Selected Shorts: "Reading Between the Lines" Summary

Episode Overview Selected Shorts, hosted by Meg Wolitzer and produced by Symphony Space, delves into the enchanting world of literature through live performances by acclaimed actors. The episode titled "Reading Between the Lines," released on July 24, 2025, features two compelling short stories that explore the profound relationship between words, books, and the human experience. Additionally, the episode includes an insightful interview with the team behind the cherished independent bookstore, Three Lives and Co.

First Story: "The Book" by Ben Lurie

Performed by Jane Kaczmarek

Jane Kaczmarek brings to life Ben Lurie’s "The Book," a narrative that intertwines the allure of literature with the complexities of obsession and societal reactions.

Summary: The story follows a woman who purchases a seemingly ordinary book filled with blank pages. Frustrated by the absence of words, her discontent spirals into public outrage when she confronts a man reading the same book on the subway. Her relentless opposition catapults her into unexpected fame, resulting in personal turmoil and eventual introspection. Years later, the book reappears in her life, symbolizing reconciliation and the enduring power of words.

Notable Quotes:

• "All of the pages in the book are blank. Every single one." (04:07)
• "Books do time passing really well. One paragraph can somehow contain a person's whole life." – Meg Wolitzer (10:40)
• "Words are there when all else fails." – Meg Wolitzer (10:40)

Host's Insights: Meg Wolitzer reflects on the emotional trajectory of the story, highlighting how it begins with a provocative concept and evolves into a graceful epiphany about the intrinsic role of words in our lives. She emphasizes the narrative's ability to encapsulate a lifetime within a single paragraph, underscoring the timeless nature of literature.

Second Story: "Things I Know to Be True" by Kendra Fortmire

Performed by Calvin Leon Smith

Calvin Leon Smith narrates Kendra Fortmire’s "Things I Know to Be True," a poignant exploration of identity, reality, and the transformative power of language.

Summary: The protagonist, Charlie, grapples with a reality where words hold tangible power, blurring the lines between fiction and truth. After a confrontation at the library leads to his banning, Charlie embarks on a journey to reclaim his place amidst the written word. His struggle culminates in a profound understanding of self and the fundamental connection between language and existence.

Notable Quotes:

• "Words make the future and past existence." (14:20)
• "The library was an escape." – Charlie (38:00)
• "Words are made of words, so words make the future and past existence." (14:20)

Host's Insights: Meg Wolitzer discusses the story's intricate relationship with words, illustrating how intentional language can redefine our understanding of reality and self. She appreciates the narrative’s ability to depict the overwhelming nature of words and their capacity to both imprison and liberate.

Interview: Behind Three Lives and Co. Bookstore

Guests: Troy Chatterton (Manager) and Miriam Chotiner Gardner (Book Buyer)

Meg Wolitzer engages with Troy Chatterton and Miriam Chotiner Gardner, the current proprietors of Three Lives and Co., an iconic independent bookstore in Greenwich Village.

Key Discussions:

• The Magic of Small Bookstores: The guests describe the intimate and curated experience of their bookstore, emphasizing its role as a "third place" beyond home and work where community and literature converge.

  "Small spaces, especially bookstores, especially our bookstore... wooden shelves. They're cozy, they're inviting, they're welcoming." – Troy Chatterton (51:44)

• Curating the Collection: They highlight the thoughtful selection process, balancing popular titles with hidden gems to create a bespoke collection that resonates with diverse readers.

  "The books are chosen through a sort of alchemy. Some of it is based on instinct." – Miriam Chotiner Gardner (53:16)

• Community and Connection: The interview underscores the importance of fostering relationships with both customers and staff, creating a sense of belonging and shared literary passion.

  "We try to be the third place in people's lives." – Miriam Chotiner Gardner (52:24)

Notable Quotes:

• "Being in a bookstore at night and have it to yourself is like a dream." – Troy Chatterton (51:29)
• "Independent bookstores are themselves a kind of text." – Meg Wolitzer (58:26)
• "When you buy a book here... it doesn't have a pastry inside, it has something even better." – Miriam Chotiner Gardner (57:52)

Host's Reflections: Meg Wolitzer expresses her admiration for the bookstore, sharing personal anecdotes about discovering and nurturing her literary journey within its walls. She emphasizes the bookstore’s role in sustaining the community's literary culture and the unique experience it offers to book lovers.

Conclusion

The "Reading Between the Lines" episode of Selected Shorts masterfully intertwines storytelling with insightful discussions on the profound impact of literature and the communal spaces that celebrate it. Through the heartfelt performances of "The Book" and "Things I Know to Be True," combined with the intimate interview with Three Lives and Co., the episode encapsulates the enduring magic of words and the essential role of bookstores in nurturing this enchantment.

Notable Program Elements:

• Host: Meg Wolitzer seamlessly guides the episode, blending storytelling with personal insights and interviews.
• Performers: Jane Kaczmarek and Calvin Leon Smith deliver powerful performances that bring the written word to vivid life.
• Interviewees: Troy Chatterton and Miriam Chotiner Gardner provide an inside look into the operations and philosophy of an independent bookstore, highlighting its significance in the literary ecosystem.

Selected Shorts continues to celebrate the art of storytelling, inviting listeners to explore the depths of fiction and the spaces that cherish it.