I came home from WisCon 36 with a big to-read pile (though these days it’s less of a pile and more of a list on my Nook) and so June’s favorite fiction list may include less short stories and more novels. Also, I don’t think I scooped every new May story into Readability, so I’ll probably a have few more published last month in the next list.

One last thing — I notice that Rahul Kanakia keeps popping up everywhere and I must say I’m super pleased about that. I’ve liked everything I’ve read by him so far. If he’s as prolific as he seems, I will have plenty to catch up on over the next few months.

• Tomorrow’s Dictator by Rahul Kanakia
  As a person who spends much time going to conferences and networking, I find the setting of this story very funny. Great tale about mind manipulation (the consensual kind).
• Decomposition by Rachel Swirsky
  So, this is a zombie story. But in true Rachel Swirsky style, it’s not the kind of zombie story you’d expect.
• What Everyone Remembers by Rahul Kanakia
  A really touching post-apocalyptic story with all kinds of crunchy science and morality questions to work out.
• My Dignity in Scars by Cory Skerry
  This story snuck up on me. I wasn’t sure I’d like it at first, but the tone drew me in and the conflict eventually engaged me.
• Alarms by S. L. Gilbow
  I dig stories where characters make OCD lists about things. I also just like the way this one flows. The main character is very relate-able, even with the odd sfnal things going on.
• Her Words Like Hunting Vixens Spring by Brooke Bolander
  Revenge story! And it doesn’t pull punches in the end. I am a fan of that.
• The Chastisement of Your Peace by Tracy Canfield
  I’m a sucker for parallel world stories. I like how this one plays with the idea of the same person from multiple versions of the universe.
• Machine Washable by Keffy R.M. Kehrli (podcast)
  This is a short one, but oh so much fun. And read really well.
• The Rugged Track by Liz Argall (podcast)
  This one made me smile because I know that Liz’s love of roller derby is the reason it exists. Even if you don’t love roller derby, this beautiful story about love and difficult choices and daughters and mothers will totally make you cry.

Visit my Favorite Fiction stack to see all the other short stories I’ve liked so far this year.