"A Spark In the Dark" is a poignant and powerful story about a brilliant and rebellious young girl who finds purpose and redemption through the guidance of a wise nun, Sister Bernadette. From a troubled teen to a courageous mentor, she inspires others with her unique approach, but her life is tragically cut short when she sacrifices herself to save…

In the thrilling conclusion of Homecoming, Jalen Reynolds faces his greatest challenge yet as Harvey Tanner and his men launch a devastating attack on the Reynolds farm. With bulldozers tearing up precious crops, Jalen must summon every ounce of his military experience to defend his family's legacy. The action reaches a fever pitch as Jalen confron…

Jalen and his brother Elijah work to revive their family farm, facing community skepticism and sabotage from wealthy rival Tanner. Despite equipment failures and property damage, they persevere. As harvest nears, Tanner escalates by manipulating bureaucracy. The Agriculture Commissioner visits with dubious claims of violations. Just as Jalen feels …

Welcome to the Cartime Stories podcast, where we dive into compelling short stories. "Homecoming" opens in 1946 South Carolina, as Jalen Reynolds, a Black veteran, returns to his family farm. Reuniting with his brother Elijah, Jalen faces the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South and their farm's dire state. The arrival of Harvey Tanner, a wealthy,…

A decorated Vietnam vet returns to his old neighborhood in Hell's Kitchen, New York only to find it overrun by crime, gangs and decay. Disillusioned by what he fought for, he takes it upon himself to wage a one-man war to violently reclaim the streets through sheer grit and determination. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's readin…

A decorated Vietnam vet returns to his old neighborhood in Hell's Kitchen, New York only to find it overrun by crime, gangs and decay. Disillusioned by what he fought for, he takes it upon himself to wage a one-man war to violently reclaim the streets through sheer grit and determination. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's readin…

An East German defector working for the CIA attempts to become a double agent, playing both sides in a deadly game of Cold War espionage, only to discover a shocking betrayal that leaves him with no escape. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's reading experience, and discover an immersive literary journey at CartimeStories.com. Dis…

Dean, a young and adventurous sailor, yearns for excitement beyond the familiar waters of his coastal village. A sudden storm forces him and his dog Strider to confront a monstrous sea serpent, Ouranabah. They are saved by a powerful being,Neptune, the god of the sea, who reveals that Dean has awakened Ouranabah and must find the Dreaming Pearl to …

"The Dead" by James Joyce explores love, loss, and the weight of the past. Follow Gabriel, a middle-aged teacher, at a Dublin holiday party. He delivers a speech, feels insecure, and has awkward conversations. A song performance sparks memories of his deceased mother and mortality. A shocking truth about his wife, Gretta, shatters his illusions. Th…

This short story opens with an unnamed narrator learning about the recent death of Father James Flynn, a priest who was a close friend of the narrator's aunt and uncle. The narrator has vague memories and impressions of Father Flynn, recalling his eccentric habits and his reluctance to bless the neighbors' houses during Christmas. The narrator is t…

In early 19th century London, the young doctor John Polidori becomes intrigued by the enigmatic poet Lord Byron, who exudes an unsettling aura of mystery and darkness. Polidori joins Byron on his travels across Europe, witnessing strange supernatural phenomena that defy rational explanation. In the Greek countryside, Polidori makes a horrifying dis…

"Araby" by James Joyce is a story narrated by a young boy who develops a romantic obsession with a girl named Mangan's sister. He watches her every day and tries to interact with her, but is too shy. One day she speaks to him and says she cannot go to a bazaar called Araby because of a church retreat. The boy promises to bring her something from th…

"The Blue Cross" is a short story that features Chesterton's famous detective character Father Brown. The story begins with Father Brown boarding a train where he encounters a strange man named Flambeau, who turns out to be a famous criminal. Flambeau has stolen a priceless cross made of blue sapphires and is being pursued by another criminal named…

In a terrifying future where books are outlawed and burned by government "firemen," a disillusioned book burner risks everything to join a underground resistance and overthrow a totalitarian regime obsessed with enslaving truth and independent thought. Summary & Analysis by Dave Fox Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's reading expe…

A deep-dive into George Orwell's legendary novel 1984 - exploring its author, origins, plot, characters, insights on totalitarianism, and startling parallels with modern issues like mass surveillance, censorship, and assaults on truth by governments and corporations. Written Dave Fox for the podcast. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your ch…

A fearsome Viking warrior and mead maker descends into madness and bloodlust during brutal raiding campaigns, until his unquenchable thirst for violence leads him on a nightmarish journey beyond the boundaries of sanity. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's reading experience, and discover an immersive literary journey at CartimeSt…

After being implicated in a daring bank robbery, lifelong friends John and Mark find themselves ensnared in a web of suspicion and betrayal. As they grapple with the prospect of a plea deal that could incriminate one while exonerating the other, they must navigate the murky waters of loyalty and self-preservation to safeguard their friendship and f…

