Sam and Tex take a break from their Throne of Glass journey to explore Dennis Johnson's haunting novella Train Dreams. This "palate cleanser" episode dives deep into the story of Robert Grainier, a day laborer in the early 20th century American West who faces profound loss when wildfire claims his wife and infant daughter.

What We Discuss:

• Dennis Johnson's remarkable range as a writer and his journey from homelessness to literary acclaim
• Why Train Dreams should have won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize (spoiler: they didn't choose a winner that year)
• The mythic loneliness of frontier life and how Johnson captures the end of an era
• How this novella manages to be both heartbreaking and hopeful
• The beautiful, spare prose that makes every sentence count
• Comparisons to The Old Man and the Sea and Lonesome Dove
• Why library book dog-earers should face federal prison time (strong opinions ahead)

The Book:

Train Dreams follows Robert Grainier through decades of solitary life in the Idaho Panhandle, from railroad work to devastating personal loss to the slow encroachment of modernity on the American wilderness. Johnson's masterful storytelling transforms an ordinary man's life into something mythic and deeply moving.

Perfect for fans of literary fiction, Western literature, and anyone who appreciates beautiful, understated storytelling.

Next up: Back to Queen of Shadows and more fantasy draft predictions for the Throne of Glass series.

We survived Heir of Fire—barely. In this episode, we tackle the slow start, the suddenly NASCAR-paced second half, and the very real problem of every man in this book purring. We talk cousin love, messiah complexes, flying witches, bubble battles, and the unkillable fantasy dog. Plus: why the ending felt like a CW fever dream, and what it means when your protagonist is too perfect to care about.

Also featuring:

• Star Wars tangents
• Below Deck fanfic
• YA fantasy scorecards
• And our next read: Train Dreams by Denis Johnson.

Chapters 1–35 of Heir of Fire are in the books, and we're here to talk trauma bonding, wyvern ethics, and why the witches are carrying the narrative weight. We break down the endless setup, the purr count (eight, if you're asking), and whether Celaena is a queen or just a YA fever dream. Also: Rowan might be Tarzan, Chaol broods, and yes—we have strong opinions about fantasy maps. Welcome back to Couple Guys Reading, the only podcast brave enough to compare East of Eden to a Sarah J. Maas novel.

Watch the Episode on YouTube!

In this episode of A Couple Guys Reading, Sam and Tex dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas, cracking jokes and swapping predictions like fantasy football picks. They revisit the reading order debate around Assassin’s Blade, compare the series to Star Wars and Narnia, and reflect on Sarah J. Maas’s tendency to make her heroine, Celaena Sardothien, the best at everything. With deadpan takes and affectionate jabs at the fantasy genre, they lay out wild theories—from Fey love interests turning out to be evil overlords, to inexplicable spas in ancient kingdoms—all while keeping the vibe light and absurdly literary. As always, the banter’s top-tier, the references nerdy, and the friendship real.

After a long run of romantasy, we needed a breather. So for this palate cleanser episode, we picked up East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

It’s a book that feels bigger than itself—family, legacy, good and evil, the whole deal. 

We talk about what hit us, what surprised us, and how somehow this 20th-century novel about California farmers felt more intense than half the fantasy battles we’ve read.

No fae in this one. Just some deeply human stuff and a lot of thoughts we didn’t expect to have.

Sam references this article East of Eden and the Human Condition. 

This week, Sam and Tex return to Crown of Midnight, diving into Chapters 30-56! As Celaena Sardothien’s journey intensifies, so do the stakes, with twists and turns that push her to the brink.

In this episode, we’ll delve into the escalating tension at court, dissect the evolving relationships, and peel back the layers of secrets emerging from the shadows. From high-stakes missions to surprising alliances, there’s a lot to cover—without spoiling anything, of course.

Join us as we break down Celaena’s path, toss around some wild theories, and share our usual banter. Whether you're deep into the series or just jumping in, this episode is packed with magic, danger, and drama you won’t want to miss!

This week, Sam and Tex are back to dive into Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, covering the first half of the book! Celaena Sardothien’s world gets even more intense as she takes on new missions and faces increasingly complex challenges.

In this episode, we’ll unpack the growing tension within the castle walls, explore the relationships that are shifting in unexpected ways, and dig into the mysteries that are starting to unravel. From dangerous assignments to intriguing alliances, there’s plenty to discuss without giving anything away.

Join us as we break down Celaena’s journey, share some wild theories for where things might be headed, and, of course, bring our usual banter to the table. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting started, you won’t want to miss this episode full of magic, action, and suspense.

In this special preview episode, Tex and Sam dive into the world of Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas—only this time, we're doing it Fantasy Draft style! We’re boldly predicting the twists, turns, and swoon-worthy moments that Maas is sure to throw our way. Will Celaena embrace her destiny or continue to guard her secrets? Who will come out on top in the brewing love triangle between Chaol and Dorian? And what dark forces are lurking behind the castle walls, ready to wreak havoc? Join us as we draft our top picks for what we think (or hope?) will happen in this Romantasy adventure. 

This week, Sam and Tex are back to discuss the latest twists and turns in Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, covering chapters 30 through 55. Things are heating up for Celaena Sardothien as she faces new challenges, both on and off the battlefield.

In this episode, we’ll explore the mounting tension within the castle, the deepening relationships that could change everything, and the dark secrets lurking just beneath the surface. From dangerous trials to unexpected alliances, these chapters are packed with moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Join us as we break down Celaena’s journey, share our predictions for what’s to come, and, as always, toss in a bit of humor as we navigate this world of magic, mystery, and mayhem. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just along for the ride, this episode promises to be a thrilling discussion.

This week, Sam and Tex are diving into a world of magic, assassins, and, yes, intense palace drama with Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. And while we might not be the typical target audience for a fantasy novel featuring a fierce female assassin deciding betwixt two lovers, we’re here to give you our take on the first half of this epic saga.

Join us as we unravel the story of Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin who’s gone from the salt mines to the palace. We’ll tackle the thrilling competition that tests her skills, the royal intrigue that could give any soap opera a run for its money, and the many, many ways Celaena’s life is about to get even more complicated.

We’ll give you our thoughts, predictions, and some good-natured ribbing about this fantasy world that’s definitely not our usual genre. Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy or just here for our decidedly unqualified opinions, we promise a lively discussion and some laughs along the way.

So grab your copy of Throne of Glass, settle in, and let’s dive into a world of swords, secrets, and maybe a little romance—courtesy of two guys who are just trying to understand it all. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation!