This week, Trevor and Paul have a little fun with assigned reading. Yes, you heard that right!

First they chat a bit about their histories with assigned reading, both in school and in reading groups, before diving into a couple of short stories they assigned each other.

The second half of the episode is a deep dive into two stunning stories: "A Manual for Cleaning Women" by Lucia Berlin and "The Ice Wagon Going Down the Street" by Mavis Gallant. If you want to read along before listening, you can find links to the full text of both stories in the show notes. You won't regret it!

If you'd like to support the show, visit The Mookse and the Gripes Patreon.

Visit our blog at http://mookseandgripes.com/reviews. Follow us on Twitter @mookse and @bibliopaul. Email [email protected].

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mookse.substack.com/subscribe