Close Reads

As I Lay Dying: Episode 4

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:17:08 GMT

And so we come to the end. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig (no pun intended) into the fiery (pun intended) ending to this classic book. Where do the book's sympathies lie in the end? Why did Darl go mad? Who is trustworthy? These and many other questions get discussed. Happy listening!

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Bonus Episode: Death on the Nile Movie Discussion

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 16:30:00 GMT

Join David and Heidi as they dig in to Kenneth Branagh's movie adaptation of Death on the Nile. Is the movie in on the joke? Why is there no sand? What's up with Gal Gadot? Why do mustaches need back stories? These and many other questions get contemplated.

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As I Lay Dying: Episode 3

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 14:55:48 GMT

In which David, Heidi, and Tim discuss river crossings, which characters the books seems to have the most sympathy for, and much more.

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As I Lay Dying: Episode 2

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 15:00:13 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig ever deeper into Faulkner's novel. Topics of conversation include mothers who are fish, mothers who are horses, buzzards, and Heidi's great delight in this book.

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As I Lay Dying: Episode 1

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 01:05:16 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig into the first quarter of William Faulkner's infamous (and mildly inscrutable) novel, As I Lay Dying. Topics of conversation include tops for reading Faulkner, the various points-of-view that tell the story, what happens at the outset, and much more.

This episode is brought to you be BiblioFiles. Learn more at centerforlit.com.

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Death on the Nile: Q&A Episode

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 20:13:03 GMT

It's time to answer your questions about Death on the Nile, but first Tim has to answer a question from us. Then we discuss topics like movie casting, Christie's impact, Poirot's sense of justice, and much more.

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Death on the Nile: The Final Chapters

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 00:28:21 GMT

In which we discuss Poirot's decision, Christie's puzzle-making, and Tim is insufferable (and gets muted for it). And much more, of course.

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Death on the Nile: Chapters 10-20

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 04:39:02 GMT

In which Tim predicts the ending of another mystery novel.

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Death on the Nile: Chapters 1-9

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 04:57:17 GMT

It's time for a new book! It's time for the Queen of Crime. It's time for Hercule Poirot. It's time for some international intrigue. It's time for Death on the Nile! This week we talk about what makes Christie so good (and enduring), her approach to introducing characters in this book, and much more.

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2021 in Books

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 03:17:14 GMT

It's time for an annual tradition! On this week's episode we're talking about our favorite reads of 2021. We each used different criteria in creating the lists you will hear here, but its a great peek into our reading lives this year.

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A Confederacy of Dunces: Q&A Episode

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 15:32:29 GMT

It's time to answer your questions about A Confederacy of Dunces! Join the David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss characters like Jones and Levy, books similar to Dunces, and much more -- plus, naturally, some Christmas chatter.

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A Confederacy of Dunces: To the End!

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 23:18:42 GMT

Once more we've come to the end of another book's road. So join David, Tim, and Heidi as they unpack the wild and wacky and strange ending of A Confederacy of Dunces.

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A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 10-11

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 14:16:43 GMT

What is the purpose of all of Ignatius' grossness? Does it have anything to do with the four humors in medieval thought? What does Ignatius actually? Close Reads considers these questions on this week's show.

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A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 7-9

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 22:49:16 GMT

Here we are, deep inside of John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces, and this week conversation touches (once again) on Ignatius' intelligence, but then moves on to the various secondary characters that people this strange book, as well as talk about Boethius.

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A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 4-6

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 14:19:02 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they continue to discuss Ignatius J. Reilly and his "worldview," including some discussion about why he has to be quite so gross. Also: what's the deal with all the geometry talk?

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A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 1-3

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 19:23:23 GMT

A Confederacy of Dunces is one of the more strange books we have ever done on this show, but over the next several weeks David, Heidi, and Tim are going to do their best to explain what makes it a worthwhile work of literature. This week they discuss the book's sad origin story, its medieval influences, its comedic core, and its outrageous protagonist.

