"Tell Me a Riddle" is a collection of four short stories that explore the lives of working-class Americans. The narrative primarily focuses on a married couple who are struggling with their relationship and their identities in the twilight of their lives. As the wife is diagnosed with a terminal illness, they are forced to confront their past, their choices, and their love for each other. The book paints an intimate portrait of their lives, their struggles, and their resilience, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the harsh realities of life.

This collection brings together a rich tapestry of short stories by a celebrated American author, known for his keen observations of life, love, and humanity. Set primarily in the heart of California, these narratives traverse the simple yet profound experiences of everyday people, from the joys and sorrows of immigrant families to the poignant adventures of young boys growing up in a world filled with wonder and hardship. With a style that is both lyrical and straightforward, the stories in this anthology capture the essence of human resilience and the unbreakable spirit of community, making it a timeless reflection on the complexities of the human condition.

This collection of short stories revolves around the character Pat Hobby, a down-and-out screenwriter in Hollywood during the 1930s. Once successful during the silent film era, Hobby struggles to adapt to the changing landscape of the film industry and to find work in the talkies era. The stories humorously and sometimes poignantly depict his various misadventures, schemes, and attempts to regain his lost prestige within the studio system. Through Hobby's experiences, the narrative offers a satirical glimpse into the Hollywood film industry, highlighting the fickleness of fame and the desperation that often accompanies creative endeavors.

This collection of short stories delves into the experiences of Japanese Americans, primarily focusing on the lives of women and the complexities of their identities, cultural conflicts, and family dynamics. Set against the backdrop of the 20th century, particularly around World War II and its aftermath, the narratives explore themes of love, silence, communication barriers, and the search for self-expression. Through poignant prose, the stories reveal the struggles and resilience of characters as they navigate the intersections of tradition and assimilation, generational divides, and the enduring impact of historical events on personal lives.

"Drown" is a collection of short stories that provide a poignant look into the lives of Dominican immigrants in America, particularly in New Jersey. The stories are interconnected, focusing on the struggles of a young man dealing with issues of poverty, father abandonment, love, and identity. The narrative intertwines his experiences in both the United States and the Dominican Republic, offering a raw and candid depiction of immigrant life, cultural displacement, and the complexities of masculinity and maturity.

This collection features the complete short stories written by a renowned American author, known for his vivid portrayals of adventurous and survivalist themes. The stories, often set in the harsh landscapes of the Klondike Gold Rush or the South Pacific, examine complex human nature, survival instincts, and socio-economic conditions of the time. The author's unique storytelling style, combined with his keen observational skills and deep understanding of human psychology, makes each story a compelling read.

"If the River Was Whiskey" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the quirks of individual lives. Each story in the collection showcases the author's sharp wit and keen observation, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the often surreal moments that make up everyday existence. The characters are vividly drawn, ranging from a man obsessed with a mold of his dead wife's hand to a couple encountering a chimpanzee in their apartment, all portrayed with a blend of humor and poignancy that challenges and entertains the reader.

"Fortune Smiles: Stories" is a collection of six short stories that delve into love, loss, politics, and technology. The stories take readers across the world, from East Berlin to Louisiana, offering a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Themes explored include the struggle of a former Stasi prison warden in a reunified Germany, a woman dealing with a disease that causes her to compulsively shop, a man trying to help a North Korean defector adjust to new life, and a Louisiana man who cares for his dying non-communicative wife.