With their focus on the seemingly endless battles in human existence, Shaw's stories make ideal readings for discussion groups. His short fiction, especially those tales about conflicts between men and women, cause readers to take sides with one character or the other. Differing sympathies give rise to lively debate.

The time of Shaw's stories also leads to an area of discussion. The America of Shaw's 1930-1960 stories and the America of the turn-of-the-century is much different. Contrasting aspects of Shaw's America— its business climate, its leisure activities, its military life — with their contemporary state will generate lively conservation about the degree and cause of change. It is a rich topic to explore with readers of different generations who will inevitably view social and economic changes differently. Those who believe that contemporary America is in decline from a more heroic, more stable, more moral post-World...