The Collected Stories

By Grace Paley,

Book cover of The Collected Stories

Book description

This reissue of Grace Paley's classic collection—a finalist for the National Book Award—demonstrates her rich use of language as well as her extraordinary insight into and compassion for her characters, moving from the hilarious to the tragic and back again.

Whether writing about the love (and conflict) between parents and…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep the lights on. Or join the rebellion as a member.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Collected Stories as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The complexities of the human, the whole human. That’s what Paley explores. How we think, how we act and feel, how we play and fight, how we talk. And talk. Paley is a master of nuance, and often reveals her mastery through dialogue. There is always a convincing urgency in the way her characters speak, and a delicious talking-around a thing, an idea. Her worlds richly detailed and urban. I’d like to live in the apartment building of Grace Paley’s mind. 

Want books like The Collected Stories?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Collected Stories.

Browse books like The Collected Stories

Book cover of The Lottery and Other Stories
Book cover of Friday Black
Book cover of The Voice Imitator

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,098

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in New York State, New York City, and Jewish history?

New York State 558 books
New York City 1,138 books
Jewish History 482 books