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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 non-fiction was a happy accident. A bit of a departure from our normal show, “Chemical Bonds” sparked an interesting discussion that led Anais and Andy to reflect on their own immigrant families.  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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 192: Chemical Bonds by Neema Avashia appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Rabbit Matchmakers This week’s story: Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey by Haruki Murakami  Next week’s story: Chemical Bonds by Neema Avashia  Rated: Clean Gerald, 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 191: Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey by Haruki Murakami appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Agashi This week’s story: Agashi by AC Koch  Next week’s story: Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey by Haruki Murakami  Rated: Adult Themes, Clean Language Gerald, 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 190: Agashi by AC Koch appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Lost Performance of the High Priestess of the Temple of HorrorThis 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 Temple of Horror” by Carmen Maria Machado, a story that pays an homage to the Grand Guignol tradition and delivers the horror, sex, and shock! All three hosts tip their hats to this masterfully crafted story, but can all three look past their squeamishness?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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 188: The Afterlife by Jonathan Lethem appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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 husbands body parts in home improvement work. But their love was so true…can you blame her for wanting to hold on? Some of us can! 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 187: The Smart House of Mrs O by Lincoln Michel appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Boar Taint This week’s story: Boar Taint by Bonnie Jo Campbell  Next week’s story: The Smart House of Mrs. O by Lincoln Michel  Rated: Explicit Gerald, 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 186: Boar Taint by Bonnie Jo Campbell appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Two Little Soldiers This week’s story: Two Little Soldiers by Guy de Maupassant  Next week’s story: Boar Taint by Bonnie Jo Campbell  Rated: Adult Themes Gerald, 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 185: Two Little Soldiers by Guy de Maupassant appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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 they hoped or expected, yet all three read it pleasurably. Enjoy! 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 184: Disaster Stamps of Pluto by Louise Erdrich appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Out ThereThis week’s story: Out There by Kate Folk Next week’s story: Disaster Stamps of Pluto by Louise Erdrich Rated: Adult ThemesGerald, 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 link to figure out why!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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 183: Out There by Kate Folk appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: The Zero Meter Diving Team This week’s story: The Zero Meter Diving Team by Jim Shepard  Next week’s story: Out There by Kate Folk  Rated: Clean Gerald, 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 182: The Zero Meter Diving Team by Jim Shepard appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 181: With The Beatles by Haruki Murakami appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

Discussion Notes: Mandatory Carry This week’s story: Mandatory Carry by Caleb March  Next week’s story: With the Beatles by Haruki Murakami  Rated: Clean In “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 Readers Support us on Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 180: Mandatory Carry by Caleb March appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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 Andy all highly rated this one, giving it 6 out of 6 Bradberries. Wow! 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 178: The Curfew by Roddy Doyle appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 177: The Rabbit Matchmakers by Brian Crawford appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.

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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. 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 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. 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 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. 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 Shoemaker. Author Caitlin Hamilton Summie Caitlin 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 @csummie Caitlin 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 Patreon We are an indie podcast dependent on contributions from listeners like you. You decide how much to give and every bit helps. Support us on Patreon Looking for more to read? Click here for a full list of all short stories discussed on the podcast. The post Ep 173: Enid & Floyd & the Moon by Jeanne Shoemaker appeared first on Literary Roadhouse.