April 23, 2012: Great American Stories, Part One

[As work on the writing project continues, this week’s brief posts will highlight some of my favorite American short stories, by some of our most talented authors in this unique and compelling genre. Suggestions, and even guest posts, very welcome as always!]

Today’s great American story is Joyce Carol Oates’s

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” (1966)

Oates’s story sneaks up on you—it’s a deeply realistic slice-of-teenage-life story that becomes a compelling thriller, an American tragedy, and an ambiguous reflection on pop culture, identity, generational experience, and more.

Next story tomorrow,

Ben                                      

PS. Nominations?

4/23 Memory Day nominee: Avram Davidson, one of the pioneering American science fiction and fantasy authors, and one who integrated his Orthodox Judaism, his World War II naval service, his lifelong connection to New York City, and his interests in American history and community into his huge and rich body of works.