

#4114
Mentioned in 10 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.
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 10 episodes
Recommended by Lynn Tillman to 

at the McDowell writing residency.


Craig Mod

992 snips
#802: Craig Mod — The Real Japan, Cheap Apartments in Tokyo, Productive Side Quests, Creative Retreats, Buying Future Freedom, and Being Possessed by Spirits
Mentioned by 

as a favorite author whose book inspired the movie "Train Dreams."


Sean Fennessey

41 snips
The 10 Best Movies at Sundance, and the Astonishing ‘Nickel Boys’
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a beautiful movie out on Netflix, perfect for Thanksgiving.

Dax Shepard

15 snips
Joel Edgerton
Mentioned by 

as a novella that was adapted into a film.


Peter Hamby

12 snips
The Altman Lawsuit-palooza & OpenAI Bailout Fears
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of his favorite books, adapted into a film.

Dan Kois

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 

when discussing movies coming out in 2026.


Sean Fennessey

The Oscars Hangover Mailbag. Plus: Bong Joon-ho Returns!
Mentioned by 

, who admired the book's first chapter and its depiction of historical events.


Matt Taibbi

America This Week - Monday Live Show 12/8/25
Reviewed in this episode; based on novella by Dennis Johnson

Escape From Malcatraz (ft. guests Benedict Cumberbatch & Dylan Southern; Joel Edgerton & Clint Bentley; Ariana Greenblatt)
Mentioned by 

as a novella by Dennis Johnson about the old West.


Peter Hamby

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 

as profoundly beautiful and capturing the transformation of the natural world.


Rachel Nuwer

What Happens When Lakes Stop Mixing
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a novella by Dennis Johnson, adapted into a new film.

Dana Stevens

Culture Gabfest: Wicked Triple Feature Edition
Mentioned by 

as the novella that the movie "Train Dreams" is based on.


Peter Hamby

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 ![undefined]()

as the book the film from this year "Train Dreams" was based on.

Bilge Eibiri

Should you read it before you watch it?
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as one of his favorite books, highlighting its blend of realism and mysticism.

Douglas Stewart

A Good Read