A young half leprechaun, half sprite with uncontrolled magical abilities is sent away to a legendary fae academy, where she undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery, unlocking her dual heritage as a leprechaun soulmancer and emerging as an enlightened Emerald Pathfinder destined to usher in nature's cosmic revolutions Explore more captivating…

When a group of high society Londoners gather to revel in the legends of St. Patrick's Day, a storyteller spins a fanciful yarn about the famous saint's mythical conquest over the serpent deity Crom-Cruach for the spiritual soul of Ireland...but are there still lingering whispers of the pagan past that refuse to be silenced? Explore more captivatin…

A humble leprechaun shoe cobbler in an enchanted Irish village has an unexpected encounter with a human child and rewards him with a handful of gold coins, inadvertently risking the exposure of their secret magical realm. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's reading experience, and discover an immersive literary journey at CartimeS…

In a realm of chivalry and mysticism, a naive young knight embarks on a quest for the legendary Holy Grail, only to grapple with missed opportunities, redemption, and the healing powers of faith amidst the decaying kingdom of Camelot. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's reading experience, and discover an immersive literary journe…

Award-winning writer, Dave Fox, dives into the complex life of Shane O'Neill, a 16th-century Irish leader known as "Shane: The Proud," exploring his fight for freedom against English rule, navigating ambition, betrayal, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's reading experience, and …

Haunted by her service to the manipulative Queen Jezebel, Miriam navigates a web of faith, rebellion, and personal redemption as she witnesses the kingdom's descent into chaos and struggles to forge her own path amidst the bloody aftermath. Explore more captivating stories, enrich your child's reading experience, and discover an immersive literary …

In the shadowy depths of the Crow's Nest tavern, three desperate pirates are lured by tales of buried treasure and the promise of untold riches. But as they embark on a perilous journey, they soon discover that some treasures come with a price far greater than gold, and the true test of their mettle lies not in claiming the loot, but in facing the …

In a land cloaked in darkness, a compassionate goblin named Grumble defies his malevolent nature to bring light and kindness to the citizens of Eldoria, inspiring a transformation that challenges the very essence of goblinhood. Penned by acclaimed author Dave Fox, this tale imparts a valuable lesson to children: while negative actions may garner at…

"The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka After waking up to find himself transformed into a giant insect, a hapless salesman, Gregor Samsa, grapples with the physical and emotional consequences of his bizarre metamorphosis while struggling to maintain his humanity and navigate the complexities of family dynamics in a surreal and alienating world. Explore…

"Catch-22" is a satirical novel written by Joseph Heller that follows the absurd and contradictory experiences of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier, as he grapples with the relentless, bureaucratic lunacy of war during World War II. Confronted with the paradoxical Catch-22, a rule that stipulates a soldier must be consi…

Welcome back to Cartime Stories! Today, we have a story summary and analysis of the classic: "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding Amidst the wreckage of a crashed plane, a group of boys stranded on a deserted island must navigate the treacherous landscape of power struggles, primal instincts, and the unraveling of civilization as they grapple wit…

Welcome back to Cartime Stories! Today, we have the story summary and analysis of the American literary classic: "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee In the racially charged town of Maycomb, during the 1930s Great Depression, lawyer Atticus Finch defends a Black man, Tom Robinson, against a false rape accusation, as narrated by his daughter Scout.…

Happy New Year, Cartime Stories listeners! As we embark on 2024, we're going to be doing something a little different. Rather than read entire books, we're going to providing you with "extended trailers," if you will, of classic books. The first classic on our list is: "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain A spirited young boy, Huckleb…

Welcome to a special Christmas edition of Cartime Stories! Today, we present the final stave of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens - Stave 5 In the final chapter of "A Christmas Carol," a transformed Scrooge embraces the spirit of Christmas with exuberance. He spreads joy by generously helping others, from p…

Welcome to another Christmas special episode! Today, we dive into the fourth stave of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens - Stave 4 In Stave 4 of "A Christmas Carol," a hooded phantom, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, leads Scrooge through ominous scenes of death and despair, including a heartless busin…

Welcome to another special edition of Cartime Stories! We are please to present "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens - Stave 3. A Christmas Carol - Stave 3 Upon waking from a nap, a hopeful Scrooge anticipates meeting the Ghost of Christmas Present. The majestic spirit transports him to joyful Christmas scenes, from bustling city streets to the h…

Welcome Cartime Stories listeners to a special episode! Today, we have another classic for you. This time in the form of a poem: "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clarke Moore "A Visit from St. Nicholas," more commonly known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas," is a classic poem written by Clement Clarke Moore. Published anonymously in 1823, …

