We Others: New and Selected Stories

We Others: New and Selected Stories presents a collection of Steven Millhauser's work spanning three decades, combining seven new stories with sixteen selections from previous collections. The book earned The Story Prize in 2011, cementing its place as a significant contribution to contemporary short fiction. The stories range from subtle domestic tales to surreal adventures, featuring characters who encounter mysterious phenomena, unexplained events, and transformative moments. The collection includes pieces previously published in The New Yorker, Tin House, and other literary venues, bringing together some of Millhauser's most notable works. The narratives explore small-town America, suburban life, and seemingly ordinary situations that reveal extraordinary elements beneath their surface. Tales like "The Slap" and "Getting Closer" demonstrate Millhauser's ability to take simple premises and develop them into complex examinations of human experience. Through these stories, Millhauser examines themes of perception, reality, and the hidden complexities of everyday life. The collection reflects his interest in the intersection between the mundane and the mysterious, creating a body of work that questions the boundaries between the familiar and the unknown.

Readers appreciate Millhauser's ability to blend the mundane with the magical, particularly in stories like "The Slap" and "The Next Thing." Many note his precise, detailed prose and skill at building tension through accumulating details. Readers highlight: - Unique takes on familiar fairy tales and myths - Gradual transformation of ordinary settings into surreal landscapes - Complex exploration of American suburban life Common criticisms: - Stories can feel repetitive in theme and structure - Some find the pacing too slow - Dense descriptions occasionally overshadow plots Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (50+ reviews) Several reviewers point out that the collection works better when read slowly rather than straight through, as similar themes and techniques become more apparent. One Amazon reviewer noted: "Like a magician, Millhauser shows you exactly how he's going to amaze you, and then does it anyway."

Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders by Neil Gaiman Stories blend reality with fantasy to explore the hidden layers beneath everyday experiences, mixing domestic settings with supernatural elements.

Magic for Beginners by Kelly Link Short stories merge suburban American life with surreal elements to create narratives that blur the line between ordinary and extraordinary.

The Nimrod Flipout by Etgar Keret Collection presents brief, sharp stories that transform mundane moments into unexpected encounters with the bizarre and mysterious.

Tenth of December by George Saunders Stories examine contemporary American life through narratives that balance realism with elements of the fantastic and unexplained.

What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi Tales weave together realistic settings with magical elements to explore the boundaries between normal and supernatural experiences.

🌟 Millhauser won the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for his novel "Martin Dressler: The Tale of an American Dreamer" 📚 The book "We Others" won The Story Prize in 2011, one of the most prestigious awards for short story collections 🎯 Many of Millhauser's works, including stories in this collection, influenced the 2006 film "The Illusionist" starring Edward Norton 🖋️ The author is known for writing about small-town America while incorporating elements of magic realism, a style he developed during his 40+ year career 🏛️ Before becoming a writer, Millhauser studied at Columbia University and briefly taught at Union College in Schenectady, NY, where many of his stories are set