in pages a scene, a relationship, a time with words paint brushing a picture. A literal diorama. Notable stories include: a women returns to her hometown, meeting her ex at a beach party questioning boundaries and her past. (‘Tripping Sunny Chaudhry - Racheal Lyon). The strive of a single dad with his daughter shopping for Christmas. (‘The Day of Winter’ Rebecca Rosenblum). A boy watches his step - dad slip away at hospital whilst the Police stand guard. (‘Skinks’ - Brent Van Staalduinen).
Stories should test our sensibilities and assumptions. In ‘Chemistry’ - Martin Macinnes purports that love could be derived from a pill. A women of privilege and entitlement is tested on life itself when her partner experiences a terrible accident (‘Tremondous Machine’ Salvatore Scibona).
In an earlier age of unguarded philanthropy, a women buys a bearded child to be studied. But the child eventually finds her people in an unusual place. (‘Eva’- Deborah Willis). These stories were strong in their ability to make the reader ponder conflicting boundaries.
If one story showed how our social landscape has changed so much in seven years it would have to be Rebecca Schiff gender statement ‘How to be a Slut’. A long riff on why a women should be sexual promiscuous read a little dated.
As always, this annual tradition collection is a reason and a vehicle to deliver new stories, ideas and themes. Whilst it thrives as it does every December 1st onwards, this experiment proved it can be re - explored and enjoyed. Our interactions where varied even when I did come to the discussion always last being on the west coast. (My fellow readers were in Arizona, New Orleans and Ontario).
Dip back or discover past editions for the first time. It’s a very worthwhile experience as was this edition. Thank you all: @ttbrader @barbaramcveigh @mrmuleman @hingstonolsen.
10/10
June 25, 2023
Another fantastic collection from the H & O folks…strong marks across the board for nearly all stories in this year’s collection.
January 2, 2018
Short Story Advent Calendar
1-5 ⭐️s
❌ dnf
1. The Face, 13 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Forty-Third C Platoon, 20 pg ❌
3. Lady With Invisible Dog ,21 pg ⭐️
4. Kings 21 pg⭐️⭐️⭐️
5. Help Me Follow My Sister Into the Land of the Dead, 15 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️
6. Dogs of Cuba, 16 pg ⭐️
7. Edna in Rain, 5 pg.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8. The Copy Chief, 28 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
9. Aftermaths, 7 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️
10. Announcements, 7 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
11. Skinks, 14 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
12. Souterrain, 28 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️
13. Secondary Memory, 7 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
14: Eva, 26 pg. ⭐️⭐️
15: The Journal, 11 pg.⭐️⭐️
16. Tremendous Machine, 27 pg. ⭐️⭐️
17. Last Woman, 11 pg. ⭐️⭐️
18. Chemistry, 7 pg. ⭐️
19. The Friend, 16 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
20. The Game of Smash and Recovery, 20 pg. ❌
21. First Day of Winter, 10 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
22. The Christmas Banquet, 24 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
23. How to be a Slut, 6 pg. ⭐️
24. Tripping Sunny Chaudhry, 10 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
25. A Chaparral Christmas Gift, 7 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
377 pages total.
1-5 ⭐️s
❌ dnf
1. The Face, 13 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Forty-Third C Platoon, 20 pg ❌
3. Lady With Invisible Dog ,21 pg ⭐️
4. Kings 21 pg⭐️⭐️⭐️
5. Help Me Follow My Sister Into the Land of the Dead, 15 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️
6. Dogs of Cuba, 16 pg ⭐️
7. Edna in Rain, 5 pg.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8. The Copy Chief, 28 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
9. Aftermaths, 7 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️
10. Announcements, 7 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
11. Skinks, 14 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
12. Souterrain, 28 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️
13. Secondary Memory, 7 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
14: Eva, 26 pg. ⭐️⭐️
15: The Journal, 11 pg.⭐️⭐️
16. Tremendous Machine, 27 pg. ⭐️⭐️
17. Last Woman, 11 pg. ⭐️⭐️
18. Chemistry, 7 pg. ⭐️
19. The Friend, 16 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
20. The Game of Smash and Recovery, 20 pg. ❌
21. First Day of Winter, 10 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
22. The Christmas Banquet, 24 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
23. How to be a Slut, 6 pg. ⭐️
24. Tripping Sunny Chaudhry, 10 pg ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
25. A Chaparral Christmas Gift, 7 pg. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
377 pages total.
December 26, 2017
This is my second year with this short story advent calendar, and I liked it as much as I did the 2016 calendar. There were some outstanding short stories and some that left me wondering what I had just read. A good mix. I will do this again next year.
