Literary Roadhouse: One Short Story, Once a Week

Discussion Notes: No One Here is Going to Save You This week’s story: No One Here is Going to Save You by Julian Zabalbeascoa  Next week’s story: Huevos Estrellados by Vanessa Bernice De La Cruz  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “No One Here is Going to Save You” by Julian Zabalbeascoa,  a story... The post Ep 219: No One Here is Going to Save You appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Theresa Job This week’s story: The Theresa Job by Colson Whitehead  Next week’s story: No One Here Is Going To Save You by Julian Zabalbeascoa  Rated: Clean Themes, Explicit Language (Host drops an ‘f’ bomb 😔 ) Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Theresa Job” by Colson Whitehead, a story of a... The post Ep 218: The Theresa Job appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The City Born Great This week’s story: The City Born Great by N. K. Jemisin  Next week’s story: The Theresa Job by Colson Whitehead  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The City Born Great” by N. K. Jemisin, an urban fantasy about a young New Yorker called upon to midwife the birth... The post Ep 217: The City Born Great appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Specialist’s Hat This week’s story: The Specialist’s Hat by Kelly Link  Next week’s story: The City Born Great by N. K. Jemisin  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Specialist’s Hat” by Kelly Link, a story about twin girls who move into the gothic home of a former poet who dabbled... The post Ep 216: The Specialist’s Hat appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Foster This week’s story: Foster by Bryan Washington  Next week’s story: The Specialist’s Hat by Kelly Link  Rated: EXPLICIT Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Foster” by Bryan Washington, a story of a man estranged from his brother, struggling with his boyfriend, and refusing to name a cat. The story is explicit and so... The post Ep 215: Foster appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Interlopers This week’s story: The Interlopers by H. H. Munro  Next week’s story: Foster by Bryan Washington  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Interlopers” by H. H. Munro (SAKI), a story of a long-running family dispute over wild lands that comes to a head when two men from either side... The post Ep 214: The Interlopers appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Hot Ice This week’s story: Hot Ice by Stuart Dybek  Next week’s story: The Interlopers by H.H. Munro (SAKI)  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Hot Ice” by Stuart Dybek, a Chicago native who brings the mid-century societal changes to life with the myth of a local saint. Andy identified with the... The post Ep 213: Hot Ice appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Case For and Against Love Potions This week’s story: The Case for and Against Love Potions by Imbolo Mbue  Next week’s story: Hot Ice by Stuart Dybek  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Case for and Against Love Potions” by Imbolo Mbue , a story told by an over confident narrator... The post Ep 212: The Case For and Against Love Potions appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Objects in Space This week’s story: Objects in Space by Emily Davis  Next week’s story: The Case for and Against Love Potions by Imbolo Mbue  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Objects in Space” by Emily Davis, a story of a young New York woman who heads west in search of clarity.... The post Ep 211: Objects in Space appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Husband Stitch This week’s story: The Husband Stitch by Carmen Maria Machado  Next week’s story: Objects in Space by Emily Davis  Rated: Explicit Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Husband Stitch” by Carmen Maria Machado, a haunting story of a woman’s life, interspersed with fairytales about womanhood. All three hosts marveled at... The post Ep 210: The Husband Stitch appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: A Challenge You Have Overcome This week’s story: A Challenge You Have Overcome by Allegra Goodman  Next week’s story: The Husband Stitch by Carmen Maria Machado  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “A Challenge You Have Overcome” by Allegra Goodman, a story about an older couple who feel stuck in their careers... The post Ep 209: A Challenge You Have Overcome appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Hollow This week’s story: Hollow by Breece D’J Pancake  Next week’s story: A Challenge Your Have Overcome by Allegra Goodman  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Hollow” by Breece D’J Pancake, the story of Buddy, a coal miner in West Virginia, his community, and his humble dreams. This story split our hosts.... The post Ep 208: Hollow appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Fatima, the Biloquist This week’s story: Fatima, the Biloquist by Nafissa Thompson-Spires  Next week’s story: Hollow by Breece D’J Pancake  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Fatima, the Biloquist” by Nafissa Thompson-Spires, a story of a young, nerdy black girl in a predominantly white neighborhood who is struggling to reconcile her multitudes.... The post Ep 207: Fatima, the Biloquist appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Hansa and Gretyl and Piece of Shit This week’s story: Hansa and Gretyl and Piece of Shit by Rebecca Curtis  Next week’s story: Fatima, the Biloquist: A Transformation Story by Nafissa Thompson-Spires  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Hansa and Gretyl and Piece of Shit” by Rebecca Curtis, a modern twist on... The post Ep 206: Hansa and Gretyl and Piece of Shit appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Paper Tiger This week’s story: The Paper Tiger by Lindsay Kennedy  Next week’s story: Hansa and Gretyl and Piece of Shit by