Sometimes, it's hard to make it through a whole novel. But you really want the satisfaction of reading a good story.

Short stories really scratch that itch.

When I'm busy, and I really want to escape into a story, I often read compilations or anthologies.

I found this one, The Best American Non-Required Reading from 2002. David Eggers edited it, and I had been interested in reading more of his stuff. Although I've been attracted to him through articles and other things, I still haven't read his main works, such as the magazine McSweeney's. Well, at least I admit it.

It was a wicked little collection. David Sedaris was included, although I can't say his story was the best one. I loved Rodney Rothman's story of crashing the corporate world without actually working there. Supreme.

McKenzie's "Stop That Girl" was engaging. It was a very female story, lots of interesting women in it.

But "Higher Education" by Gary Smith was my favorite. It will stay with me. So wholesome it could have done just as easily in a Reader's Digest, it was needed in this young, hip, cynical compilation.

I'm young enough to be the same kind of cynical Eggers is aiming for. And I also get cynical of my own cynicism. I love that this story ends it, and shows that yes, one person can make a difference and be as real and true to himself as humanly possible.