Levar Burton Reads

A struggling college student gains new perspective on her studies from her classmate, who's come to study from another planet. This story was first published in Space and Time Magazine. This episode is sponsored by The Great Courses (www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/LEVAR) and Native (www.nativedeodorant.com code: LEVAR).

A young woman sets out on a quest to find all of the impossible materials needed to build a kite that can carry her to the stars.This episode is sponsored by Penguin Random House (www.penguinrandomhouse.com/levar), Calm (www.calm.com/LEVAR), and Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/levar code: LEVAR).

Join us for the conclusion of this time travel tale set in medieval Baghdad. “The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate” is from EXHALATION by Ted Chiang, published by Penguin Random House Audio, animprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.This episode is sponsored by Penguin Random House (www.penguinrandomhouse.com/levar) and Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/levar code: LEVAR).

A wandering merchant in medieval Baghdad is brought before the Caliph, and recounts tales of ingenious gates that allow time travel to the past and future. “The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate” is from EXHALATION by Ted Chiang, published by Penguin Random House Audio, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.This episode is sponsored by Penguin Random House (www.penguinrandomhouse.com/levar) and Betterhelp (www.betterhelp.com/levar code: LEVAR).

A man remembers a summer from his youth, filled with rides on a flying carpet. “Flying Carpets” is from Steven Millhauser’s collection THE KNIFE THROWER: AND OTHER STORIES, published by Crown in 1998.This episode is sponsored by Calm (www.calm.com/LEVAR).

A man finds something strange going on at a rural train station. “Toward Happy Civilization” is from MOUTHFUL OF BIRDS by Samanta Schweblin, published by Riverhead Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.This episode is sponsored by Aunt Fannie's (www.auntfannies.com/summer code: LEVAR).

A cab driver spends an ordinary day ferrying passengers around Manhattan -- until an incident involving a wealthy alien tourist imperils his livelihood. Content advisory: alien death.This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/LEVAR) and Aunt Fannie's (www.auntfannies.com/summer code: LEVAR).

A ten year old boy is enlisted to help a blind man beg at a traffic intersection, and is exposed to a new side of humanity. “Republica and Grau” is from THE KING IS ALWAYS ABOVE THE PEOPLE by Daniel Alarcón, published by Riverhead Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.This episode is sponsored by Amazon Kindle (www.amazon.com/levarburton), Calm (www.calm.com/LEVAR), and Aunt Fannie's (www.auntfannies.com/summer code: LEVAR).

A bounty hunter reminisces about his escapades with an old mentor and friend in this weird western. This story appears in the magazine BENEATH CEASELESS SKIES.This episode is sponsored by Amazon Kindle (www.amazon.com/levarburton).

A scientist fights for the investigation of an unidentified object in space. "The Best We Can" appears in Carrie Vaughn's collection AMARYLLIS AND OTHER STORIES.This episode is sponsored by Amazon Kindle (www.amazon.com/levarburton).

A martial arts instructor meets his match. "Kwoon" appears in Charles Johnson's collection DR. KING'S REFRIGERATOR AND OTHER BEDTIME STORIES.This episode is sponsored by Calm (www.calm.com/LEVAR) and ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/LEVAR).

In pursuit of freedom from slavery, a young couple must gather up their courage and spend a night underground. "Free Jim's Mine" appears in Tananarive Due's collection GHOST SUMMER: STORIES.

A congregation eagerly anticipates the healing powers of a blind prophet. "Miracle" © 2019 by Tope Folarin. From Harvard's Transition magazine, Issue 109, Fall 2012.This episode is sponsored by ZipRecruiter (www.ziprecruiter.com/LEVAR).

A space traveler flashes back to memories of his childhood in Japan, before the world ended. Recorded live at the Wilbur Theatre with music provided by Katy Wherry and Jake Wherry. "Mono No Aware" appears in THE PAPER MENAGERIE AND OTHER STORIES. Ken Liu's new anthology, BROKEN STARS, is out this month.This episode is sponsored by Calm (www.calm.com/LEVAR).

As a new frontier is explored on the ocean floor, an amphiman is haunted by a deep sea accident from his youth. Recorded live at the Scottish Rite Auditorium with musical accompaniment by Kendrah Butler. "Driftglass" is contained in AYE, AND GOMORRAH AND OTHER STORIES, Vintage Books, 2003.

A stormy evening leads to a dark night of the soul. Recorded live at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. with musical accompaniment by Élise Cuffy. "A Dark Night" appears in Edward P. Jones' collection LOST IN THE CITY.

A fantasy tale about a royal family, a flower seller, and a shocking discovery. Recorded live at the Majestic Theatre with musical accompaniment by Zhenya Rock. This episode is sponsored by Calm (www.calm.com/LEVAR).

Language Advisory: This story contains adult language. An immigrant from Barbados strives to shake off his past, buy his dream house, and climb the ranks in Toronto. From the collection CHOOSING HIS COFFIN. Recorded live at the Hot Docs Podcast Festival, with musical accompaniment by Dieufaite Charles and conversation with Itah Sadu.

After spending years in isolation with her vishakanya sisters, a poison maiden is given her first deadly mission. © 2015 Roshani Chokshi, as first appeared on BookSmugglers.com. Recorded live at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, with musical accompaniment by Anand Vyas.

While suffering through a breakup, a woman encounters a strange figure. Recorded live in Austin at the Paramount Theatre, with musical accompaniment by Peter Tran of Curved Light.