Rebecca Curtis  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Paper Tiger” by Lindsay Kennedy, a whimsical story of biblical proportions of a girl with a strong moral compass and... The post Ep 205: The Paper Tiger appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Hunter’s Wife This week’s story: The Hunter’s Wife by Anthony Doerr  Next week’s story: The Paper Tiger by Lindsay Kennedy  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Hunter’s Wife” by Anthony Doerr, a story of a Montana hunter and his estranged, magically gifted wife. All three hosts heaped a ton of... The post Ep 204: The Hunter’s Wife appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Every Tiny Tooth and Claw This week’s story: Every Tiny Tooth and Claw (or: Letters from the First Month of the New Directorate) by Marissa Lingen  Next week’s story: The Hunter’s Wife by Anthony Doerr  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Every Tiny Tooth and Claw (or: Letters from the First Month... The post Ep 203: Every Tiny Tooth and Claw appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Daughters of the Moon This week’s story: The Daughters of the Moon – Italo Calvino – Literary Roadhouse Ep 202  Next week’s story: Every Tiny Tooth and Claw (or: Letters from the First Month of the New Directorate) by Marissa Lingen  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Daughters of the... The post Ep 202: The Daughters of the Moon appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Land Where Lemon Trees Bloom This week’s story: The Land Where Lemon Trees Bloom by Evan S. Connell  Next week’s story: The Daughters of the Moon by Italo Calvino  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Land Where Lemon Trees Bloom” by Evan S. Connell, a story of a man who... The post Ep 201: The Land Where Lemon Trees Bloom appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Callme and Mink This week’s story: Callme and Mink by Brenda Cooper  Next week’s story: The Land Where Lemon Trees Bloom by Evan S. Connell  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Callme and Mink” by Brenda Cooper, a story about attachments, centered on a robot whose prime directive is to raise and... The post Ep 200: Callme and Mink appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Great Indian Tee and Snakes This week’s story: The Great Indian Tee and Snakes by Kritika Pandey  Next week’s story: Callme and Mink by Brenda Cooper  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Great Indian Tee and Snakes” by Kritika Pandey. The story divided our hosts, with Gerald and Anais loving... The post Ep 199: The Great Indian Tee and Snakes appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Rough Deeds This week’s story: Rough Deeds by Annie Proulx  Next week’s story: The Great Indian Tee and Snakes by Kritika Pandey  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Rough Deeds” by Annie Proulx, a vivid story about mafioso lumbermen in 1712’s New France. Proulx’s prose and plot captivates all three hosts who... The post Ep 198: Rough Deeds appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Flashlight This week’s story: Flashlight by Susan Choi  Next week’s story: Rough Deeds by Annie Proulx  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Flashlight” by Susan Choi, a richly layered story of a girl haunted by the early death of her father, resentful of her mother’s illness, and longing for an adult to... The post Ep 197: Flashlight appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Sweet Scoundrel This week’s story: Sweet Scoundrel by Diana Xin Next week’s story: Flashlight by Susan Choi Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Sweet Scoundrel” by Diana Xin, a slyly written story of a mistress, a pregnancy, a would-be older sister, and a marriage that straddles cultures and countries. Right from the... The post Ep 196: Sweet Scoundrel appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Library of Babel This week’s story: The Library of Babel by Jorge Luis Borges  Next week’s story: Sweet Scoundrel by Diana Xin  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss the classic short story “The Library of Babel” by Jorge Luis Borges. In it, Borges imagines a universe in the form of a... The post Ep 195: The Library of Babel appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Silverfish This week’s story: Silverfish by Christina Perez Brubaker  Next week’s story: The Library of Babel by Jorge Luis Borges  Rated: Explicit Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Silverfish” by Christina Perez Brubaker, a story of a failing marriage between two flawed characters. It delights in its examination of the petty things unhappy and... The post Ep 194: Silverfish by Christina Perez Brubaker appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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

Discussion Notes: Chemical Bonds This week’s story: Chemical Bonds by Neema Avashia  Next week’s story: Suffering in Motion by McKenna Marsden  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Chemical Bonds” by Neema Avashia, an auto-biographical story about the political divide between immigrant parents and their American-born daughter. While this podcast typically focuses on fiction, reading... The post Ep 192: Chemical Bonds by Neema Avashia appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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 Lost Performance of the High Priestess of the Temple of Horror This week’s story: The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of the Temple of Horror by Carmen Maria Machado  Next week’s story: Agashi by AC Koch  Rated: Explicit! Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of... The post Ep 189: The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of the Temple of Horror by Carmen Maria Machado appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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.

