My Five Things

A Personal Invitation From William Giraldi

In this episode, William Giraldi invites listeners to his two‑hour class exploring five stories from Raymond Carver’s collection *Where I’m Calling From*, using them to examine the suffering of ordinary people. Giraldi highlights Carver’s influence on American short fiction, noting his minimalist style, personal hardships, and the transformative impact of his 1977 sobriety on his work. He discusses specific stories—such as “Collectors,” “Gazebo,” “Careful,” “Fever,” and “A Small Good Thing”—and references Carver’s broader oeuvre, including famed pieces like “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” The talk underscores how Carver’s own struggles with alcoholism and illness infused his narratives with authentic, resonant portrayals of working‑class malaise.