Welcome once again to Cartime Stories, where we are sharing the meaning of Christmas with Charles Dickens's timeless classic "A Christmas Carol" A Christmas Carol - Stave 2 by Charles Dickens Scrooge, awakened at midnight, awaits the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Past, as forewarned by Marley's ghost. At one o'clock, a childlike figure with an …

Welcome to another episode of Cartime Stories! Today, we'd like to present you with a classic for Christmas. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Stave One) In the heart of Victorian London, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, indifferent to the joy of Christmas, faces a haunting transformation when visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet …

Welcome to another edition of the Cartime Stories podcast! Today, we have another classic short story for you: If The War Continues In a war-torn world where progress has yielded only destruction and desolation, a wanderer named Emil Sinclair reappears after years spent exploring cosmic realms. Upon his return in the year 1920, Sinclair finds a soc…

Welcome to another episode of Cartime Stories. Today, we have three tales for you, ranging from science fiction, to a classic, and back again to present-day corporate life. Super Genes by Claude Bergman Driven by the untimely death of his mother, a modern-day alchemist discovers the genetic key to human longevity, blending the genes of centenarians…

Welcome to a special classic tales episode of Cartime Stories. Today, we transport you to the haunting tale penned by Emily Brontë – "Napoleon and the Spectre." Napoleon and the Spectre Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte experiences a night of eerie supernatural encounters that lead him through mysterious realms, challenging his perception of reality and r…

Welcome to another episode of Cartime Stories, which could be bedtime stories. Today, we have a single tale: Blackbeard's Last Christmas In a coastal town haunted by tales of piracy, the once-feared Blackbeard embarks on a clandestine act of Christmas generosity. However, when his past catches up with him, British sailors, commissioned by the very …

Welcome to another episode of the Cartime Stories podcast. Today, we have for you: The Mystery of the Hidden Words In the aftermath of his mentor's cryptic murder, a budding writer, Sebastian Hastings, must navigate the perilous corridors of the literary world to unravel the secrets hidden in plain sight. As he delves into the enigmatic death of th…

Welcome to another edition of the Cartime Stories podcast! Today we can two tales for you: The Legacy of Determination In the fading light of the Silver Birch Retirement Home, young Emily, inspired by her great-grandmother Margaret's poignant childhood tale of determination, embarks on a journey of resilience and triumph. As the years unfold, Emily…

Welcome to another episode of the Cartime Stories podcast! Today, we have a two wonderful stories: Pipkin The Pumpkin When a talking pumpkin named Pipkin is selected as a Halloween centerpiece by a kind-hearted family, he reveals the secret of Halloween to two curious children, Timmy and Lily. Together, they embark on a whimsical journey to spare P…

On today's Cartime Stories podcast, we have a delightful tale from the idyllic land of Ireland. The Last Leprechaun When a leprechaun farmer named Finnegan embarks on a whimsical quest to save the realm from the evil leprechaun Cieran, he must rely on his clever leprechaun tricks, furry friends, and the help of the enigmatic Queen Titania to recove…

Welcome to this week's episode of Cartime Stories! Today, we have two stories for you: Elijah's Magical Shoes In a forgotten corner of London, a young orphan named Elijah stumbles upon a pair of enchanted shoes that transport him a century into the future, where he discovers a world of marvels and potential personal gain. However, guided by compass…

Welcome to the Cartime Stories special Horror Halloween episode! The Abyss Within In a new apartment with an inexplicably low rent, a devout Catholic family stumbles upon a Latin inscription above a hidden basement door, unwittingly uncovering a gateway to Hell. With the guidance of their priest, they must confront the ominous revelation and protec…

On this episode of Cartime Stories, we have three new tales for your enjoyment: Ghostown A ten-year-old scientist inadvertently disrupts the spectral realm with her artificial ghosts, forcing her to confront real ghosts in Ghostown and challenging her preconceptions about their nature, ultimately leading to an unusual truce. Spelling Bee When a tim…

On this episode of Cartime Stories, we have two new spooky tales for your enjoyment: The Heart of Halloween When a curious and adventurous boy receives a mysterious invitation to a Halloween party at the town's haunted mansion, he and his newfound friends must solve an enchanted riddle, confront a wicked sorcerer, and protect the Heart of Halloween…

In this episode of the Cartime Stories, we have three Halloween tales for you: "The Witch Flying School" In a realm of magic and wonder, young Agatha resists her destiny at the prestigious Witch Flying School, but as she embarks on a thrilling journey, conquering challenges and forming friendships, she realizes her potential and returns home, embra…

In this episode of Cartime Stories, we have three inspirational tales for you. "The Giant's Causeway" In the mystical highlands of Scotland, a fearsome tattooed giant named Benandonner, driven by a broken past, wreaks havoc on both the land and its people. But when the resilient villagers unite and call upon the help of a compassionate and unlikely…