The Smart House of Mrs O by Lincoln Michel This week’s story: The Smart House of Mrs O by Lincoln Michel  Next week’s story: The Afterlife by Jonathan Lethem  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “The The Smart House of Mrs O” by Lincoln Michel. The haunting story of a widow who uses her... The post Ep 187: The Smart House of Mrs O by Lincoln Michel appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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: Disaster Stamps of Pluto This week’s story: Disaster Stamps of Pluto by Louise Erdrich  Next week’s story: Little Soldiers by Guy de Maupassant  Rated: Clean Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Disaster Stamps of Pluto”, a slice of life told in memories that is surprisingly not a work of science fiction. It wasn’t what... The post Ep 184: Disaster Stamps of Pluto by Louise Erdrich appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Out There This week’s story: Out There by Kate Folk  Next week’s story: Disaster Stamps of Pluto by Louise Erdrich  Rated: Adult Themes Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Out There” by Kate Folk. In the near future, artificially intelligent androids enter the dating world! This story was (mostly) very high rated. Follow the... The post Ep 183: Out There by Kate Folk appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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: Freyr This week’s story: Freyr by Tommy Orange Next week’s story: Mandatory Carry by Caleb March Rated: Explicit Gerald, Andy and Anais discuss “Freyr” by Tommy Orange. In this story, two men bond over their individual physical deformities. One wears his on his face, the other secretly under his shirt! Anais, Gerald, and... The post Ep 179: Freyr by Tommy Orange appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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 Matchmakers This week’s story: The Rabbit Matchmakers by Andrew Phillips  Next week’s story: The Curfew by Roddy Doyle  Rated: Clean Gerald, 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... The post Ep 177: The Rabbit Matchmakers by Andrew Phillips appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Enchanted Forest This week’s story: The Enchanted Forest by Brian Crawford Next week’s story: The Rabbit Matchmakers by Andrew Phillips Rated: Clean Gerald, 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... The post Ep 176: The Enchanted Forest by Brian Crawford appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Wreck at Goat’s Head This week’s story: The Wreck at Goat’s Head by Alexandra Manglis Next week’s story: The Enchanted Forest by Brian Crawford Rated: Clean Gerald, 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... The post Ep 175: The Wreck at Goat’s Head by Alexandra Manglis appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Effluent Engine This week’s story: The Effluent Engine by N.K. Jemisin Next week’s story: The Wreck at Goat’s Head by Alexandra Manglis Rated: Clean This week we welcome Carina Saxon to the podcast to discuss “The Effluent Engine” by N. K. Jemisin Carina is a content writer. She formerly a Professor of... The post Ep 174: The Effluent Engine by N.K. Jemisin appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Enid & Floyd & the Moon This week’s story: Enid & Floyd & the Moon by Jeanne Shoemaker Next week’s story: The Effluent Engine by N.K. Jemisin Rated: Clean This week we welcome Caitlin Hamilton Summie to the podcast to discuss a story she recommends: “Enid & Floyd & the Moon” by Jeanne... The post Ep 173: Enid & Floyd & the Moon by Jeanne Shoemaker appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Good Country People This week’s story: Good Country People by Flannery O’Connor Next week’s story: Enid & Floyd & the Moon by Jeanne Shoemaker Rated: 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... The post Ep 172: Good Country People by Flannery O’Connor appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Sole Solution This week’s story: Sole Solution by Eric Frank Russell Next week’s story: Good Country People by Flannery O’Connor Rated: Clean Gerald, 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... The post Ep 171: Sole Solution by Eric Frank Russell appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Mr Salary This week’s story: Mr Salary by Sally Rooney Next week’s story: Sole Solution by Eric Frank Russell Rated: Explicit Gerald, 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... The post Ep 170: Mr Salary by Sally Rooney appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.