Top Five Stories: 2014–2015


“I loved hopping freight trains,” writes Charles D’Ambrosio. “It was cheap, dirty, loud, picturesque, illegal, athletic, and dangerous, and, best of all, it didn’t seem like a vacation.” This year our Top 5 Stories of the Week embody the train-hopping spirit, in which human shortcomings rub up against the endless capacity for hope and grace. Hop on, and enjoy!

The Story of the Week series for 2015–2016 starts on September 14. If you would like to send a story for consideration as a Story of the Week, please see our Guidelines. Each September the top five Stories of the Week are selected for special notice.


  • Charles D’Ambrosio

    Catching Out

    I loved hopping freight trains. It was cheap, dirty, and dangerous.

  • Natalie Diaz

    The Gospel of Guy No-Horse

    Guy No-Horse was glistening drunk and dancing fancy.

  • Donald Hall

    Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

    The Best American Essays 2015 Honorable Mention

  • Tina Nettesheim

    Everybody

    Zoe asked if they could go to the Manson caves.

  • Dani Shapiro

    Stitches

    Here was something I could fix; I could stop drinking.