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A Gathering of Old Men: Q&A Episode

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:02:22 GMT

As usual, you asked great questions and we did our best to answer! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they conclude their discussion of A GATHERING OF OLD MEN.

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A Gathering of Old Men: To the End

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 23:57:45 GMT

Was justice met in the end? Why does the story end with Lou Dimes' perspective? Is the ending satisfying? Is it happy? These and other questions were address on this week's episode. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into the final pages of A Gathering of Old Men.

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A Gathering of Old Men: 110-167

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 18:28:42 GMT

This week David, Tim, and Heidi discuss which characters are most villainous in Ernest Gaines' novel, and dig in to the narrative and dramatic effect of leaving the gathering of old men right in the middle of the story.

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A Gathering of Old Men: 58-110

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:15:51 GMT

This week we're discussing the introduction of the white characters to the story, whether the sheriff is a good or bad guy, and much more!

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A Gathering of Old Men (pages 1-57)

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:56:22 GMT

It's time for a new book! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss Ernest J. Gaines' A Gathering of Old Men. This week they dive into Gaines' use of multiple perspectives and how it helps him to explore the complex issues of race and place in the Deep South.

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Ask Us Anything Q&A Episode

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 22:38:51 GMT

This week we're answering YOUR questions about all kinds of topics. We said you could ask us anything, and you did. We got through as many as we could. So if you have always wanted to know what we are bad at, how we rank random breakfast cereals, and all sort of other similar things, then hit that play button. Happy listening!

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The Book of the Dun Cow: Q&A Episode

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 20:29:49 GMT

This week David, Heidi, and Tim take a crack at answering your many thoughtful question about Walter Wangerin Jr.'s novel.

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The Book of the Dun Cow: To the End

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 21:26:04 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig into the conclusion of The Book of the Dun Cow, discussing the nature of heroism in this novel and our protagonist rooster's ultimate fate.

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Bonus Pod: Discussing the 2022 Reading List

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 01:18:47 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they make the final choices for the 2022 reading list!

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The Book of the Dun Cow: Part 2

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 18:49:40 GMT

In which Tim has done the reading but has some problems with it while Heidi loves it unabashedly.

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The Book of the Dun Cow: Part 1

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:35:49 GMT

It's time for a new book: Walter Wangerin Jr.'s The Book of the Dun Cow. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss the medieval aspects of this story and the degree to which is should be read as an allegory. Also, Tim makes a blunder.

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Their Eyes Were Watching God: Q&A Episode

Sat, 04 Sep 2021 16:33:00 GMT

You have questions; Tim, Heidi, and David have answers. Or try to have answers anyway. Tune in to find out if they say anything cogent.

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Their Eyes Were Watching God: Conclusion

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 19:26:55 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they talk about the final chapters of Zora Neale Hurston's novel. They discuss Janie's growth, Tea Cake's love, and rabies.

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Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 11-17

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:22:28 GMT

We are back with more conversation about Janie and Tea Cake and Zora Neale Hurston's literary skills and approach!

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Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 6 -10

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 00:00:35 GMT

This week David, Heidi, and Tim are digging into the middle of Zora Neale Hurston's novel, talking about some of the risky creative choices she makes, Janie's silence and rage, why the book can be challenging at times, and much more.

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Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 1-5

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 04:45:58 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into a new book: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. In this episode they discuss what makes Janie Crawford such a compelling character and Hurston's unique approach to point of view and narrative.

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All the Pretty Horses Q&A Episode

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 17:24:20 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they attempt to answer your questions about Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses!

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All the Pretty Horses: Episode 6

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 16:59:29 GMT

We have come to the end of John Grady Cole's journey -- and this episode is a doozy. It's long and it digs deep and we hope you like. So join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss their evolving perceptions of this novel, why it features the only ending it could have rightly had, the themes of justice and confession, and much, much more.

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All the Pretty Horses: Episode 5

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 19:48:29 GMT

In which the novel takes yet another turn. This week David, Heidi, and Tim discuss whether the philosophizing of this section works, what McCarthy is trying to say, and the strange appearance of numerous little kindnesses.

