Lauren Groff reads her story “Between the Shadow and the Soul,” from the December 16, 2024, issue of the magazine. Groff has published five novels, including “Fates and Furies” and “The Vaster Wilds,” which came out last year. Her second story collection, “Florida,” won the Story Prize and was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2018. Groff was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People this year. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

David Szalay reads “Plaster,” from the December 9, 2024, issue of the magazine. Szalay is the author of six books of fiction, including “All That Man Is,” which won the Plimpton Prize for Fiction and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2016, “Turbulence,” and “Flesh,” which will be published in April of 2025. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Saïd Sayrafiezadeh is the author of the story collections “Brief Encounters with the Enemy” and “American Estrangement,” a finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize, which was published in 2021. He has been publishing fiction in the magazine since 2010. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Greg Jackson, author of the acclaimed story collection “Prodigals” and the novel “The Dimensions of a Cave,” reads his captivating tale “The Honest Island.” Listeners are taken on an enigmatic journey with Krant, who awakens on a memory-less island. The story tackles themes of isolation, identity, and the struggles of communication as Krant interacts with locals and a special girl. As he confronts his internal confusion, the lush yet haunting landscape serves as a backdrop for a profound exploration of connection and self-discovery.

Paul Yoon reads his story “War Dogs,” from the October 28, 2024, issue of the magazine. Yoon is the author of five books of fiction, including the novels “Snow Hunters” and “Run Me to Earth,” and the story collection, “The Hive and the Honey,” a winner of the Story Prize, which was published last year. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this installment, Joshua Cohen, an acclaimed author and Pulitzer Prize winner, shares his poignant story, 'My Camp.' He delves into personal experiences and the interplay between isolation and chaotic urban life, using nature imagery to express a longing for solace. The discussion shifts to financial manipulation and ethical dilemmas tied to fundraising amid conflict, blending humor with deep societal reflections. Cohen invites listeners to ponder the story's deeper meanings, celebrating the intricate balance of personal desires within a collective context.

In this engaging conversation, Matthew Klam, a celebrated author and winner of the Robert Bingham/PEN Award, reads his poignant story “Hi Daddy.” He dives into the emotional complexities of family dynamics as a daughter prepares for a European trip with her boyfriend. The discussion navigates nostalgic moments of parenthood, the bittersweet essence of growing up, and the challenges of young love. Klam also evokes childhood wonder through cosmic mysteries shared between parent and child, highlighting the beauty of curiosity and connection.

Jennifer Egan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist known for her experimental approach, delves into Lore Segal's poignant story, 'The Reverse Bug.' The conversation navigates identity, memory, and the immigrant experience, as characters confront complex moral dilemmas. Egan expertly highlights the intertwining of humor and deep emotional resonance in Segal's writing, showcasing the intricate layers of storytelling amid historical trauma. Together, they explore how past narratives influence current creative processes.

Allegra Goodman, an acclaimed author known for her National Book Award Finalist 'Kaaterskill Falls,' reads her poignant story 'Ambrose.' The narrative delves into themes of nostalgia and the historical experiences of women, beautifully intertwining culinary reflections with Thanksgiving. Goodman also explores the struggles of her character, sixth-grader Lily, who faces school anxieties and navigates her creative aspirations. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling as a means of coping with challenges and discovering one's identity.

Hugo Hamilton, an acclaimed author and winner of the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, reads his gripping story 'Autobahn.' The narrative begins with a hopeful hitchhiker's encounter that turns dark when a gun is revealed. Hamilton also delves into deep themes of identity and belonging through a tense encounter with a police officer in Germany. He poignantly explores the bond between a father and son through music, evoking both nostalgia and vulnerability. Listeners are invited to reflect on storytelling's power in uncertain times.