In this episode Matthew Hernandez discusses Isabel Allende’s ‘An Act of Vengeance.’ Matthew explores the story’s complex themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and the surprising ways trauma can shape the human heart. This isn’t a typical literary dissection; it’s a meandering conversation – much like the story itself – about the difficulty of letting go of the past, the potential for transformation, and the blurred lines between obsession and love. Matthew's reflections aren't polished analyses, but rather raw, unfiltered reactions, mirroring the story’s fragmented feel. We delve into the Senator’s corruption, Rosa’s enduring pain, and the unsettling twist of a love story emerging from a scene of violence.

Matthew grapples with the story's unsettling questions: Can vengeance truly bring resolution? What role does forgiveness play in healing? And can a profound connection blossom even amidst the darkest of circumstances? This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most profound stories are found not in grand narratives, but in the quiet moments of reflection and emotional reckoning. Join Matthew as he explores the story's ambiguities – and invites you to consider your own experiences with trauma, forgiveness, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Read or listen to this story in English or Spanish: https://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/samples/random043/2002026424.html https://www.uv.mx/lectores/escritos-cortos/una-venganza-isabel-allende/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsNusB2faqQ https://bookshop.org/p/books/short-stories-by-latin-american-women-the-magic-and-the-real-dora-alonso/44e752417259a15e?ean=9780812967074&next=t

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In this episode, Matthew Hernandez explores John Updike’s ‘Twin Beds and Roam,’ a story that delves into the seemingly insignificant details of a couple’s vacation in Rome. This isn't a typical literary dissection; it’s a meandering conversation – much like the story itself – about the complexities of relationships, the frustrations of travel, and the deeply personal anxieties that can simmer beneath the surface.

Matthew's reflections aren't polished analyses, but rather raw, unfiltered reactions, mirroring the story’s fragmented feel. We explore Richard Maples’ persistent aches, Joan’s empathetic responses, and the frustrating realities of travel, particularly the feeling of being subtly ripped off.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most profound stories are found not in grand narratives, but in the quiet moments of everyday life. Join Matthew as he grapples with the story's implications – and invites you to consider your own experiences with frustration, connection, and the surprising ways we define ourselves. Listen to the story here: https://the-new-yorker-fiction-4473086b.simplecast.com/episodes/roger-angell-reads-john-updike-pG0Ao0O8

Read the story here: https://rufictionfa14.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/twinbedsinrome_updike_settingdriven.pdf

Buy this story and others here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-maples-stories-john-updike/c859b3061b3eca2d?ean=9780307271761&next=t

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Today, Matt Hernandez dives headfirst into John Updike’s “A&P,” a seemingly simple snapshot of a supermarket that packs a powerful punch. Matt’s not just offering an interpretation; he’s grappling with the story's layers of observation, performance, and unspoken tensions, much like he’d do with Carol Shields’ “Scenes.” He’s inviting you to join in, exploring questions like: What does it mean to ‘quit’? How much of our behavior is performative? And what do a supermarket and a teenager have in common?

Like exploring a new grocery store, Matt considers the story’s details – the three girls in bathing suits, Sammy’s boss, the act of ‘I quit’ – and links them to larger themes of American culture, generational differences, and the anxieties of the modern workplace. Just like in ‘Scenes’, this story is a single scene that sparks contemplation and invites us to examine our own behaviors and perspectives. Join Matt as he dissects this story, prompting you to consider your own interpretations and experiences. Because just like a grocery store, it's never just a simple transaction." PDF to this story: https://www.sevanoland.com/uploads/1/1/8/0/118081022/a_p.pdf Listen to the story with commentary: https://the-new-yorker-fiction-4473086b.simplecast.com/episodes/allegra-goodman-reads-john-updike-csxd_T6k This story and others by John Updike are featured in Pigeon Feathers And Other Stories: https://bookshop.org/p/books/pigeon-feathers-and-other-stories-john-updike/083a6d1631dffedd?ean=9780679645764&next=t

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In this episode, Matthew Hernandez delves into Carol Shields’ “Scenes,” a story that feels less like a narrative and more like a collection of fragmented moments. He reflects on the story's central theme – the randomness of life, the fleeting nature of memory, and the beauty found in unexpected details.

Matthew Hernandez doesn't offer a polished analysis; instead, he shares his genuine, unfiltered reactions, mirroring the story’s own disjointed feel. He contemplates the challenges of capturing life’s complexities, the impact of random encounters, and the way memories resurface at the most unexpected times. This episode is a reminder to slow down, to notice the small things, and to embrace the messiness of human experience. Join Matthew Hernandez as he wrestles with the story's implications and invites you to share your own interpretations. It’s a podcast for those who appreciate a thoughtful, unhurried conversation about the stories we tell ourselves.

#BookChat #CarolShields

#ShortStory #Literature #Podcast #bookreview follow me: matthewlh702@proton.me https://discord.gg/36WxYB7T https://locals.com/bookstoread/feed Learn more about the author and the book at: https://www.carol-shields.com/ https://bookshop.org/a/117636/9780060762049

Hello all, in this episode I rant for several minutes about my disappointment when I found out two book club recordings I did with people online didn't record my own spoken dialogue rendering them useless. This bugs me so much, so thanks for listening to me ramble about this because I was going to use those for episodes. follow me: matthewlh702@proton.me https://discord.gg/36WxYB7T https://locals.com/bookstoread/feed

Poaching is another short story by Carol Shields. I enjoyed this story because it is quite relaxing. Not much goes on. Dobey and the unnamed narrator pick up hitch-hikers to hear their stories. That's it. My guess is they are some form of researchers therefore they must do this otherwise it seems like a dangerous past-time. The story is quite simple, they wake up a hotel then the unnamed narrator tells us of two recent hitch-hikers and a bit of a third one. The narrator says how they get people talking and their own rules about listening to the hitch-hikers. That's it. Though, I have much to reflect on seeing as I have this podcast trying to talk with strangers.

#BookChat #CarolShields

#ShortStory #Literature #Podcast #bookreview follow me: matthewlh702@proton.me https://discord.gg/36WxYB7T https://locals.com/bookstoread/feed Learn more about the author and the book at: https://www.carol-shields.com/ https://bookshop.org/a/117636/9780060762049

Hello all, in this short story "Words" by Carol Shields a young man named Ian decided to make a vow of silence for global warming. Who would do such a thing? I'm still too nervous to mention any kinda science or policy position, but insofar as any vow of silence, who would do that? Well Ian did. He was giving a speech in support of saving our planet then abruptly said he'd never speak again. What a mistake that was. He even forgot how to speak. I hope you never think I'll do that. I hope we can speak together about this story and others. Your opinion matters.

#BookChat #CarolShields

#ShortStory #Literature #Podcast #bookreview follow me: matthewlh702@proton.me https://discord.gg/36WxYB7T https://locals.com/bookstoread/feed Learn more about the author and the book at: https://www.carol-shields.com/ https://bookshop.org/a/117636/9780060762049

In this short story, Pardon, by Carol Shields is about a woman named Milly who wants to buy an apology card at a card shop. The story takes place during the eighties which explains going into a shop for cards then after not finding an apology card Milly takes a bus into town for a card. The story really is that simple. I talk for a bit about what an apology might mean to me or to others. I love to hear your thoughts on this story or apologies in general.

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Learn more about the author and the book at: https://www.carol-shields.com/ https://bookshop.org/a/117636/9780060762049