This Week in Short Stories — Week of June 22, 2026

Biggest Gainers

Girls Just Wanna Have Sun by Rachel Lacey

Published: May 26, 2026

Diving into a second-chance romance, Rachel Lacey's Girls Just Wanna Have Sun saw a solid gain of 256 ratings this week, reflecting a growth rate of 5.6%. This debut title in the Summer Lovin’ collection has quickly captured attention, effectively making it a natural breakout, as evidenced by its #1 rank among new releases. With just a few days on the shelves, it's clear the combination of summer vibes and sapphic romance resonates strongly with readers.

Stats: 4,541 → 4,797 (+256)

Back to You by Ann Liang

Published: June 23, 2026

This week, Ann Liang's Back to You recorded a modest increase of 17 ratings for a total of 343. Although the growth rate of 5.2% is moderate, its debut at #2 indicates a promising entry into the market. As part of a collection focusing on second chances, this story's blend of magical realism and contemporary issues seems to be striking a chord, especially among young adult readers eager for relatable narratives of hope and transformation.

Stats: 326 → 343 (+17)

The Vivisectors by Missouri Williams

Published: May 26, 2026

Missouri Williams's The Vivisectors adds 15 ratings this week, bringing its total to 151 and showcasing a 11% growth. This book's shift into the #3 spot highlights its blend of surrealism and deep emotional exploration, suggesting a steady interest despite being part of a highly competitive literary landscape. This title demonstrates the potential for intense emotional narratives to slowly gain traction in the market.

Stats: 136 → 151 (+15)

Surprise of the Week

The Frenzy: Stories by Joyce Carol Oates

Published: June 16, 2026

This week, Joyce Carol Oates's The Frenzy: Stories marked an impressive gain of 14 ratings, totaling 107 — a strong improvement of 15%. Its top position among the most-changed books illustrates that Oates's reputation and literary prowess continue to draw readers, even amidst a crowded field of new releases. The insightful narratives offered in this collection may be gaining attention in a unique way, led by the critical acclaim attributed to Oates's mastery of the short story form.

Stats: 93 → 107 (+14)

Quick Hits

Winter Breakage by David Levithan

This poignant coming-of-age story about a college student's self-discovery rises to 124 ratings, adding 13 this week for a 12% growth. Stats: 111 → 124 (+13)

Three of Hearts by Katie Cotugno

Another addition to the coming-of-age collection, Cotugno's narrative jumps to 139 total ratings, improving by 13 and showcasing a 10% increase. Stats: 126 → 139 (+13)