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All the Pretty Horses: Episode 4

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 17:38:29 GMT

Oh boy. It's time to talk about one of the most intense passages in All the Pretty Horses, a passage which also happens to be deeply beautiful. Beware: Tim and David get a little carried away in this one.

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All the Pretty Horses: Episode 3

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 16:49:32 GMT

This week David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the way All the Pretty Horses is multiple kinds of book in one, the fascinating romance at the core of the story, and the way McCarthy writes about work so poetically.

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All the Pretty Horses: Episode 2

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 03:32:02 GMT

After a delay due to some technical difficulties, we are back and on this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss lightening storms, horses, and orphans in Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses.

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All the Pretty Horses: Pages 1-59

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 21:13:07 GMT

In which Tim returns, we introduce Cormac McCarthy, and we discuss his formal genius. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into All the Pretty Horses, looking at a couple of essential early passage that define the book and its themes, as well as the uniquely Old Testament formal approach McCarthy brings to his books.

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Jane Eyre: Q&A Episode

Sat, 29 May 2021 01:38:40 GMT

You have questions and we have answers--or at least thoughts. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they answer your questions about Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.

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Jane Eyre: Final Chapters

Fri, 21 May 2021 22:40:21 GMT

In which St. John is persistent, Jane hears her call, and Rochester is repentant. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they discuss the conclusion to Charlotte Bronte's novel!

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Jane Eyre: Chapters 28-33

Fri, 07 May 2021 14:23:42 GMT

First Jane is poor, then she is rich. And along the way it's all about the friends she makes. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they discuss compare St. John and Rochester, discuss Jane's continued evolution, and Charlotte Bronte's skill.

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Jane Eyre: Chapters 25-27

Sat, 01 May 2021 00:53:30 GMT

In which, well, Jane's dreams are dashed and we learn that Rochester isn't exactly what she thought. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they discuss Jane's virtue, Rochester's complicated nature (and situation), and much more.

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Jane Eyre: Chapters 21-24

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:39:18 GMT

In which Jane is sad. Then surprised. Then relieved. Then spoken-for. Join David, Heidi, and Karen Swallow Prior as they discuss the famous proposal scene, Jane's assertion of self, Rochester weirdo-factor, and much more.

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Jane Eyre: Chapters 17-20

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 21:28:56 GMT

In which Jane falls in love, Rochester gets weird, and a mystery is introduced. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they continue their conversation about Charlotte Bronte's classic novel.

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Jane Eyre: Chapters 12-16

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 01:20:46 GMT

It's time to meet Rochester. In this episode, David, Heidi, and Karen (our very special guest) discuss the way Bronte introduces the Gothic hero of the story, the fascinating conversations that Broke and Jane share, and much more.

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Bonus Episode: Discussing the Rebecca Movies

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 01:05:49 GMT

In this bonus episode, which was recorded live with our Patreon supporters, David, Heidi, and Tim chatted about the two most primary cinematic adaptations of Rebecca; Alfred Hitchcock's version from 1940 and the 2020 Netflix version.

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Jane Eyre: Chapters 6-11

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 21:51:40 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and very special guest Karen Swallow Prior as they discuss Helen Burns, Charlotte Bronte's strategy for naming characters, the confluence of Bronte's life and Jane's experiences, our introduction to Ye Olde Mansion, and much more.

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Jane Eyre: Chapters 1-5

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 14:27:23 GMT

Our old friend Karen Swallow Prior is back to discuss one of the great book in Western literature, Charlotte Bronte's gothic novel, Jane Eyre. In this episode, she joins David and Heidi to discuss the context of his novel, its historical place, Jane's unique voice, Charlotte Bronte's life, and much more!

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Rebecca: Q&A Episode

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 16:47:12 GMT

It's time to answer your questions about Rebecca. Opinions flowed freely, much debate was had. You know, it's a Close Reads episode.

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Rebecca: Final Chapters

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:05:23 GMT

In which a court case takes over the podcast and your friendly neighborhood hosts take up rhetorical arms against each other.

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Rebecca: Chapters 15-19

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 16:25:40 GMT

The episode in which Tim is surprised.

