Plot Beat

"The Era" by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Today, we've got an absolute bomb for you! Are you a fan of Black Mirror, just like us? If so, you're gonna love the stories in Friday Black, written by the incredible Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. In this episode, we're diving into one mind-blowing story called "The Era." Brace yourself for a dystopian society where people are divided into "clear born" -- like we are now -- or those who underwent pre-birth genetic modifications to become the so-called "ideal" humans. As you can imagine, this creates a jaw-dropping class divide, leading society to lose its grip on basic empathy. You need to get your hands on Friday Black book!

“The Landlady” by Roald Dahl

Do you like stories with a touch of creepy? Listen to Roald Dahl's 'The Landlady’, a dark and terrifying look at 17-year-old Billy Weaver's first and last stay at a bed and breakfast. This short horror story was first published in The New Yorker magazine in 1959 and won "Best Short Story Mystery" at the 1960 Edgar Awards. Enjoy!

"Cat Person" by Kristen Roupenian

Listen to "Cat Person," a short story by Kristen Roupenian published by The New Yorker in 2017, was one of the most viral short stories of the digital age. "Cat Person" is a fictional short story that examines a relationship between Margot, a 20-year-old college student, and Robert, an older man she meets while working at a movie theater. Margot dates the man before eventually pushing him away in repulsion.