If you’ve ever been an early adopter of new technology, you’ve probably experienced the ‘bugs’ that often make their appearance only after you’ve made your purchase. Today’s story, ‘The McWilliamses and the Burglar Alarm’ by Mark Twain, is a farcical look at the chaos and confusion that often accompanies brand new technology. The story reminds me of devices like the Ring camera and similar products that don’t work quite as expected, especially when first introduced. Twain’s 1882 version of these early adopters explores themes of human gullibility, the absurdities of modern technology, and the irrational fears that drive people to adopt such innovations. He uses humor to highlight the folly of placing blind trust in new inventions without considering their practicality or consequences. It’s a classic example of Twain’s writing style characterized by vivid storytelling, humor, satire, and social commentary. To be first in line for the latest and greatest technology could invite frustration and possibly even regret.  If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://americanliterature.com/author/mark-twain/short-story/the-mcwilliamses-and-the-burglar-alarm #ShortStories #ShortTakes

Ernest Hemingway’s stories were often semi-autobiographical and today’s story, ‘A Canary For One’ is no exception. In early 1926, Hemingway’s wife, Hadley Richardson, became aware that Ernest was having an affair with Pauline Pfeiffer. In the midst of writing this story later that year, Hadley filed for divorce which became finalized in 1927. Hemingway went on to marry Pfeiffer that same year. This is another classic example of Hemingway’s ‘Iceberg Theory’, sparse dialogue, symbolism, and tension beneath the surface that leaves much unsaid. It also explores the themes of loneliness and isolation, control (or lack of it), and discontent. The fact that, ‘The Sun Also Rises’ had just been published and was on the verge of making Hemingway a major literary figure, makes this seemingly simple story all the more impactful. The three characters on a train ride to Paris will experience very different destinations once they arrive. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yf317xiHFXhpVyptFb1rwf3NtrK-tVm8-CKTP3BO51A/edit?usp=sharing #ShortStories #ShortTakes

"That story probably had more left out of it than anything I ever wrote. I left out all Chicago, which is hard to do in 2951 words." This is what Ernest Hemingway had to say about today’s story, ‘The Killers’. One of his most famous short stories, it tells the tale of two hitmen, most likely Chicago mobsters, who enter a diner in Summit, Illinois searching for an ex-prizefighter named Ole Andreson. It also includes the semi-autobiographical Nick Adams, a recurring character throughout many of Hemingway’s works. "The Killers" is known for its spare prose, hard boiled dialogue, and exploration of the human condition. It is yet another example of Hemingway's iceberg theory, where much of the story's meaning is implied rather than explicitly stated. The story has been adapted into films and many other works and has left a lasting impact on literature. In particular, American short fiction. Please note, the story contains several instances of the derogatory term for African-Americans. While I personally do not condone the use of the word,  it was an often-used term at the time so I chose to present the story as written. My sincere apologies to anyone who may take offense. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jUstDdb0uVLT0t5l_KjgkIYPPeNS6S3y9DPBHjX9JSE/edit?usp=sharing #ShortStories #ShortTakes

Trigger warning: This story depicts a sexual assault that may not be suitable for all listeners In last week’s episode, I mentioned that almost all of Ernest Hemingway’s early writing was stolen from a Paris train station in 1922. The story I present today, "Up in Michigan" is one of the only stories that survived. This could be due to the fact that Hemingway felt this story was not suitable for publication. So, perhaps he kept it separated from his other writings. This brings me to a trigger warning for this story. It does include a depiction of sexual assault. The story is set in Michigan and revolves around a young woman named Liz Coates. The narrative explores Liz's romantic and sexual desires, and it unfolds through a series of interactions with various men. One of the key elements of the story is Liz's attraction to a man named Jim Gilmore. Hemingway's prose in "Up in Michigan" is spare and economical, emphasizing the iceberg theory, where much is left unsaid and implied beneath the surface. As it is one of Hemingway's early works, his writing style continued to evolve over the years. Still, this story provides insight into his exploration of human emotions and relationships, as well as his minimalist and impactful narrative style. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lSyc_bjsnrA9pysg9av1fy_hYtvuM1KO_-laS_-ylq0/edit?usp=sharing #ShortStories #ShortTakes

in our time by Ernest Hemingway has a complex literary history. The 1924 edition, which I am presenting today, consists of 18 chapters although they are probably more aptly described as ‘vignettes’. Almost certainly commissioned by his friend, Ezra Pound, six of the vignettes were first published in the literary magazine, The Little Review in 1923. A year later, Hemingway had written 12 more vignettes and revised a few of the originals as well. They focus on war, bullfighting and current events he was covering as a journalist at the time. It was published by Three Mountains Press with the title using all lowercase letters. The 1925 edition featured these same 18 vignettes interwoven among 14 new short stories Hemingway had written throughout 1924. This time, each word was capitalized in the title. An interesting side note: Hemingway was on assignment in Paris in 1922. His wife, Hadley Richardson, traveled to meet him in Switzerland and brought all his earlier fiction writing with her packed in a valise. The valise was promptly stolen in a Paris train station. All but one or two of his early works were lost. The in our time vignettes are the first works of fiction Hemingway wrote after this terrible event. Please note, the vignettes include some slang terms regarding certain ethnic groups that are not considered acceptable today. They do not reflect my personal views. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61085 #ShortStories #ShortTakes