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Rebecca: Chapters 8-14

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 22:30:36 GMT

Let's talk about un-named narrators and their problems, young women coming of age, old(er) women who are skeletal, and other things you find in Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca.

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Rebecca: Chapters 1-7

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:42:50 GMT

This week we invited Patreon supporters to join us for a special live episode and here it is! Join David, Heidi, and Tim (and the live audience) for a discussion of the first seven chapters of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca. Topics of conversation include the gothic nature of the novel, Du Maurier's unique writing style, and (as usual with mysteries of this sort) the question of who the antagonist is.

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Death Comes for the Archbishop: Q&A Episode

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 21:22:05 GMT

Let's answer your questions! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss such things as what the landscape means in the book, the seven deadly sins in the book, the role of the Prologue, and much more!

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Death Comes for the Archbishop: Final Chapters

Sat, 06 Feb 2021 18:00:34 GMT

In which death finally does comes for the Archbishop, after all. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss Bishop Latour's life work, his relationship with Vaillant, and Cather success as a storyteller.

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Death Comes for the Archbishop: Books 6 + 7

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 20:18:01 GMT

In which an old woman prays in a church with the Bishop, vanity is tested, and we learn about the prequel years.

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they march on with Willa Cather.

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Death Comes for the Archbishop: Books 4 + 5

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 12:15:44 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they compare the four priests at the core of these sections, discuss the notion of subtly in the book, and talk a bit about colonialism (sort of).

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Death Comes for the Archbishop: Books 2 + 3

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 19:58:31 GMT

In which the hero gets attacked by an evil man called Scales, a priest gets thrown off a cliff, and the writing is still painfully lovely.

Join David, Tim, and Heidi as they dive deepening into Willa Cather's classic novel (with a little digression into some history).

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Death Comes for the Archbishop: Book 1

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 22:36:43 GMT

The whole gang is back together and it's time for a new book! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig into Willa Cather's 1927 novel ,Death Comes for the Archbishop. In this episode they compare a few early passages, discuss the undulating rhythms of Cather's prose, and consider the episodic nature of the story.

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Our 2020 in Reading

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 17:33:54 GMT

In this annual episode, David, Heidi, and Tim share some of their favorite books of 2020.

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The Moviegoer: Q&A Episode

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 18:20:18 GMT

In this episode, Tim and Heidi answer your questions about Walker Percy's strange novel.

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The Moviegoer: Episode 5

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 06:23:11 GMT

In this episode Heidi and Tim wrap up up their conversation about Walker Percy's award-winning debut novel.

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The Moviegoer: Episode 4

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 01:31:10 GMT

In this episode, Tim and Heidi conclude their conversation about Walker Percy's novel (while David gets his bookstore going).

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The Moviegoer: Episode 3

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 15:18:16 GMT

David is off getting his bookstore going, so Tim and Heidi are holding down the fort as they continue to discuss Walker Percy's strange novel, The Moviegoer. They're in it deep now, so you might as well work your way out with them.

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The Moviegoer: Episode 2

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 23:28:38 GMT

Join Tim and Heidi as they dig ever-deeper in Walker Percy's novel (while David is working at his new bookstore).

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The Moviegoer: Episode 1

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 20:56:09 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into Walker Percy's The Moviegoer. Topics of conversation include the book's particular vibe, its plotlessness, the uniquely Southern AND catholic perspective of Percy, and much more.

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Home: Q&A Episode

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 02:03:25 GMT

As usual, your many questions were delightful, thoughtful, and challenging. We took a crack at answering them.

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Home: The Final Pages

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 04:39:30 GMT

Here we are at the end of another book. The big question of this episode is whether the book ends in a satisfying way (the answer depends on the contributor) -- and whether it matters. Join us!

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Home: Pages 250-300

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 21:00:35 GMT

In this episode David, Heidi, and Sarah-Jane discuss catharsis, resolution, and changing-minds.

