A timely short story by a literary giant
Hey, listeners!
More than we love our Short Story Club episodes (which is a lot), we love how much you love our Short Story Club episodes! Today’s story is an extremely timely piece of speculative fiction by Octavia Butler. “Speech Sounds” takes place in a world where a pandemic has severely limited individuals’ ability to communicate with each other through language. It’s utterly fascinating, incredibly thought-provoking, and while it’s scary—it ends with a note of hope. If you haven’t read “Speech Sounds” yet, use this link to check out the story, and then download today’s episode to hear Chelsey and Sara’s deep dive and pairings.
Download today’s episode in your favorite podcast app or click this link to listen in your web browser!
If you want more Octavia Butler and pandemic reads:
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Coming up:
Next week, we’ll be back with an episode on the sci-fi classic, Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Then on Tuesday, April 27th we’ll be toppling your TBRs with some of our favorite sci-fi and speculative fiction reads.
On Wednesday, April 14th, we’ll be teaching an introduction to literary theory for our Patreon Literature Scholars. We are super excited about this class, which will serve as a jumping off point for many future classes, deep dives, and discussions. Sign up for Patreon to attend.
For a reminder of our spring lineup, check out this Instagram post for a full list and dates.
Currently reading:
We’re getting ready for our May episodes and are diving into In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. Chelsey picked up a library haul that included this inventive sci-fi novel and this bittersweet coming-of-age novel. Sara just finished (and loved!) Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann, which is a family saga and mythological retelling rolled into one gorgeous package.
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Check out our blog for bonus pairings, reading tips, and book recommendations. Find Chelsey at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and her newsletter. We love hearing what you’re reading, so tag us in your #bookstagram posts!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
-Sara and Chelsey