Selected Shorts: Writers & Readers – Episode Summary

Released on April 17, 2025, "Writers & Readers" delves into the intricate relationship between authors and their audiences, exploring themes of literary creation, success, admiration, and the moral complexities intertwined with writing and reading. Hosted by Meg Wolitzer and presented by Symphony Space, this episode features readings by notable voices such as Billy Collins, Yetide Badaki, Tony Hale, and Dionne Graham.

Opening Reflections on Fiction and Literary Creation

The episode commences with Meg Wolitzer setting the stage for an exploration of short fiction centered around reading and writing. She emphasizes the diverse subjects short stories can tackle, highlighting the special intrigue of narratives that delve into the act of literary creation itself.

Meg Wolitzer [00:08]: "Short fiction can tackle any subject from birth to death, from soup to nuts. But we admit we have a soft spot for fiction that is about the act of reading and writing."

Billy Collins’ Poetic Journey Through Reading

Renowned poet Billy Collins opens the thematic exploration with a poignant poem that captures the essence of reading. Performed by Kirsten Vangsness, the poem paints vivid imagery of literary worlds intertwining with personal memories and the timeless connection between reader and text.

Billy Collins [02:40]: "We have to listen hard to hear the voices of the boy and his sister receding into the perilous woods."

Meg Wolitzer reflects on the poem’s ability to evoke nostalgia and the profound love for books and libraries, sharing personal anecdotes that resonate with many listeners.

Meg Wolitzer [04:51]: "Billy Collins suggests that the writer and reader are always traveling life's road together."

N.K. Jemisin’s "Henosis" – A Tale of Literary Fame and Its Price

Actress and reader Yetide Badaki presents N.K. Jemisin’s provocative fantasy short story "Henosis." The narrative examines the cost of literary celebrity through the life of author Harkham, who grapples with overwhelming fan adulation and the pressures of success.

Yetide Badaki [06:35]: "Harkham: 'I haven't a clue what a chiastic structure is. And you're spoiling the book for those who haven't read it.'"

Meg Wolitzer commends Jemisin’s sophisticated storytelling, noting the blend of styles and the exploration of nonlinear narratives.

Meg Wolitzer [21:53]: "Jemisin is alive to the irony of literary celebrity, the conflation, almost religious, of being in one and the same moment, a God and a sacrifice."

Ian McEwan’s "My Purple Scented Novel" – A Satirical Take on Plagiarism and Friendship

Tony Hale brings Ian McEwan’s "My Purple Scented Novel" to life with his engaging performance. The story intricately weaves a narrative of deceit and betrayal between two long-time friends, Jocelyn Tarbett and Parker Sparrow, culminating in an elaborate act of literary plagiarism that propels Parker to unexpected fame while derailing Jocelyn’s career.

Tony Hale as Parker Sparrow: "I stole a life and I don't intend to give it back."

The plot delves deep into the moral ambiguities of ambition and the destructive nature of jealousy, all while maintaining a satirical tone that highlights the darker aspects of literary fame.

Meg Wolitzer praises McEwan’s ability to subvert traditional murder mystery tropes to craft a "literary murder," emphasizing the captivating allure of plagiarism as a theme.

Meg Wolitzer [52:09]: "What is McEwan's particular gift, to take conventional expectations, a happy marriage, a deep friendship, and twist them morally."

Closing with Billy Collins’ "Dear Reader"

Dionne Graham delivers Billy Collins’ "Dear Reader," a reflective poem that muses on the intimate yet transient connection between writer and reader. The poem serves as a contemplative end to the episode, reinforcing the reciprocal relationship that fuels literary creation and appreciation.

Dionne Graham as Dear Reader [53:48]: "This is the way we like it, I think, our contact momentary, accidental as a book by a window blown open by the wind."

Meg Wolitzer interprets the poem as a reminder of how literature bridges gaps between individuals, fostering invisible bonds through shared narratives.

Meg Wolitzer [56:01]: "The poem reminds us of the way works of literature draw us into the worlds and orbits of the authors we read."

Concluding Thoughts

"Writers & Readers" masterfully intertwines poetry and short stories to explore the multifaceted dynamics of literary creation and consumption. Through evocative performances and insightful commentary, the episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationships with books and authors, celebrating the enduring magic of fiction that brings diverse voices and stories to life.

Notable Quotes:

• Billy Collins [02:40]: "I hear the voice of my mother reading to me from a chair facing the bed, books about horses and dogs..."

• Tony Hale as Parker Sparrow [06:35]: "I stole a life and I don't intend to give it back."

• Meg Wolitzer [52:09]: "McEwan uses the tropes of classic murder mysteries in the construction of a kind of literary murder."

Selected Shorts is a production of Symphony Space, bringing together distinguished actors and authors to celebrate the art of short fiction. For more information and to explore past episodes, visit pledshorts.org.