issue 48

Nobody can deny that citizens of the United States are overwhelmed by the abundance of national holidays. Just for November 1, we have:

National Authors' Day

National Family Literacy Day

National  Cook For Your Pets Day

National Vinegar Day

National Deep Fried Clams Day

National Brush Day

How about one more holiday in November, if that is not enough? How about the National Read Flash Fiction Day? Sounds too parochial and flashy? Then maybe something simpler and more inclusive: National Read Fiction Day. Or simpler yet and ultimately inclusive: National Read Day.On a day like that (and the other 364 days of the year), we offer this just-released online Issue 48 of Vestal Review. Five brand-new stories and two winners of the Vestal Review 2014 Flash Fiction Award. A reason to celebrate.

—Mark Budman