December 26, 2017
hard to rate such a varied experience. this is an annual tradition for me, and it's as much about the sharing as it is the stories.
December 27, 2017
There were some really good stories in this collection, along with a few that I didn't know quite what to make of. But I looked forward every day to sitting down with a cup of coffee to either enjoy or puzzle over that day's story! What a wonderful incentive to stop and savour some moments of relaxation during the busy Christmas season. Can't wait for next year's edition!
December 26, 2017
This is the strongest Short Story Advent calendar yet! My favorite stories from the collection are noted below:
Jim Gavin, "The Copy Chief.".. About the travails of a struggling newspaper journalist.
Daniel Orozco, "Announcements." A fun parody of over the top wedding announcements. One of the best "concept" short stories I've ever read.
Danielle McLaughlin, "Secondary Memory." Probably my overall favorite from the collection. Just imagine - how would your PC think and talk about you? An excellent idea and well executed as well.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Christmas Banquet." The story is great for certain memorable phrases ("He was wealthy, far beyond the expenditure that was required by habits of magnificence, a taste of rare purity and cultivation, a love of travel, a scholar’s instinct to collect a splendid library, and, moreover, what seemed a magnificent liberality to the distressed."). At times, it felt like the narrative dragged on though - it could have succeeded as a shorter story. If you are interested in classic Christmas stories but want something less sad, "A Luckless Santa Claus," by F. Scott Fitzgerald." (included in a previous collection) is excellent.
Jim Gavin, "The Copy Chief.".. About the travails of a struggling newspaper journalist.
Daniel Orozco, "Announcements." A fun parody of over the top wedding announcements. One of the best "concept" short stories I've ever read.
Danielle McLaughlin, "Secondary Memory." Probably my overall favorite from the collection. Just imagine - how would your PC think and talk about you? An excellent idea and well executed as well.
Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Christmas Banquet." The story is great for certain memorable phrases ("He was wealthy, far beyond the expenditure that was required by habits of magnificence, a taste of rare purity and cultivation, a love of travel, a scholar’s instinct to collect a splendid library, and, moreover, what seemed a magnificent liberality to the distressed."). At times, it felt like the narrative dragged on though - it could have succeeded as a shorter story. If you are interested in classic Christmas stories but want something less sad, "A Luckless Santa Claus," by F. Scott Fitzgerald." (included in a previous collection) is excellent.
December 28, 2017
I have read the 2017 Short Story Advent Calendar and, because I have read the 2016 edition as well, I am inclined to compare the two.
The calendar is composed of 25 short stories of various lengths (meant to be read one per day until Christmas), written by different authors. The stories are mostly unrelated to Christmas and yes, they are geared towards adults. In such a project, I expect it normal to prefer some stories to the others, but look for an overall feeling of satisfaction at the end of the 25 days.
In the 2017 calendar, several texts felt more like experimental writing than stories. Although I do not necessarily mind those and often love them, too many were not, in my humble opinion, up to par.
Don’t get me wrong, I found some pearls in there and, for that reason and because of the 2016 excellent edition, I am likely to buy the 2018 short stories advent calendar. However, with respect to my hopes of ending the 25 days experience with an overall feeling of satisfaction, the 2017 calendar came a little short compared to the 2016 edition.
The calendar is composed of 25 short stories of various lengths (meant to be read one per day until Christmas), written by different authors. The stories are mostly unrelated to Christmas and yes, they are geared towards adults. In such a project, I expect it normal to prefer some stories to the others, but look for an overall feeling of satisfaction at the end of the 25 days.
In the 2017 calendar, several texts felt more like experimental writing than stories. Although I do not necessarily mind those and often love them, too many were not, in my humble opinion, up to par.
Don’t get me wrong, I found some pearls in there and, for that reason and because of the 2016 excellent edition, I am likely to buy the 2018 short stories advent calendar. However, with respect to my hopes of ending the 25 days experience with an overall feeling of satisfaction, the 2017 calendar came a little short compared to the 2016 edition.
December 31, 2020
Late fall I learned there was a publisher who coordinates an annual short story advent calendar (and to anticipate a question: they are not necessarily holiday themed, although some might acknowledge the winter solstice or Christmas). Trying to find ways to enjoy what would be a different, quieter, lonelier season, I purchased the 2017 set on clearance.
I admit I got behind on December 3 already, but I was comfortable reading at my own pace. When I picked up a slim volume, I wanted to do my best to ensure I had time to read it in its entirety before being interrupted. Sometimes this looked like drawing a bath and retreating with a couple of the booklets.
