Reading is a passion that can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. It is not always necessary to spend money to find quality reading material as some of the best short stories are available for free. Here are some of the best short stories around that you can read for free.

1. “The Zero Meter Diving Team,” by Jim Shepard

As the title suggests, this story is centered around the events that took place at Chernobyl. The story follows three brothers who are caught up in the disaster’s aftermath. The dramatic backdrop provides the perfect setting for the brothers’ personal struggles. This story is available for free from BOMB magazine.

2. “A Tiny Feast,” by Chris Adrian

For those who love fairy folk, “A Tiny Feast” is the perfect read. The story is about a toddler who is exchanged for a hobgoblin, but the child is seriously ill. It offers a unique perspective into the world of fairies. This story is available from The New Yorker.

3. “Lorry Raja,” by Madhuri Vijay

This is a short story about children and families in India who were coerced into forced labor to mine for iron to build the Olympic stadium in China. It offers an insight into the plight of children who are forced to work in dangerous conditions. This story is available to read from The Narrative Magazine.

4. “Bluebell Meadow,” by Benedict Kiely

Set during the Troubles in Ireland, “Bluebell Meadow” is about two teenagers in love who are divided by their different religious ideals. It provides a unique perspective into the religious conflicts in Ireland. This story is available for free from Google Books.

5. “A Beneficiary,” Nadine Gordimer

This story follows a woman who discovers a shocking secret about her mother. It explores the concept of the past and how it can shape our present. This story is available for free from The New Yorker.

6. “The Man On The Stairs,” by Miranda July

This creepy tale offers a unique perspective into the concept of life and how it can be seen as a chase. It is a short and engaging read that is available for free from Scribd.

7. “Bullet in the Brain,” by Tobias Wolff

This story follows a normal day at a bank that turns to horror within minutes. The story is suspenseful and offers a unique perspective into how life can change in an instant. You can find “Bullet In The Brain” for free here.

8. “Safari,” Jennifer Egan

“Safari” is about a dysfunctional group of people who go on an African safari. It is a poignant tale that touches on the various challenges that people face, even while in the best of situations. The story is available from The New Yorker.

9. “Hills Like White Elephants,” Ernest Hemingway

This is a conversation between a man and a woman waiting for a train. Set in Spain, Ernest Hemingway couches his stories with analogies, and this story is no different. It is available for free here.

10. “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere,” by ZZ Packer

This coming of age story follows a girl entering college and questioning her culture, her sexuality, and more. It is an engaging and personal read that is available for free from The New Yorker.

11. “Hollow,” by Breece D’J Pancake

“Hollow” follows a group of coal miners and the way they deal with the dangers of coal mining. It provides a unique perspective into the struggles that many people face in their daily lives. This story is available through The Atlantic for free.

12. “Eveline,” by James Joyce

This is one of several short stories from Joyce’s The Dubliners and is about a young woman having second thoughts about leaving her homeland of Ireland. It is a poignant tale that touches on the struggles of leaving one’s home. The story is available for free.

13. “Interpreter Of Maladies,” Jhumpa Lahiri

This story follows a family visiting India and their tour guide. Ms. Lahiri won the Pulitzer Prize for this story in 2000. It offers a unique perspective into the challenges of communication and cultural understanding. The story is available for free here.

14. “All Summer in a Day,” by Ray Bradbury

This story is set on Venus and centers on the children of those who have settled there. It highlights the challenges that people must overcome when living in harsh conditions. It is available for free here.

15. “A Perfect Day for Bananafish,” by J.D. Salinger

This story is about an atypical day at the beach. The entire book can be downloaded for free here. It is an engaging and entertaining read that touches on the struggles that we all face in our daily lives.

16. “Tiny Smiling Daddy,” by Mary Gaitskill

This story revolves around the tumultuous teen years, although the child in the story is in her late twenties. It provides a unique perspective into the relationships that develop between fathers and daughters. The story can be read for free here.

17. “They’re Made Out Of Meat,” Terry Bisson

This hilarious tale follows aliens who make a significant discovery. It is a quick and engaging read that is sure to make you laugh. The story can be read for free here.

18. “The Yellow Wallpaper,” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

This story is about a young woman’s descent into madness after the birth of her child. It touches on the struggles that many women face due to gender roles and societal expectations. The story is available for free here.

19. “All at One Point,” by Italo Calvino

This is a very short story that revolves around the very beginning of the universe. It is an engaging and philosophical read that is available for free.

20. “Italy,” by Antonio Elefano

This bittersweet tale about a couple during many years of marriage is a unique perspective into the challenges and joys of sustaining a long-term relationship. The story can be read for free here.

Reading should be accessible to all, and the above list of stories proves this fact. The stories listed above are engaging, informative, and entertaining, and they can be enjoyed by all. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or someone who’s just starting out, there’s something for everyone on this list. Happy reading!