PositiveNecessary FictionContributing to the surprises of the micros is their sequence, which is neither chronological nor alphabetical by the authors’ names; the micros are arranged to be read one after another, each new tale subtly resonating in theme or setting with the one that came before it. What’s unclear, though, is the principle according to which stories were included ... What’s particularly disappointing is that the editors did not include more work by nonwhite writers. Given the list of the authors’ books at the back of the anthology, the editors clearly imagine that readers will go on to seek other work by those writers whose micros they especially liked ... The 140 micros in the anthology are a pleasure to read — funny, provoking, and sad. What additional varieties of pleasurable and provoking reading could have been included as well?