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Home: Pages 200-250

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 03:22:12 GMT

This week David, Heidi, and Sarah-Jane discuss intense theological conversations, Jack's faith (or lack thereof), Boughton's role on contract with Glory's, and much more.

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Home: Pages 150-200

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 00:10:11 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Sarah-Jane for a conversation about uncomfortable dinners, age-old rivalries, baseball, and the Queen's physician's house.

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Home: Pages 100-150

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 19:53:48 GMT

Join David and Heidi as they discuss sadness, Calvinism, hope, pleasure, and memory in Home.

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Home: Pages 50-100

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 18:04:51 GMT

In this week's episode David and Heidi discuss the themes of forgiveness and repentance in Home, the way Boughton's preserve's memory in the house, the association of silence and memory, the way Glory and Jack are reaching towards one another (especially outside the house), and much more.

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Home: Pages 1-50

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 22:49:39 GMT

And suddenly your friendly neighborhood podcasters were on to a new adventure! In this episode, David and Heidi dive into Marilynne Robinson's novel, Home. They discuss the serious nature of her work, the complicated strcutures of the book, and the pathos at the core of the story.

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The Sun Also Rises: Q&A Episode

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 04:02:03 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they answer a whole bunch of listener questions on a wide variety of topics, from where to go next with Hemingway to the word choices in the final sentence. It's comprehensive, with a dash of disagreement for good measure.

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The Sun Also Rises: The Final Chapters

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:43:44 GMT

This week David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the final chapters of Hemingway's novel. They chat about whether the book is fundamentally hopeless, whether Hemingway was a nihilist, church scenes vs bull fights, Jake's injury as a red herring, and much more.

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The Sun Also Rises: Chapters 13-16

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:32:47 GMT

This week David, Heidi, and Tim discuss bull fighters, boxers. Brett Ashley, bad relationships, and barrels of vino.

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The Sun Also Rises: Chapters 8-12

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 13:10:20 GMT

This week David, Heidi, and Tim dive into the middle of Hemingway's novel. Topics of discussion include the strange organization of the book, Hemingway's subversion of traditional tropes, the famous church scene, and fishing in Spain.

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The Sun Also Rises: Book I

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 12:23:18 GMT

Welcome to a new series of episodes on Ernest Hemingway's classic novel, The Sun Also Rises! In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss Hemingway's famous style and his unique talent for capturing human experience. Plus, they discuss some key passages, the book's context in twentieth century lit, and the troubles that are haunting these memorable characters.

Don't forget to rate and review!

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Frankenstein: Q&A Episode

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 18:04:20 GMT

In this final episode of our series on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, David, Heidi, Karen, and Joshua answer your questions. There's no point in trying to summarize everything this episode covers. You'll just have to listen. *insert shrug emoji.*

Remember to rate and review if you like this episode!

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Frankenstein: The Final Chapters

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:52:43 GMT

In this episode, David, Heidi, and special guests Karen Swallow Prior and Joshua Gibbs discuss the final pages of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Topics of conversation include whether justice was served in the story, whether the ending is satisfying, the eery similarities between Shelley's life and the book's ending, and much more!

Remember to rate and review the show if you enjoyed this episode!

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Frankenstein: Volume III: Chapters 1-4

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:57:34 GMT

David, Heidi, Karen, and Joshua are back with more discussion of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In this episode they discuss Frankenstein's relationship with his father, whether the monster had to turn out evil, whether Frankenstein did the noble thing in not creating the "bride," and much, much more.

If you like this episode be sure to rate and review wherever you get podcasts.

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Frankenstein: Volume II: Chapters 6-9

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 13:08:57 GMT

Once again David and Heidi are joined by Karen Swallow Prior and Joshua Gibbs as they discuss questions of virtue in Mary Shelley's classic novel, the monster's self-education, neo-classicism vs romanticism, the place of Paradise Lost in the story, and the differences between this narrative and the Adam and Eve story in Genesis.

Remember, if you like this episode, it goes a long way when you rate and review wherever you get podcasts.