As one can imagine, the stories are uneven -- some are beyond delightful, some are more head scratchers, but I truly enjoyed having these to look forward to throughout the month. It appears all the past years are sold out now, though, so I will have to consider whether to pony up the full price next year or just mark this as a one-time pandemic experience.
I admit I got behind on December 3 already, but I was comfortable reading at my own pace. When I picked up a slim volume, I wanted to do my best to ensure I had time to read it in its entirety before being interrupted. Sometimes this looked like drawing a bath and retreating with a couple of the booklets.
As one can imagine, the stories are uneven -- some are beyond delightful, some are more head scratchers, but I truly enjoyed having these to look forward to throughout the month. It appears all the past years are sold out now, though, so I will have to consider whether to pony up the full price next year or just mark this as a one-time pandemic experience.
December 26, 2017
This was my first year doing the Short Story Advent Calendar and I loved everything about it. It got me out of a bit of a reading slump, had me reading things I may not ordinarily read and was a great way to model reading as a treat to my kids. Several times I read by Christmas tree lights with my 7 year old reading her book next to me. Loved everything about this. Fave stories were days 8 (The Copy Chief) and 12 (Souterrain.) Highly recommend and will do again, hopefully as part of an annual tradition. Learned about this from reading a recommendation by Patton Oswalt. Thanks!
December 26, 2017
I always enjoy The Short Story Advent Calendar but I think the 2017 collection was the best one yet with an excellent variety of genres and a combination of well known and emerging authors. My favourites include "Souterrain," a multi-generational Parisian WWII saga contained in a single short story, and "Announcements" and "Secondary Memory," which were both really funny and clever. I'm looking forward to next year's collection!
December 26, 2017
This was one of my favorite gifts this year. When I received it I was a little skeptical as I'm not a fan of short stories; but thanks to this little calendar I'm going to make it a habit to read one short story everyday. I read things I would not normally read and discovered fantastic new authors. I will definitely be requesting this again next year!
December 25, 2017
Hingston and Olsen's editorial tastes are getting sharper! This collection of short stories was great and I love that they don't bow to the people who want happy stories around Christmas. Keep it cool!
December 31, 2017
This was the first advent calendar of sTories I’ve done and the mix was intriguing. It mixed authors I knew with ones that were new to me. I like the idea of not knowing what you’ll read until you unseal the sticker.
December 26, 2017
The Advent Calendars are always fun! I love the concept, and enjoyed most of the stories, and found a few "new" authors to look out for.
December 27, 2017
I didn’t enjoy this year as much as the other years :(
December 26, 2017
My favourite Christmas tradition. As wonderful as ever!
December 30, 2017
I love the concept of this and many of the actual stories. A few I was too busy to read and a few were not as good as the top ones.
December 30, 2017
Very nice selection. All different styles, all very well written.
January 30, 2018
What a special gift! I enjoyed each short story and they were all different. I would recommend this advent calendar for the book lovers in your life.
June 15, 2021
I loved the premise but did not enjoy most of the series. The sad thing is so many of them went over my head. Must say I was disappointed but want to do it again.
January 7, 2022
An excellent Advent read, as always.
December 28, 2017
Did I love every story in this collection? No.
Did I love waking up each morning to open the small book of the day and dive into a story without knowing what to expect at all? Yes!
My favorites:
#1: The Face by Laird Hunt (strong start, and a clever twist)
#3: Lady with Invisible Dog by Christopher Boucher (full of absurd and fun ideas, yet touching)
#5: Help me Follow my Sister into the Land of the Dead by Carmen Maria Machado (unexpectedly painful)
#10: Announcements by Daniel Orozco (clever use of format)
#14: Eva by Deborah Willis (felt like a novel compressed to a short story, in the best of ways)
#15: The Journal by Ken Liu (strong metaphor)
#20: The Game of Smash and Recovery by Kelly Link (so intense I had to start over from page one as soon as I finished it and read it all again,to make sure I understood what happened)
#22 The Christmas Banquet by Nathaniel Hawthorne (didn’t expect anything this old in the box, but the story and the language was a delight)
December 28, 2017
As in every single short story collection ever, there were some I LOVED, some I liked, some I didn’t care for, and some I didn’t enjoy. Ultimately, I am very happy I purchased this this year and will next year. Great way to find new authors to check out. It is a little pricey but worth it if this sounds interesting to you. Lots of fun!
January 11, 2018
I so enjoy this every year.
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