Book Fifteen · Reading Now
Introduction by Robbie
Why A Swim in a Pond in the Rain
Robbie introduces the reading · TBC
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is the fifteenth and current book in the reading sequence, begun in January 2026 after The Dark is Rising. George Saunders's guide to the Russian short story — a book about reading, about how stories work, and about why they matter — feels like a natural companion to the journey so far.
After years of reading the great Russian novels, there is something wonderful about now reading a book that asks the question: what makes Russian fiction so extraordinary? Saunders weaves together Chekhov, Tolstoy, Turgenev, and Gogol with his own warm, searching commentary on the craft of storytelling.
This reading is still in progress. New chapters are being added as they are recorded, and the story of reading for Gilly continues to unfold, one day at a time.
New recordings added as reading continues
Full chapter listing to be generated from the recordings database.
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