What makes a good short story?  Explore the mechanics to help you understand and enjoy.

In this semester’s course, we’ll be reading some of Sam’s personal favorites. Two stories per session, three sessions. Also, bear in mind that this will be a discussion-based class. So please read the stories for the day and come ready to participate!                                                                      

• Week one: we’ll start with two examples of how a frame story works, with examples by Roald Dahl and Mark Twain. 
• Week two: stories from around the world with two examples told by first person narrators, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Frank O’Connor.
• Week three: stories told by third person narrators Gabriel García Márquez, and Jai Chakrabarti.

What to Expect:  We will come away with a better understanding of what makes a good short story, and hopefully, open new avenues for your reading future.  Digital copies of the short stories will be sent out in advance.

Feedback from pasts courses with Sam:

“Sam leads engaging discussions with much participation. Excellent!”

“Sam led discussions with very effective probing questions to elicit much response. He did not try to lecture or dominate the discussion. He is knowledgeable and comfortable in his role as discussion leader. I hope he has future programs.”

“5 Star course. I enjoyed every minute. Sam VanNest is an excellent teacher.”

“Sam was well prepared for the class. He encouraged wide-ranging discussion as well as promoted closer looks by pointing out key scenes in the book.”

3 sessions | Wednesdays | Nov 6, 13, 20 | 10:30 – 12 pm | IN PERSON course at the Easton Family YMCA (choose to participate in person, through Zoom, or recording) | $40