Short Story by Bernard Malamud. A young, introverted rabbinical student hires a matchmaker to find a wife. His first meeting with a potential match reveals an embarrassing truth: he can’t explain the reason for his calling. He finds possible redemption in a woman whose photograph carries an “impression of evil”.
Short Story by James Joyce. An adolescent boy is infatuated with a friend’s older sister and becomes obsessed with the idea of visiting the “Grand Oriental Fete” (Araby) to buy her an exotic gift. Arriving shortly before closing time, the experience is not what he expected.
Short Story by Manoj Das. An Indian mayor belittles his old professor for complaining about a stray cow that chewed up his granddaughter’s schoolbooks. Karma strikes when that same cow runs off with the mayor’s half-eaten clothes and car keys as he is taking a naked dip in a river.
Short Story by Chaim Potok. Zebra (aka Adam) is hit by a car while pursuing his passion for running. His physical injuries are healing, but he is depressed over the prospect of never being able to run well again. A volunteer art teacher inspires him to face life more positively.
Quick Read by Fernando Sorrentino. The long title of this absurdist story neatly summarizes the plot. The only other thing readers need to know is that the protagonist reaches the point where he does not think he can live without the torment of the “umbrella man”.