Books like The Best American Short Stories 2018

As a short story writer, I really enjoy this anthology series, from both a reader's and writer's perspective. But BASS 2018? This is my favorite year by far. Roxane Gay doesn't choose stories based on the magazine they are published in. There's even a piece or two of genre fiction (weeks later, I am still haunted by The Brothers Brujo. That first paragraph. THAT FIRST PARAGRAPH. It should be taught in every writing class about how to write a first paragraph.)I'm not surprised by some of the commentary I've read about the anthology. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised. I've read reviews centering on how people don't think these stories deserve the title "best of" because they are too political, because they are not written like other good short stories are, because they sound different, and, of course, because 'the only reason these stories were chosen was because Roxane Gay wanted to choose political stories.'Here is what I say to those readers: being political and being good are NOT mutually exclusive. And, furthermore: most of these stories aren't overtly political. Having diverse characters does not equal a polemic against the current administration. This is the first of the "Best of" series where I wasn't completely overwhelmed by the male, able-bodied WASPiness of it all. BASS 2018 is not about what IS traditionally considered "good" literary fiction. It is about what SHOULD be considered good literary fiction. It is about stories and voices that are glorious and beautiful but have been overlooked again and again by literature as a collective. The stories here experiment with structure, with voice, with point of view and with subject matter. Most of the time, I end up enjoying between 1/3 and 1/2 of the stories per BASS collection.This year, I enjoyed all but two or three, and that was mostly because they just weren't the style I enjoy reading – stepping back as a reader, from a craft standpoint they were quite strong.I strongly encourage readers and writers alike to pick up this anthology. It is perfect for teaching craft, and showcases a variety of voices and POVs: great for classrooms with a wide range of writerly sensibilities.