Sally Fitzgerald (1917–2000)

If no other thing, read "The King of the Birds," her famous account of raising peacocks at her home in Milledgeville, Georgia. For the writing, for the humor, for the brilliancy.

Important literary analysis from one of the twentieth century's greatest American short story authors. These essays are just as important as her fiction because, in my opinion, they contribute to our overall understanding of literature.

O'Connor's collected works is quite dark & perhaps focuses on the unsettling issues of those who are far too dogmatic & attempt to foist themselves on others with positions that refuses to accept any compromise. Too many of her stories are like this which is why her writings ended up in the margins. There is very little redemptive quality to her writings which makes "Crime & Punishment" look pale to her works.

Not yet read; inspiration to read: NYT Magazine 11.18.15, back page interview with Mary Karr. She counts this among her top 5 books about writing.