I want to start by wishing you all a Happy New Year! With the new year brings several new copyrighted works into the public domain. Since this is an audio show, I won’t be doing anything involving Mickey Mouse and Steamboat Willie. And, since my show features short stories, I’ll leave The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne alone. What I’m presenting to you today is the first piece of standalone fiction by one of my favorite playwrights, Tennessee Williams. The Vengeance of Nitocris was published in 1928 under his given name, Thomas Lanier Williams when he was just 16 years old. Williams later said of this early work, ‘If you're well acquainted with my writings since then, I don't have to tell you that it set the keynote for most of the work that has followed’. The story illustrates his interest in Shakespeare and especially his fascination with the quote, ‘Blood and guts’ Shakespeare found in his favorite play at the time, Titus Andronicus. If you’re a fan of Tennessee Williams, you’ll probably recognize themes, relationships and characters that permeate his later works like The Glass Menagerie, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof and A Streetcar Named Desire. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Vengeance_of_Nitocris #ShortStories #ShortTakes

Today’s story, New Year’s Eve and How it Came to Houston is by O. Henry, whose real name was William Sydney Porter. Yes, two stories in a row by O. Henry! Published on January 1, 1896 in the Houston Daily Mail, what I find so fascinating about this story is that later that year, Porter was arrested by Federal Authorities stemming from a 1894 embezzlement charge. However, right before his trial, he fled Houston. First to New Orleans and then to Honduras in order to avoid extradition. While in Honduras, he wrote his novel, Cabbages and Kings. There’s much more to the story but I’ll leave it for another episode. In New Year’s Eve and How it Came to Houston, O. Henry employs a technique he used throughout his writing career - loitering in places like hotel lobbies while listening, observing and talking with people. It provides little snapshots into the mood of people as they prepare to leave behind the old year and forge ahead into the new. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J9oRLICtnINjNvM8_GbB4LPswaoWy9MbNhI821UB3fE/edit?usp=sharing #ShortStories #ShortTakes

Today’s story is "The Gift of the Magi" by American author William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name, O. Henry. The story was first published in 1905 and is a poignant exploration of the theme of sacrificial love and the nature of true wealth. The term "Magi" refers to the wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus, emphasizing the parallel between the selfless acts of the biblical Magi and the sacrificial love demonstrated by Jim and Della in the story. This is a timeless tale that has become a classic in American literature. It’s celebrated for its emotional resonance and the enduring message of love and generosity. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://fullreads.com/literature/the-little-dollars-christmas-journey/ #ShortStories #ShortTakes

Jacob A. Riis was a Danish-American journalist, photographer, and social reformer who sought to shed light on the living conditions of the impoverished in New York City during the late 19th century. Riis's most notable work is "How the Other Half Lives," a book published in 1890 that used his photographs and investigative journalism to expose the squalid conditions of the tenements in which many poor immigrants lived. Riis's work contributed to a growing awareness of the challenges faced by the urban poor. His advocacy for change was influential in the development of housing regulations and improvements in living conditions for those in poverty. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://fullreads.com/literature/the-little-dollars-christmas-journey/ #ShortStories #ShortTakes

Thank you for listening! Jack London (1876–1916) was an American author and journalist, best known for his adventure novels and short stories inspired by his experiences in the Klondike Gold Rush and other adventures.  Although he died young, at only 40, Jack London's writings have left a lasting impact on literature, and he is considered one of the pioneers of American naturalism. This amusing story about two men and their dog, Spot, is set in the Yukon and explores the sometimes complicated relationship between man and dog If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://americanliterature.com/author/jack-london/short-story/that-spot #ShortStories #ShortTakes

Ernest Hemingway's "My Old Man" was first published in 1923 as part of his first major collection, "In Our Time." The story is set against the backdrop of horse racing in Europe and follows a young boy as he reflects on his relationship with his father, who is a jockey. In "My Old Man," Hemingway explores themes of love, loss, and the complex dynamics within familial relationships. Known for his economical and straightforward writing style, "My Old Man" captures the essence of Hemingway’s "iceberg theory," where much of the meaning lies beneath the surface, implicit and hinted at rather than explicitly stated. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated! Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://cafelitt.ca/down/My%20old%20man.pdf

Short Takes: An Aural Journey (Short Stories for All!) — As a bit of an offbeat Thanksgiving story, today I present, "Hunting the Deceitful Turkey", a short essay written by Mark Twain, also known as Samuel Clemens. This is a humorous piece first published in 1870 in a magazine called Galaxy. In this work, Twain reflects on his experience of hunting wild turkeys and the challenges and absurdities he encountered during the hunt. Like many of Twain's works, "Hunting the Deceitful Turkey" showcases his keen observations of everyday life and his skill in turning those observations into humorous and thought-provoking literature. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul Castbox: https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805 Look for this podcast soon on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform! Visit me at tommydwight.com Text version: https://americanliterature.com/author/mark-twain/short-story/hunting-the-deceitful-turkey

Short Takes: An Aural Journey (Short Stories for all!) — Thank you for listening to episode one of my new podcast, Short Takes: An Aural Journey. John Inglefield’s Thanksgiving by Nathaniel Hawthorne is not your typical Thanksgiving tale. It is full of regret and remorse but also, redemption. I hope you enjoy! If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated! Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul⁠ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac Castbox: ⁠https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805⁠ Visit me at ⁠tommydwight.com⁠ Text version: https://americanliterature.com/author/nathaniel-hawthorne/short-story/john-inglefields-thanksgiving #shorttakes #shortstories

This is the trailer for my new podcast, Short Takes: An Aural Journey. On this podcast I’ll be presenting short stories that are in the public domain. Some may be familiar stories by well known authors, some might be brand new (to you and I, at least!). I’ll mostly be reading works by American authors but, that’s not a hard and fast rule! If you enjoy it, I sure hope you’ll share it. Also, leaving a review is a huge help! I hope to get this up on all the major podcast platforms and eventually others as well. If you have any suggestions, you can reach me through my website at tommydwight.com or email me at Tommy1Take@gmail.com. I’m excited to get started and hope you’ll join me on this journey! #shorttakes #shortstories