RAD Reading Challenge Inspo: Short Stories + Essays

This prompt from A RAD Reading Challenge is a stretch one for me — I’m not really a fan of short story or essay collections! I have read a few of the ones included here (Flannery O’Connor is a favorite of mine, and I loved that Marina Keegan collection) but I haven’t yet settled on what I’ll read for this category myself.

Here are some short story + essay collections to inspire you:

more bookish posts:
Which Wendell Berry book should I read first? A guide to his novels, poetry, and essays
Which Wendell Berry book should I read first? A guide to his novels, poetry, and essays

if you’ve never read wendell berry or are newer to his body of work, here’s a guide on which book to start with (as well as a complete list of all of this works across genres)

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Which Enneagram Book Should I Read First?
Which Enneagram Book Should I Read First?

so, you’ve heard about this enneagram thing, and you’re curious to dive in, but you don’t know where to start? you’re in the right place! i’ve rounded up great book recs for the beginner or deeper dive suggestions if you want to learn more. let’s dive in!

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19 of the best indie bookstores in virginia
19 of the best indie bookstores in virginia

if you’re wondering “what are the best bookstores in virginia?” look no further — i’ve got you covered!

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A RAD Reading Challenge for 2026
A RAD Reading Challenge for 2026

get ready for 2026 with the 8th annual edition of a rad reading challenge! nine prompts and one year to stretch yourself in your reading.

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A 2025 RAD Reading Challenge
A 2025 RAD Reading Challenge

get ready for 2025 with the 7th annual edition of a rad reading challenge! nine prompts and one year to stretch yourself in your reading.

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Books I Would Give as Gifts to All the People in my Life
Books I Would Give as Gifts to All the People in my Life

i firmly believe books are the very best gifts, even if nobody ever gets them for me because they think i have too many! not true!!! anyway. i’ve turned to gifting books to my people in hopes that it inspires them to return the favor… and also because as previously stated, i believe books are the best gifts.

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fall: a reading guide
fall: a reading guide

in this guide, you’ll find 72 total recommendations, with 12 each in the following categories:

🍂cozy/comforting

🧙🏼‍♀️witches/hexes

🔥sweet/spicy

🩸murder/mystery

🧑🏻‍🏫academic settings

🧌creature features

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the 8 best bookstores in richmond, va
the 8 best bookstores in richmond, va

looking for your next read in the river city? look no further — here are 5 of my most favorite and most frequented bookstores in the richmond, va area!

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A RAD Summer Reading Guide for 2024
A RAD Summer Reading Guide for 2024

i am so excited about this year’s guide — it’s a really fun blend of book recs for all kinds of readers, and i implemented so many of your suggestions which makes it even better! plus, these recs aren’t just from me…

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the 14 books i read in april (with ratings and reviews)
the 14 books i read in april (with ratings and reviews)

april was the month i read the steamiest book of my life (still not over it, i loved it) and returned to enneagram books and read 4 five star reads… a solid month, overall!

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All the RAD ReadsRachel Dawsona rad reading challenge, rad reading challenge, short stories, essaysComment