#3460

Mentioned in 12 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

Douglas Stewart

Mentioned in 12 episodes

Recommended by Lynn Tillman to

Craig Mod

at the McDowell writing residency.

#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

Sean Fennessey

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

The 10 Best Movies at Sundance, and the Astonishing ‘Nickel Boys’

Mentioned when talking about experiences with reading a book before watching the film adaptation.

The 2026 Movie Auction

Mentioned by

Dax Shepard

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

Mentioned by

Peter Hamby

as a novella that was adapted into a film.

The Altman Lawsuit-palooza & OpenAI Bailout Fears

Mentioned by

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

Sean Fennessey

when discussing movies coming out in 2026.

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

Mentioned by

Joel Edgerton

when sharing his emotional connection to the film.

Joel Edgerton | Club Random with Bill Maher

Mentioned by

Matt Taibbi

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

America This Week - Monday Live Show 12/8/25

Mentioned by

Peter Hamby

as a novella by Dennis Johnson about the old West.

Hollywood’s Early Oscars Forecast

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

Bilge Eibiri

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

Should you read it before you watch it?

Mentioned as the basis for the Netflix film 'Train Dreams', directed by Clint Bentley.

The Dems’ Great Shutdown Surrender

Mentioned by

Peter Hamby

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

Media Monday: Vox Spin Foreplay & Netflix’s Post-Saturation Scheme

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

Rachel Nuwer

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

What Happens When Lakes Stop Mixing

Mentioned by

Dana Stevens

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

Wicked Triple Feature Edition

Mentioned by

Keith Phipps

as an adaptation of Dennis Johnson's novella of the same name.

#507: Our Top Films of 2025

Recommended by

Douglas Stewart

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

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