"The Hostelry of Mr. Smith" from “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town” by Stephen Leacock

This story introduces us to Mariposa, a small Canadian town full of colorful characters and quirky charm. At the center is Mr. Smith, the owner of the local hotel, who faces trouble when his liquor license is threatened. 

Instead of giving up, he cleverly builds a fancy café to win over the town—complete with a French chef and absurdly cheap prices. Through humor and wit, the story pokes fun at small-town politics, pride, and the way people can be swayed by good food and grand gestures.

In the end, the story celebrates Mariposa’s quirks while gently mocking human nature—how easily people change their minds when it suits them.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/stephen-leacock/book/sunshine-sketches-of-a-little-town/one-the-hostelry-of-mr-smith

Mix War, Art, and Dancing" by Ernest Hemingway — Review

Hemingway’s short sketch *"Mix War, Art, and Dancing"* contrasts the vibrancy of youth and art with the somber backdrop of war. The lively dance at the Fine Arts Institute, filled with soldiers on leave and spirited students, creates a fleeting sense of normalcy and joy amid the uncertainty of wartime. 

Hemingway’s sharp, economical prose captures the energy of the scene—jazz music, eager dancers, and animated conversations about art—while the recurring image of the lone woman outside, walking through the sleet, serves as a haunting counterpoint. This juxtaposition subtly underscores the transience of happiness in a world overshadowed by conflict.

The ending, where the woman gazes up at the darkened windows after the revelry has ended, leaves a lingering melancholy, suggesting the inevitable return to reality.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/ernest-hemingway/essay/mix-war-art-and-dancing

“Phase in Space” by Paul O'Neill —Review

The story “Phase in Space” by Paul O'NeillThis is a sci-fi story full of mystery. An astronaut is alone on a space station when strange things start happening. The station shakes in impossible ways, and his body begins to fade. Then he meets his double, who says they are stuck between two realities. The story keeps readers guessing—is he going crazy, or is space itself breaking apart? 

The tension builds until the end, where the question arises what is real. The idea of parallel realities mixing together is creative and scary

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@pauloneill/phase-in-space-3jglpw1xzdxw

Love, Anyway by Sung J. Woo — Review

“Love, Anyway” by Sung J. Woo is a simple story about Tony Cho, a man stuck in a dull marriage, questioning if he ever truly loved his wife, Stella. Their relationship began out of fear—fear of being alone—and now, years later, Tony feels nothing but emptiness. When he meets Debbie, a younger coworker, he starts dreaming of a new life, filled with excitement and passion. But as he gets closer to Debbie, he realizes she may not be what she seems, and his guilt over leaving Stella and their son grows. 

The writing is clear and relatable, making it easy to understand Tony’s struggles. The story shows how people often chase fantasies, only to find that reality is much messier. Tony’s journey makes us question what love really means—is it comfort, passion, or just staying because it’s easier? The ending leaves us thinking about the sacrifices we make and whether happiness is ever as simple as we hope. A touching and thought-provoking read.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@sungjwoo/love-anyway-1knv7e1ddl63

The Yarkand Manner by Saki — Review

“The Yarkand Manner” is a funny and clever short story by Saki. It tells the tale of a man who tries to impress others with his made-up travels to a faraway place called Yarkand. The story is full of witty humor and shows how people sometimes pretend to be more interesting than they really are. 

The ending is unexpected and adds to the fun.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://short-stories.co/@saki/the-yarkand-manner-nkeve7qxkzmo

First Interview With Artemus Ward by Mark Twain — Review

"First Interview With Artemus Ward" is an early example of Mark Twain’s works.This story is about Mark Twain meeting Artemus Ward, a humorous man, for the first time. Twain is tricked into drinking a strong whisky cocktail, which makes him feel dizzy. Ward then confuses him with a long, nonsense speech about silver mining, using big words and complicated sentences that mean nothing. Twain thinks the drink has made him stupid, but later realizes Ward was just playing a joke on him.

The story is funny because Twain falls for the trick and blames himself, not realizing Ward is teasing him. It shows how clever and playful Ward is, making Twain feel foolish with his fake serious talk. The ending is lighthearted, proving Ward is a great storyteller who enjoys a good laugh. It’s a simple but entertaining tale about friendship and humor. 

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://americanliterature.com/author/mark-twain/short-story/first-interview-with-artemus-ward/

Lefty by Nikolai Leskov — Review

Nikolai Leskov’s Lefty (also known as The Tale of Cross-Eyed Lefty from Tula and the Steel Flea) is a satirical story that celebrates Russian ingenuity while critiquing the bureaucratic indifference of the state.

The plot follows a skilled Tula gunsmith, Lefty, who, along with his fellow craftsmen, takes on the challenge of outdoing British engineering by microscopically shoeing a mechanical flea gifted to Tsar Nicholas I. Their success becomes a symbol of Russian talent, yet the story takes a tragic turn when Lefty—despite his loyalty—returns from England.

Lefty endures as a classic not just for its wit and colorful language, but for its timeless warning about the cost of disregarding talent.

Here is the link to the text of the story:

https://library.land/nikolai-leskov/page,45,391851-the_enchanted_wanderer_and_other_stories.html

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