The Best-Loved Short Stories of Jesse Stuart

by Jesse Stuart, H. Edward Richardson

The thirty-four stories in this collection, selected from Stuart's 460 published stories, reveal the variety and range of his fictional world. Some reflect the wonder of growing up, while others portray the comedy and tragedy in the lives of the strong, rough-hewn characters of his world. Running through most of them like a golden thread is Stuart's celebration of the strength and affirmative view of life of his people, and their love for the land. Stuart's own love for the land and its rhythms of life also comes through clearly.

Genres: Short Stories

406 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1982

About the author

Jesse Hilton Stuart was an American writer known for writing short stories, poetry, and novels about Southern Appalachia. Born and raised in Greenup County, Kentucky, Stuart relied heavily on the rural locale of Northeastern Kentucky for his writings. Stuart was named the Poet Laureate of Kentucky in 1954. He died at Jo-Lin nursing home in Ironton, Ohio, which is near his boyhood home.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story "Nest Egg" written while Stuart was still in high school, is absolutely wonderful.

[Old Time Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of short stories, must written nearly 100 years ago. But they capture the essence of what we consider the "heart" of Kentucky. Each story is about family, struggle, growth, and acceptance. We are what we are, good and bad. And, on the whole, we're mostly good.

I dislike the redneck, hillbilly caricature most people think of when they view Kentucky. There are times in Stuart's work when you see those people. But you see them from their perspective. They know what they are, and they accept it. But you also see that they are also so very much more.

I highly recommend tracking down and reading Jesse Stuarts work. I enjoyed it very much.

[Michael Holm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I actually read was A Jesse Stuart Harvest, a selection of short stories about the Appalachian people. That title was not found by Goodreads. The narration and dialogue certainly seems like it portrays the common vernacular. It is suitable for teenagers but adults will enjoy it too. I certainly did. Overall the stories are humorous, reminding me of some of Mark Twain's short stories.

[Cynthia L. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of Jesse Stuart

Reread the story Slipover Sweater. First read this short story in Junior High School. This story of Shan, Grace, Roy, and JoAnne was always a favorite. Glad to be able to reread such a coming of age story.