This is a collection of short fiction and non-fiction stories, edited by Dave Eggers, with an introduction by Sufjan Stevens.
The works selected for this collection were decided upon by San Francisco Bay Area high school students. There are some really powerful short stories, and wonderful poetry to be found in this book.
Don't expect to walk away happy if you choose to read anything inside, but it's the perfect thing (I've found) to read a selection from to someone you care for. Go outside, get coffee, smoke cigarettes, and sit under a street lamp.
Amazon.com: The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2007 (The Best American Series): Books: Dave Eggers,Sufjan Stevens