Short stories published in Coolest American Stories 2022

Listing 13 stories.

Through the death of David Foster Wallace, a man considers the relationship with his brother.

While on the run from her crack-cooking boyfriend, a woman feels at odds with her place in life—literally and figuratively.

A car dealer’s deal with a drug dealer goes horribly wrong.

In an America overrun with guns, a mother tries to get her family to see the Fourth of July fireworks with her.

A man tries to figure out how he feels about his life and acting career.

After a gardening incident, a woman experiences a mid-life crisis.

A man tries to find the perfect birthday gift for a woman in his neighborhood and, in doing so, uncovers the roots of unhappiness.

A hostage situation goes awfully wrong when a lion is introduced to the mix.

One night while visiting his mother, a man contends with the nature of faith and family.

One woman’s affair leads to a lifelong revelation.