Literary Roadhouse: One Short Story, Once a Week

LRH discusses "Suffering in Motion" by McKenna Marsden, a story of gender identity, transition and relationships centered around a marathon runner

Discussion Notes: The Rabbit MatchmakersThis week's story: Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey by Haruki Murakami Next week's story: Chemical Bonds by Neema Avashia Rated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey" by Haruki Murakami, a story of talking monkey who works an honest job and pines for lost loves from afar. If you're looking for meaning, listen to this podcast to relieve yourself of such a weighty burden! This story is light, charming, and a wonderful break from the heavy-hearted and forlorn.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: AgashiThis week's story: Agashi by AC Koch Next week's story: Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey by Haruki Murakami Rated: Adult Themes, Clean LanguageGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "Agahsi" by AC Koch, a story two ex-pat English teachers in Hong Kong sent to South Korea by their boss. Their mission carries questionable morals, and the two men have very different responses.  Our hosts also have very different responses to the story, and debate the ethics and story alike.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers. Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: The AfterlifeThis week's story: The Afterlife by Jonathan Lethem Next week's story: The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of the Temple of Horror Rated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "The Afterlife" by Jonathan Lethem. Having made it to the afterlife by bus, main character "R" is repeatedly disappointed by everyone and everything he encounters. If this former sculptor can't find deeper meaning in the visions of the afterlife, can we? Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers. Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: Boar TaintThis week's story: Boar Taint by Bonnie Jo Campbell Next week's story: The Smart House of Mrs. O by Lincoln Michel Rated: ExplicitGerald, Andy and Anais debate "Boar Taint" by Bonnie Jo Campbell.  This story centers on the farmer's wife, Jill, and her bet to save the farm with the dubious purchase of a cheap hog. Was it a good gamble?Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: Two Little SoldiersThis week's story: Two Little Soldiers by Guy de Maupassant Next week's story: Boar Taint by Bonnie Jo Campbell Rated: Adult ThemesGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "Two Little Soldiers" by Guy de Maupassant. Its a classic tale of two boys and a girl. Very mixed reviews make for an exciting discussion. Tune in!Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers. Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: The Zero Meter Diving TeamThis week's story: The Zero Meter Diving Team by Jim Shepard Next week's story: Out There by Kate Folk Rated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "The Zero Meter Diving Team" by Jim Shepard, a story which parallels the power dynamics of a Russian family with the Chernobyl disaster they experienced. Please excuse the ongoing references to HBO's Chernobyl series. Anais and Gerald had both recently watched it before reading this story.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: With The BeatlesThis week's story: With the Beatles by Haruki Murakami Next week's story: Zero Meter Diving by Jim Shepard Rated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "With the Beatles" by Haruki Murakami. This melancholy story is about a man who remembers two young women from his younger days. Our hosts grappled with the meaning but it eluded them.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: Mandatory CarryThis week's story: Mandatory Carry by Caleb March Next week's story: With the Beatles by Haruki Murakami Rated: CleanIn "Mandatory Carry" by Caleb March, every citizen must own a gun, carry it with them on all times, and intervene during crimes. Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss the social commentary and plot of the story, and how the latter carries the former — though they disagree on the motivations that drove a major plot point!Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse ReadersSupport us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: The CurfewThis week's story: The Curfew by Roddy Doyle Next week's story: Freyr by Tommy OrangeRated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "The Curfew" by Roddy Doyle, a story of an aging man in Dublin who anticipates an approaching hurricane with surprising eagerness. The story was a rare sensation with all three hosts who were bursting with praise for this beautifully spun tale about aging and late-life reflections.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers. Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: The Rabbit MatchmakersThis week's story: The Rabbit Matchmakers by Andrew Phillips Next week's story: The Curfew by Roddy Doyle Rated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "The Rabbit Matchmakers" by Andrew Phillips, a story of a sensitive boy, his late grandfather's pet rabbit, and the secrets of his grandfather's tall-tale life. Gerald and Andy were quite disappointed with the story, but Anais enjoyed it. Despite differences of opinions on what the story is about, the three hosts engage in spirited discussion about the well-drawn characters.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers. Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: The Enchanted ForestThis week's story: The Enchanted Forest by Brian CrawfordNext week's story: The Rabbit Matchmakers by Andrew PhillipsRated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "The Enchanted Forest" by Brian Crawford and have wildly different reactions to this tale of two brothers who fight forest fires. Andy and Anais were disappointed with the emotional arc of the story, even as they acknowledged the professional quality of the story that was clearly written by an expert. Gerald more thoroughly enjoyed the story and defends it valiantly. Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: The Wreck at Goat's HeadThis week's story: The Wreck at Goat's Head by Alexandra ManglisNext week's story: The Enchanted Forest by Brian CrawfordRated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "The Wreck at Goat's Head" by Alexandra Manglis, which was recommended by last our previous episode's guest, Carina Saxon. The story captivated all three hosts with its mysterious prose, alluring magical realism, vivid imagery, and ghostly apparitions. They discuss themes of feminine power, matriarchal lines, and the tradition.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: The Effluent EngineThis week's story: The Effluent Engine by N.K. JemisinNext week's story: The Wreck at Goat's Head by Alexandra ManglisRated: CleanThis week we welcome Carina Saxon to the podcast to discuss "The Effluent Engine" by N. K. JemisinCarina is a content writer. She formerly a Professor of English at Indiana University Bloomington, where she taught "The Effluent Engine" to over 100 undergraduate students. She holds a Master in Victorian Literature from Indiana University.Carina joined Gerald, Andy and Anais to discuss N.K. Jemisin's novella-length steampunk, historical fiction, spy thriller. Beneath the flashy and entertaining plot there are nuanced themes pertaining to racism, sexism, and freedom.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers Facebook Group!Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: Enid & Floyd & the MoonThis week's story: Enid & Floyd & the Moon by Jeanne ShoemakerNext week's story: The Effluent Engine by N.K. JemisinRated: CleanThis week we welcome Caitlin Hamilton Summie to the podcast to discuss a story she recommends: "Enid & Floyd & the Moon" by Jeanne Shoemaker.Author Caitlin Hamilton SummieCaitlin is the author of the short story collection To Lay To Rest Our Ghosts. The book won the the Phillip J McMath Postpublication award from the University of Central Arkansas, and won Silver in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award for Short Stories. Caitlin earned an MFA with Distinction from Colorado State University, and her short stories have been published in Beloit Fiction Journal, Wisconsin Review, Puerto del Sol, Mud Season Review, and Long Story, Short. She co-owns the book marketing firm, Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, founded in 2003. Find her online at Caitlinhamiltonsummie.com and on Twitter @csummieCaitlin joined Gerald and Anais to discuss a charming story about an elderly couple that is still very much in love. Their life is beset by tragedy and poverty, but the two aging lovebirds stay focused on each other. The story stirred a little fear in Gerald who could perhaps identify a little bit with the characters.Andy could not join us for this recording this week, but he recorded a two minute riff of his opinion, which is appended at the end of the episode. He also visits us in the Youtube Live comment section during recording to josh us, as is his way. Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers Facebook Group!Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all ...

