The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker

Simon Rich Reads “We’re Not So Different, You and I”

May 6, 2024

Simon Rich, author of 'The Last Girlfriend on Earth,' reads 'We're Not So Different, You and I' on the podcast. The story explores Death Skull's loneliness and search for connection. Rich discusses his humor writing and upcoming stories in The New Yorker.

22:53

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Episode guests

Simon Rich

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Quick takeaways

Despite differences, individuals share common experiences of loneliness and misunderstandings, fostering unexpected connections.

Through vulnerability and reaching out, genuine friendships can be formed, transcending initial judgments and past experiences.

Deep dives

Death Skull's Search for Friendship

Death Skull, a villain seeking friendship, attends a male friendship speed dating event and meets Doug, a man working at the phone company. As they awkwardly interact, Death Skull realizes that they both experience loneliness and misunderstandings in their lives, leading him to ponder the similarities between them despite their different backgrounds.

Introduction

4min

Exploring the Lonely and Scheme-Driven World of Death Skull

2min

Misunderstandings and Vulnerabilities

10min

Reconciliation through Television Announcement

5min

Exploring Humor Writing and New Yorker Fiction

2min

Simon Rich reads his story “We’re Not So Different, You and I,” from the May 13, 2024, issue of the magazine. Rich has published eight books of fiction, including “The Last Girlfriend on Earth,” which was adapted for the TV series “Man Seeking Woman,” and “Hits and Misses,” which won the Thurber Prize for American Humor in 2019. A new story collection, “Glory Days,” will be published in July.

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