The Gift of the Magi and Other New York Stories by O'Henry

For my "12. A volume of classic short stories" I selected this book. I was first introduced to the short stories of O'Henry (William Sydney Porter) by my 6th grade elementary school teacher. Our textbook included 3 of his stories (The Gift of the Magi, The Last Leaf, and The Ransom of Red Chief). All three plus nine more stories and a biography were in this Kindle edition.

The only ones I didn't enjoy were

1. A Harlem Tragedy,
2. The Voice of the City
3.  The Skylight Room

The ones that I rate as OK were:

1. The Cop and the Anthem
2. The Making of a New Yorker
3. The biography (which included a critique of O'Henry's work)

The ones I really liked were:

1. The Gift of the Magi 
2. The Last Leaf
3. The Ransom of Red Chief
4. The Trimmed Lamp
5. A Retrieved Reformation
6. The Duplicity of Hargraves
7. The Whirligig of Life

Over all it was a great read. Each short story is about a facet of human nature that could easily be dropped in to 2016 and not lose their point. You will find some comedy, tragedy, sacrifice, and love (not just romantic love but love for your fellow human being). Definitely recommend this collection.