The O. Henry Prize Stories 2002 [Paperback]

Established early in the last century as a memorial to the great American short story master O. Henry, throughout its history this annual collection has consistently offered a remarkable sampling of contemporary short stories. Each year, stories are chosen from large and small literary magazines, and a panel of distinguished writers is enlisted to make the final selection. The result is a superb collection of inventive, full-bodied stories representing the very best in American and Canadian fiction. “Widely regarded as the nation’s most prestigious awards for short fiction.”–The Atlantic Monthly

“Proves that the American short story remains a vigorous and relevant genre in the hands of talented writers.”–The Atlanta Journal—Constitution

“There are things here to please everyone’s appetite.”–The Austin ChronicleLarry Darklives in Montclair, New Jersey.Dave Eggersis the editor ofMcSweeney’sand author ofA Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. He lives in northern California.Joyce Carol Oatesis the author of several books, including novels, short story collections, drama, and nonfiction. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey.Colson Whitehead’s most recent novel isJohn Henry Days. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.FIRST PRIZE

Kevin Brockmeier

an excerpt fromThe Ceiling

fromMcSweeney's

There was a sky that day, sun-rich and open and blue. A raft of silver clouds was floating along the horizon, and robins and sparrows were calling from the trees. It was my son Joshua's seventh birthday and we were celebrating in our back yard. He and the children were playing on the swing set, and Melissa and I were sitting on the deck with the parents. Earlier that afternoon, a balloon and gondola had risen from the field at the end of our block, sailing past us with an exhalation of flãÂ