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Frankenstein: Volume II, chapters 1-5

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:02:03 GMT

This week David, Heidi, Karen, and Josh discuss the monster's ability to speak so eloquently and his unique form of self-education (and a bunch of other stuff, of course). If you like this episode please do rate and review wherever you get your podcasts.

Don't forget you can join the conversation at closereads.substack.com or @closereadspodcasts on Instagram.

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Frankenstein: Chapters III-VII

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 13:39:51 GMT

David and Heidi are back with very special guests Karen Swallow Prior and Joshua Gibbs with more discussion of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.They discuss the degree to which we ought to be consumed by the unreliable narrator as readers, whether Victor Frankenstein is a scoundrel, some differences between the 1831 and 1818 editions, Victor's unnatural interest in science, and much more.

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Frankenstein: Letter I - Chapter II

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:14:08 GMT

And we are on to a new book! Join David, Heidi, and very special guests Karen Swallow Prior, author of On Reading Well, and Joshua Gibbs, host of Proverbial, for a discussion about Mary Shelley's legendary novel, Frankenstein. In this episode they chat about the story behind the book, Shelley's wild and sad life, the differences in the editions, some preliminary themes, and more.

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The End of the Affair: Q&A Episode

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 02:53:49 GMT

As always, the crew finishes a book by answering your questions. You had good ones, and we tried to answer them.

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The End of the Affair: Final Chapters

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 00:17:25 GMT

Tim is back and he joins David and Heidi for a conversation about the final pages of Graham Green's novel, The End of the Affair. They discuss Henry's invitation to Maurice, the book's approach to the concept of salvation, whether the ending is believable, and much more.

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The End of the Affair: Book 4-Book 5.3

Wed, 27 May 2020 14:35:12 GMT

Time flies when you're having fun (is not the lesson of this book). We are plowing our way through The End of the Affair and the end of the book is near. This week Tim is away (at sea, we think), so Heidi and David chatted about Sarah's death, Henry's invitation to Maurice, Maurice's hatred of God, and the way the book's writing shifts a bit during this section.

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The End of the Affair: Book Three

Wed, 20 May 2020 21:03:12 GMT

On this week's episode, David, Heidi, and Tim chat about the challenges that this section of the book presents for discussion, as well as the deeply profound reflections found in Sarah's letters to God. Plus, there's some chatter about the different ways each of them read and approach books like this. You know, the normal stuff.

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The End of the Affair: Book 2

Wed, 13 May 2020 15:55:54 GMT

In this week's episode, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the likability (or lack thereof) of Maurice Bendrix, the protagonist of The End of the Affair; the way the book demands empathy from its reader; Green's consideration of sex, lust, and sin; and much more, of course.

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The End of the Affair: Part One

Thu, 07 May 2020 02:37:18 GMT

And so it was time to begin a new book . . . Join David, Tim, and Heidi as they dive into the world of Graham Green's twentieth classic, The End of the Affair. They chat about the likability of the narrator, the mystery of Sarah Miles, the technical skill of the author, and the fascination of those first few lines. And much more, of course.

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Anne of Green Gables: Q&A Episode

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 01:57:51 GMT

You had many (great) questions about Anne of Green Gables and David, Hieidi, and Tim made an attempt at answering as many of them as we could. They chatted about Gilbert's cuteness, the difference between drunkenness and rabies, and some other very serious things. If you like this episode remember to rate and review where you get podcasts.

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Anne of Green Gables: Final Chapters

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:33:17 GMT

And so we come to the end of yet another book. In this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss Matthew's death, Gilbert's action, Anne's growth, Marilla's illness, Lucy Maude Montgomery's skill, and a bunch of other stuff (including cereal, Yeoman's work, Michael Jordan, and Avocado toast).

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Anne of Green Gables: Chapters 28-32

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 14:43:58 GMT

In this episode David, Tim, and Heidi, chat about the melancholy that sets into the book during this section, Anne's increasing maturity, the "boat springs a leak" scene, the "lessons" and morals Anne has learned, and much more.

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Anne of Green Gables: Chapters 22-27

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 03:25:43 GMT

In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim chat about the goodness of Anne's imagination, whether it ever serves negative purposes, and a whole bunch of about kinds of reading. Also other stuff.