Discussion Notes: Good Country PeopleThis week's story: Good Country People by Flannery O'ConnorNext week's story: Enid & Floyd & the Moon by Jeanne ShoemakerRated: Explicit Language"Good Country People" centers around a mother and daughter, and their neighbors who are also their farm staff. The characters fall into categories with two very opposing world views. Those world views are tested by a traveling Bible salesman who presents two facades that challenge their sense of order and self.Anais loved the near-perfect short story and tries her best to raise Gerald and Andy’s enthusiasm. Andy is tickled by the word play in the characters names, and Gerald wishes there was more meat in the plot, despite the fact he enjoyed the writing quite a bit.We're also back from our unplanned two month hiatus! We produce this show on our own, and the show's schedule is very reliant on Anais's. Want to help us stay on schedule? Share the podcast widely with your friends and family, and support us on Patreon. Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers Facebook Group!Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: Sole SolutionThis week's story: Sole Solution by Eric Frank RussellNext week's story: Good Country People by Flannery O'ConnorRated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "Sole Solution" by Eric Frank Russell, which was submitted by a listener named Mark who also watched the live recording and participated in the discussion through YouTube. Gerald and Andy weren't as won over by the story. In Andy's case, he preferred similar stories that followed and explored the same themes and philosophies in more nuanced plots. Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers. Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers Facebook Group!Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: Mr SalaryThis week's story: Mr Salary by Sally RooneyNext week's story: Sole Solution by Eric Frank RussellRated: ExplicitGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "Mr Salary" by Sally Rooney, who has been described as the first great writer of the millennial generation. All three hosts loved Rooney's style, though Andy had a personal bone to pick! Gerald raised an interesting question about whether or not the author's politics and worldview are embedded in a text that is ostensibly not political (in so much as anything can be apolitical). Anais does her best to find political meaning.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers. Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers Facebook Group!Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.

Discussion Notes: Girls, at PlayThis week's story: Girls, At Play by Celeste NgNext week's story: Mr Salary by Sally RooneyRated: ExplicitThis week we welcomed short story author Beth Mayer onto the show to discuss one of her favorite short stories, "Girls, at Play" by Celeste Ng.Beth Mayer's short story collection We Will Tell You Otherwise won the 2017 Hudson Prize with Black Lawrence Press and is a Midwest Connections Pick for August. Her fiction has appeared in The Threepenny Review, The Sun Magazine, and The Midway Review. She was a fiction finalist for The Missouri Review’s Jeffrey E. Smith Editors’ Prize (2016), her work recognized among “Other Distinguished Stories” by Best American Mystery Stories (2010), and her stories anthologized in both American Fiction (New Rivers) and New Stories from the Midwest (Ohio University). Mayer was a Loft Mentor Series Winner in Fiction (2015-16) and holds an MFA in creative writing from Hamline University. She currently teaches English at Century College in Minnesota, where she lives with her family and impossibly faithful dog. Visit her online at https://bethmayer.com/Twitter: @bethjmayerFacebook: @bethmayerauthorBeth joined Andy and Anais to discuss Celeste Ng's brutally honest short story about girlhood, innocence, violence, and sex. The conversation often dwells on the difficult subject of consent and adolescence. Despite the difficult topic, all three hosts appreciated the story deeply for what it did so well and analyze Ng's mastery of the craft. Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers Facebook Group!Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?

Discussion Notes: JaviThis week's story: Javi by Han OngNext week's story: Girls, At Play by Celeste NgRated: CleanGerald, Andy and Anais discuss "Javi" by Han Ong, which was featured in The New Yorker on June 3rd, 2019. The meditative story follows a 14 year old migrant boy, Javi, who works for an 82 year old abstract painter in New Mexico who is loosely based on the painted Agnes Martin. Gerald and Andy struggle with the plot-less character portrait, though Gerald appreciates the beautiful prose. Anais defends the story as more of a literary game for literary intellectuals. All three hosts dissect the final act of the story which dwells on the current state of immigration in the United States.Have thoughts on this story?Did we miss a crucial piece of this story? Tell us below! Or on Twitter @litroadhouse or in our FB group The Literary Roadhouse Readers.Join the Literary Roadhouse Readers Facebook Group!Support us on PatreonWe are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps.Support us on PatreonLooking for more to read?Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast.