The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson (no spoilers)

[mads05]

I had to read it in middle school. I thought it was really good and liked the shocking ending. It was the first time I liked a short story. I used to only read big books, but after reading The Lottery, I read more short stories and enjoyed them as well.

[Vannaskivt]

I remember this as one of the most impactful short stories I have ever read. I read it 25 years ago, in high school, and remember being both horrified and completely impressed with the way it was written. I have a few other of Shirley Jackson's books on my to-read list now but haven't gotten to them yet.

[SarahTheReader]

I was SHOCKED by the ending of this short story. I went in knowing absolutely nothing about the short story and I found it jolted by what conspired within the town. Honestly, it took me a few hours to wrap my head around what happened. It's funny because I've read some of Shirley Jackson's books before and know that her writing is always pushing the limits and making social commentary about a particular theme or themes but I just wasn't expecting the end. It's honestly what I love about her writing because she uses powerful and thoughtful scenes to leave the reader thinking and looking beyond her work.

[Mary Lou Mills]

I still remember the horror I felt as a teenager reading this story. I wanted to cry.

[brennanr_abby]

It took a second read for me to fully appreciate the horror of this story

[PeterRabitt20]

This is one of the true classics. It inspired many works that we have today. But I consider Jackson's an original. Does anyone know where her inspiration came from?

[Dzejn_Crvena]

How can you not spoil this story? Doesn't everyone already know how it ends?

I haven't read this but until January this year.
I only heard about The Lottery from my friend who was amused that I didn't know about it (when I'm a big fan of We Have Always Lived in the Castle).
I did not anticipate its ending, so it was quite a shock for me.
The feeling did not go away, and I am still traumatized up to this day.