

#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.
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
Recommended by Lynn Tillman to 

at the McDowell writing residency.


Craig Mod

985 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 

as a novella by Dennis Johnson about the old West.


Peter Hamby

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 Cody Delistraty as his all-time favorite book after bibliotherapist Ella Virtud asked him.

Do books have the power to heal us?
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
Mentioned by 

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


Rachel Nuwer

What Happens When Lakes Stop Mixing


