Stories, a form of communication found throughout time and in different cultures of human history, passed down from generations to generations, some telling tales of the past, some teaching important lessons, and some just for entertainment. Needless to say, stories are an important part of human existence. To begin, stories help readers see through the eyes of others and experience what it's like walking in their shoes. For example, when reading “The Indisputable Weight of the Ocean” by Darryl Berger, readers see through the eyes of Edmund, a boy who was brought up and home schooled by his mother, not interacting with other children growing up. In the story, Edmund, a young gentleman from a small seaside town must move to the big city. Readers see what runs through his mind, when he is told they must move, when his mother goes to work, constantly comparing what he hears to the facts in his encyclopedia, or the terror he experiences when the others asks him to play. Sanders says his list overlaps with one compiled by Carol Bly, arguing “one of the most important gifts of stories is “experience of other.”” (Power #3) This could possibly be talking about how readers step out of their own shoes and walk in the those of Edmund. Secondly, stories bring like minded readers together. Throughout history, it has been evident that stories bring people together. The stories of gods, told through religion or elders teaching young ones important lessons through stories or passing down family history through stories are all examples. As Sanders states, “[...] stories create community. They link teller to listeners, and listeners to one another.” (Power #2). After reading the short stories, readers are joined closer with the same knowledge, able to participate in