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Anne of Green Gables: Chapters 17-21

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:00:27 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss Anne's continued adventures with Diana, the way the book changes structurally during these chapters, and Lucy Maud Montgomery's view of Anne's imagination.

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Bonus Episode: Discussing the new movie version of Emma

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 20:18:00 GMT

There's a new movie version of Emma out now, and we're here to break it down. It stars Anya Joy-Taylor and Johnny Flynn, and is directed by Autumn deWilde and it's fascinating and we've got thoughts. So join us as we talk casting, adaptation, filmmaking, acting, and how we rate movies.

It's a bonus episode just for you.

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Anne of Green Gables: Chapters 13-16

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:28:59 GMT

Self-isolate along with David, Heidi, and Tim as they chat some more about that delightful Anne with an "E." This week they discuss the introduction of Gilbert Blythe and the famous "carrots scene, Anne's particular brand of drama, the unique stakes of the novel, and much more.

And remember: if you like this episode you can rate and review wherever you get podcasts.

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Anne of Green Gables: Chapters 7-12

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 02:17:00 GMT

Chatting from their Covid-19-related self-isolation, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the unique nature of Anne of Green Gables, the delightfulness of Anne, Anne's relationship with Marilla, the similarities between Anne and Rachel Lynde, and much more.

If you like this episode, please be sure to rate and review wherever you get podcasts.

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Anne of Green Gables: Chapters 1-6

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 14:54:05 GMT

It's time to make friends with Anne with an E. In this episode, Heidi explains why this book changed her life (she's read it soooo many times), David explains why Matthew and Anne's relationship is meaningful, and Tim dives into a story that's new to him.

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The Catcher in the Rye: Q&A Episode

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 05:16:24 GMT

It's that time again: let's answer YOUR questions. Join David, Tim, and Heidi as they contemplate topics like Salinger geeks, Holden's affection for the nuns, the ugly vandalism at Phoebe's school, Holden Caulfield on screen, DB's role, and much more.

And remember to rate and review wherever you get podcasts!

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The Catcher in the Rye: Final Chapters

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 05:01:28 GMT

Once again we've come to the end of a book, so join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss whether Holden Caulfield is a cynic at the end of the book, the creepy scene with Mr. Antolini, the hopeful denouement, and the complicated nature of the book's legacy.

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The Catcher in the Rye: Chapters 10-17

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 04:29:53 GMT

Back again the gang is. This week David, Heidi, and Tim chatted about Holden's diction and choice of words, the red hunting hat, the ducks on the lagoon, and much more.

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Bonus Episode: Leif Enger in Conversation

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 02:36:07 GMT

It's a surprise bonus episode with the one-and-only Leif Enger! David chatted with him recently about the inspiration for Peace Like a River, his early days as a writer, the choices he makes as a writer, his process, his love of western novels and movies, and much, much more.

If you like this episode please be sure to rate and review wherever you get podcasts.

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The Catcher in the Rye: Chapters 1-9

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:03:59 GMT

And just like that we're on to J.D. Salinger's controversial novel, The Catcher in the Rye. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss why this book is so loved and yet so hated and why it's taught so often. Plus, they discuss the foul language problem, Holden's cynicism, whether they would let their kids be Holden's friend, and much more.

Remember, if you like this you can rate and review it and spread the word.

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Peace Like a River: Q&A Episode

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 15:01:21 GMT

It's time for your questions here! We did our best to answer as many questions about Peace Like a River as we could, as well as we could. We talked about the title of the book, the nature of symbolism and allegory, the problem of Davy, the Westernness of this story, Swede's name, Jeremiah's pneumonia, and Andreeson conundrum, and much more.

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Peace Like a River: The Final Chapters

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 14:31:05 GMT

Here we are at the end of Leif Enger's Peace Like a River. In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the denouement (and overall structure) of the story, Rueben's fate, Davy's choice to leave (again), and much more.

