Book Chat with You

Words - What's in Silence?

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

Pardon: The Apology Card Conundrum

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.
Join Matt Hernandez on Book Chat as we dive into Carol Shields’ ‘Pardon’ – a short story that’s surprisingly big on questions about apologies! Matt tackles themes of regret, communication, and the sometimes awkward world of ‘I’m sorry.’ This isn't just a book review; it's a conversation about what apologizing really means. Matt gets into his own reflections on the topic, sharing personal thoughts and experiences. Is it always a good thing to apologize? What happens when stores run out of apology cards? Let’s unpack this short story together and explore the complexities of human connection. Subscribe for more literary discussions and honest conversations. 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. #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

Flitting Behavior — Meershank's Moral Floodplain

Host Matt Hernandez discusses Carol Shields' short story "Flooding Behavior" from Collected Stories, focusing on three central characters: Meershank (an author), his terminally ill wife Louise, and his editor Maybell.
The episode examines an emotional affair, acts of infidelity, loneliness, and moral judgment, with Matt reading and commenting on pages 77–78 to explore how the characters' relationships reveal themes of care, betrayal, and responsibility.
 
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 

Purple Blooms: When a Book Sparks a Crowd

Matt Hernandez discusses Carol Shields' short story "Purple Blooms" from Collected Stories, where a narrator gifts a poetry book to friends and family and later discovers a crowd gathered to see the poet Mario Valeso. The episode examines the story's fable-like structure and the narrator's unexpected encounter in the park.
In a conversational, reflective style, Matt considers reading, literary enthusiasm, and invites listeners to share their perspectives.
 
follow / contact me:
matthewlh702@proton.me
https://discord.gg/36WxYB7T
https://locals.com/bookstoread/feed 
 

Sailors Lost at Sea — Helena’s Summer of Drift and Discovery

Matt Hernandez (Book Chat with You) discusses Carol Shields’s short story “Sailors Lost at Sea,” about 14‑year‑old Helena who travels from Winnipeg to St. Croix with her poet mother. Helena becomes trapped in an old church and reflects on her mother’s fascination with local lore, the small annoyances of travel, and growing up between cultures.
The episode reads two standout pages and explores themes of adolescence, cultural ritual versus religion, and the uneasy charm of a foreign place — all through Helena’s limited third‑person perspective.
 
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 

Discussing The Bible as Literature (Matthew 10)

In this episode I attempt to talk about stories from wherever, however, and most specifically the Bible. I don't think I did a great job, but the concepts are mostly here. I don't know. It's like I feel there are stories everywhere, but on this podcast thing we hear what others say, but don't think that itself is a story. So, I hope we could take a second a appreciate stories together and chat about it. 

It's a Lousy Life - A Noir Conversation

Dive into the shadowy world of noir with ‘Book Chat with You’ as we dissect Bill Pronzini’s It's a Lousy Life! In this episode, we aren't just summarizing the story; we’re sparking a conversation. Matt Hernandez, your host, guides us through a classic in San Francisco Thrillers – a collection of noir short stories – exploring the familiar tropes and lingering questions.
We’ll unpack the frustratingly nameless detective, Erberhart, his strained relationship with a wrongly convicted friend, and the bizarre circumstances surrounding Collie Babcock’s murder. Matt’s self-deprecating commentary and genuine curiosity are the driving force, prompting discussion about clichés, the allure of detective fiction, and the unsettling power of a perfectly constructed mystery.
This episode is a deep dive into the narrative’s core questions: What motivates the detective? How does the setting – a city seen as an open-air prison – shape the story? And, most importantly, should we be so quick to dismiss familiar tropes?
Join Matt as he grapples with the story’s questions – and his own critical assessment. We’ll cover key moments, including Erberhart’s terse interactions, the details of the crime scene, and the overall impact of the story’s atmosphere. This episode isn’t just about reading It's a Lousy Life ; it’s about joining a lively conversation about the story’s enduring appeal. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
follow me at: https://discord.gg/36WxYB7T
https://locals.com/bookstoread/feed  
Read this story at: https://www.amazon.com/Scenarios-Collection-Nameless-Detective-Stories-ebook/dp/B0081V4R4U 
or https://www.amazon.com/San-Francisco-Thrillers-Crime-Mysteries/dp/0811810437/ 

013 Chatting about "Accidents" by Carol Shields

"Accidents" by Carol Shields is a short story by Carol Shields also in the short story collection titled Collected Stories. "Accidents" is about a married Canadian couple vacationing in France. The husband is injured by his wife and they meet an injured Englishman at the hospital. A fascinating question occurs. Should we tell someone something they don't need to know?
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 

012 Chatting about "Mrs Turner Cutting the Grass" by Carol Shields

"Mrs Turner Cutting the Grass" is a short story about a Girlie Turner, who is an elderly woman who cares nothing about appearances, and a professor who writes a poem about Mrs Turner and her two sisters. The narration is quite interesting in that is abruptly changes focus from Mrs Turner to the professor who write a humorous poem about Mrs Turner and her sisters. What I most took from it was the pretentiousness of the professor but as I kept rereading this story I found humor in what the professor likely saw in Girlie Turner.
Follow me at: https://discord.gg/36WxYB7T  matthewlh702@proton.me   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 

011 Chatting about "Various Miracles" by Carol Shields

Contact info:
matthewlh702@proton.me
https://discord.gg/36WxYB7T
https://locals.com/bookstoread/feed