"Design for Departure" is the best short story I have read

51. Nelson Algren "The Neon Wilderness"
The more Algren I read the more connected I feel to Chicago, to West Town specifically. Algren's collection of short stories is almost perfect. Whether set in Chicago, Texas or Germany, you feel the imminent downfall for these tragic heroes. You understand why he lost his rent check, his health, his future. It makes sense. It makes sense to walk up and down Division street and place bets along the way. Shoving heroin in you may be the only option. But it's never good. It's never glamorous and you don't want to follow in their paths. It's not a warning and it's not a public service announcement. It's just realistic. And good. And sad.

Please read this and any other Algren work as soon as you can. The stories are universal (if you're open to tragedy), the prose is reminiscent of the best Hemingway and, maybe best of all, it's inspiring. It's gospel for the godless.