#4254
Mentioned in 9 episodes

Train Dreams

Book • 2002
The novella follows the life of Robert Grainier, an orphan sent to Idaho in 1893.

Grainier works as a laborer, building bridges and felling trees for the expanding railways.

He finds happiness with his wife and daughter but faces tragedy when a wildfire changes his life forever.

The story is a reflection on isolation, the closing of the American West, and the simple yet harsh life of a pioneer.

It juxtaposes the sounds of trains with the natural world, creating a dream-like and elegiac portrait of Grainier's life.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 9 episodes

Mentioned by
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Sean Fennessey
as a favorite author whose book inspired the movie "Train Dreams."
41 snips
The 10 Best Movies at Sundance, and the Astonishing ‘Nickel Boys’
Mentioned by
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Dax Shepard
as a beautiful movie out on Netflix, perfect for Thanksgiving.
15 snips
Joel Edgerton
Mentioned by
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Peter Hamby
as a novella that was adapted into a film.
12 snips
The Altman Lawsuit-palooza & OpenAI Bailout Fears
Mentioned by
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Dan Kois
as one of his favorite books, adapted into a film.
Wicked Triple Feature Edition
Mentioned as a Sundance sensation adapted from a Dennis Johnson novella, now available on Netflix.
‘Wicked: For Good’ Is No Good. But ‘Train Dreams’ Is.
Mentioned by
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Sean Fennessey
when discussing movies coming out in 2026.
The Oscars Hangover Mailbag. Plus: Bong Joon-ho Returns!
Mentioned by
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Peter Hamby
as a novella by Dennis Johnson about the old West.
Hollywood’s Early Oscars Forecast
Mentioned by Cody Delistraty as his all-time favorite book after bibliotherapist Ella Virtud asked him.
Do books have the power to heal us?
Mentioned by
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Dana Stevens
as a novella by Dennis Johnson, adapted into a new film.
Culture Gabfest: Wicked Triple Feature Edition
Mentioned by
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Peter Hamby
as the novella that the movie "Train Dreams" is based on.
Media Monday: Vox Spin Foreplay & Netflix’s Post-Saturation Scheme
Mentioned as the basis for the Netflix film 'Train Dreams', directed by Clint Bentley.
The Dems’ Great Shutdown Surrender
Mentioned by the narrator as a movie based on the novella of the same name by Dennis Johnson.
Ellison’s Earnings Call Head Fake
Mentioned by
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Bilge Eibiri
as the book the film from this year "Train Dreams" was based on.
Should you read it before you watch it?
Recommended by
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Douglas Stewart
as one of his favorite books, highlighting its blend of realism and mysticism.
A Good Read
Mentioned by
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Rachel Nuwer
as profoundly beautiful and capturing the transformation of the natural world.
What Happens When Lakes Stop Mixing

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