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Katya Andresen's avatar

Thanks for reading to us. Such a strong voice in the story. What a great metaphor - "standing in the back of the theater" - and a story about watching movies, people, other lives over time on the theme of justice.

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Mark Olmsted's avatar

Ooh, that was really good. Evocative, atmospheric, great use of cigarette smoke! I also loved the length, which was just right.

As for this effort, thanks for reminding us that we have to be readers as well as writers. It's quite hard for me to stop everything and just take 6 minutes out of my anxious to-do list, but how can I expect anyone to read me if I don't read them? And this was well worth it.

I'm doing something a bit similar. A friend who always gave me an annual New Yorker subscription let it lapse (I don't think intentionally, but I didn't remind her, in case she felt 10 years was enough.) The short stories I very largely skipped. So instead of throwing the old issues out, I am going through them reading all the stories. (In the throne room, so 8 minutes at a time.) It's a great way to catch up and actually discover new voices.

Anyway, thank you! And thank you, Kyle!

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Mirella Stoyanova's avatar

I really enjoyed this piece and the lessons in perspective that it offered. Looking forward to hearing more from the Reading Room!

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Courtney Maum's avatar

Thank you so much for listening!

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Lauren Knight's avatar

Love this new segment and Kyle’s story! I am always a sucker for a story about someone working a job and observing people. In some ways the observations reminded me of the great Marie-Helene Bertino but with a different spin. Honing in on the mother of the narrator’s friends feels fresh, they’re like a local celebrity. Also did not see the ending coming. I vote for more Reading Room!

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Courtney Maum's avatar

I'm so glad that you enjoyed it and I totally get the MHB comparison-- she has such generous but hysterical observations about people doing daily things. For those reading this not familiar with Marie-Helene, I had her on "Craft from the Couch" and it was a beautiful and inspiring talk! https://courtneymaum.substack.com/p/craft-from-the-couch-episode-one

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Bridget Godwin's avatar

LOVED IT. How lucky am I to have been walking out my door for a quick walk when this email came? Such a treat.

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Courtney Maum's avatar

Hooray!

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Amy Lyons's avatar

Kyle Seibel is a short story genius! And I just loved hearing you read him, Courtney. That ending. 👏👏❤️💛

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