Book excerpt: The Best American series is the premier annual showcase for the country’s finest short fiction and nonfiction. This special edition contains selections from the following editions: The Best American Short Stories edited by Geraldine Brooks The Best American Essays edited by Edwidge Danticat The Best American Mystery Stories edited by Harlan Coben The Best American Science and Nature Writing edited by Mary Roach Each volume’s series editor selects notable works from hundreds of magazines, journals, and websites. The special guest editor then chooses the best twenty or so pieces to publish. This unique system has made the Best American series the most respected – and most popular – of its kind.