This short story anthology gives a varied mix of diverse voices -- some well-known, some emerging. Each story is uniquely well-told for that. As a representative of the wide range of writing across the US today, especially in the short story form, this is one of the best releases of 2018. I hope the editor, Jenn Baker, makes this a regular, annual series that can take up the same sort of shelf space as Best American Short Stories.

I've long appreciated short stories, but they took over my reading pile after I found myself with unpredictable bursts of reading time when I was in the throes of my newborn babies. When my hygiene might be suspect and there may or may not be a well-rounded meal on the table and I might not remember when the floor was tidy enough for me to vacuum thoroughly, I could find satisfaction in beginning and finishing a short story in one sitting. I am past that sleep-deprived state, but I will always have a fondness for short stories.

Everyday People: The Color of Life--A Short Story Anthology is a curated collection of short stories. Many had me highlighting a line or passage (certainly not a given for me), and I would sometimes have to pause mid-paragraph to digest.

In the introduction, we learn the stories have all been written by people of color. And regarding the title Everyday People, Jennifer Baker reveals, "The name of this anthology is not meant to solely focus on the racial composition of the writers or characters but to showcase the larger story and relationships depicted as well as the landscape--be it in New York City, Maine, Alabama, Great Britain, South Korea, Ghana, or Sri Lanka."

My heart would tug as I would become invested in these stories, wishing I could alter outcomes and guarantee happiness. The fact that I was so drawn in speaks to the caliber of the work. They are far reaching. Perhaps we're following a fantastical account of a mental connection that allows individuals to communicate without speaking. Then there's the story of the older woman who enters homes with newborn children to support the families, but only for a fixed amount of time before she takes her leave. And the account of how people get into drugs and prostitution. Or maybe we're reading of the grandmother and granddaughter who can catch ghosts in their hair.

I imagine this title being used as required reading in a college course, leading to rich conversations in class. Some of these stories will make you uncomfortable, but as we wrestle to articulate what wrung us out, there can be insight into ourselves.

For those wanting more, at the close of the book you can find numerous recommendations in "Reading List of Contemporary Works by Women, Nonbinary, and Transgender Writers of Color/Indigenous Writers."

(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for my honest review.)

How do you explain in words how amazing a book is? Everyday People: The Color of editorJennifer Baker and contributors Mia Alvar, Carleigh Baker, Nana Brew-Hammond, Glendaliz Camacho, Alexander Chee, Mitchell S. Jackson, Yiyun Li, Allison Mills, Courttia Newland, Dennis Norris II, Jason Reynolds, Nelly Rosario, Hasanthika Sirisena, and Brandon Taylor is phenomenal piece of work.

These writers of color have written an amazing anthology of stories from around the world from the US to Africa you will find a story that needs to be told. Without posting spoilers I had to say my top favorite story that I felt the most connected to me was "A Sheltered Woman" by Yiyun Li, that story powerful and moving that I read it twice.

The best part about this book is Some of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Rhode Island Writers Colony, a nonprofit organization founded by the late Brook Stephenson that provides space for speculation, production, and experimentation by writers of color. This is such a remarkable thing to do. So, I made sure to purchase 2 copies, so I can spread the joy and support this book.

Such a great book with some of the most diverse writers, emerging and established in the nation. Jennifer Baker has amassed a talented group of writers whose stories resonate long after the page is turned. Brandon Taylor's story of a young boy's adolescence and discovering his sexual identity was masterful. Courttia Newland's story was also a stand out as well. This anthology of writers of color is a must read.