We’re thrilled to have Danielle Dutton, author of three remarkable books and editor of Dorothy, a publishing project, as the judge for this year’s American Short(er) Fiction Prize—a contest for extraordinary short stories under 1,000 words. We asked Danielle about her favorite books this year, and she compiled this wonderful reading list of titles new and old, a confection of styles and genres and small-press gems that are a refreshing and welcome detour from conventional year-end best-of lists. Best book to read if you’re feeling a little down