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Peace Like a River: Penultimate Episode

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:10:24 GMT

We're back with more conversation about Leif Enger's Peace Like a River. In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the nefarious Jape Waltzer, Andreeson's changing role, the story's budding romance, and much, much more. It's a long one, so buckle up.

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Peace Like a River: Chapters 12-16

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 14:39:40 GMT

And so the odyssey into Leif Enger's Peace Like a River continues. In this episode, the crew chats about magical realism as a genre, Roxana as Beatrice figure, the Land family's descent into the underworld, and much, much more.

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Peace Like a River: Chapters 8-11

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 20:01:08 GMT

We're back with more conversation about Leif Enger's Peace Like a River! In this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the Fairy Tale elements of the story, the question of realism, what the story is ultimately about, Swede's preciousness, and much more.

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Peace Like a River: Chapters 5-7

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 04:39:47 GMT

Welcome back! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive deeper into Leif Enger's Peace Like a River. They talk about whether Davy's actions were justified and how the novel treats them, the lack of a mother-figure in the story, and much more.

And remember: when you rate and review it helps out a lot!

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Peace like a River: Chapters 1-4

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 06:21:35 GMT

And we're on to another book! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into a new book, Leif Enger's novel, Peace Like a River. In this episode they chat about the first 50 pages (aka: the first four chapters).

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Our Year in Fiction Reading

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 21:56:41 GMT

It's time for one of our favorite annual traditions . . . Join David, Heidi, Sarah-Jane, and Tim as they share some of their favorite fiction reads of 2019 (check out the Patreon page for our non-fiction choices!).

And remember to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get podcasts.

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A River Runs through It Q&A

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 04:20:46 GMT

It's time to answer listener questions about Norman Maclean's A River Runs through It. David, Heidi, and Tim give their best effort at answering a slew of really tough, thoughtful questions. Bravo to everyone who contributed!

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A River Runs through It (episode 2)

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:33:21 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they chat about the second half of Norman Maclean's beloved novella, A River Runs through It. They chat about whether the story is a tragedy, the way the end recalls the beginning, the theme of union in the story, and the way it explores the complicated nature of human relationship (and much more, of course).

Remember: if you like this show you can help out by rating and reviewing it wherever you get podcasts.

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A River Runs through It (episode 1)

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 02:12:04 GMT

And we're off. It's time for Norman Maclean's A River Runs through It. On this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss roughly the first half of the story. They chat about the central metaphors in the book, Maclean's craftsmanship as a prose writer, the subtly of the characterizations, the relationship between the brothers, and much more. Remember, if you like this show, your ratings and reviews (wherever you get podcasts), go a long way in helping the show longterm.

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The Rector of Justin Q&A

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 18:01:28 GMT

It's time to answer your questions. Join David, Sarah-Jane, and Matt as they dive into the many great questions listeners submitted, included questions about the Griscam men, Prescott's failures and successes, Charlotte Mason and this book, Prescott's idealism, whether we're overrating the book, lessons for educators from Justin Martyr, and more.

Remember: rate, review, spread the word.

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The Rector of Justin: Final Chapters

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 14:26:26 GMT

And here we are at the end. Join David, S-J, and Matt as they chat about the conclusion of The Rector of Justin. They chat about the outsized figure of Prescott, the narrator as mentee, Shakespeare in this book, and the thematic payoff of the novel.

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The Rector of Justin: Chapters 13-18 .

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 14:26:34 GMT

David, Sarah-Jane, and Matt are back and diving into the meaty middle part of the book. They discuss the reliability of the narrators, psycho-analysis as a theme in the book, whether Prescott treated Jules Griscam justly, and much more.

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The Rector of Justin: Chapters 10-12

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 05:27:16 GMT

Join David, Sarah-Jane, and Matt as they continue their discussion of The Rector of Justin. It's a long episode, so get ready for a deep dive into some of the themes that make this book what it is, with a little bit of friendly disagreement thrown in.

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The Rector of Justin: Chapters 6-9

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 18:24:05 GMT

We're back, chatting about chapters 6-9 of Louis Auchincloss' The Rector of Justin. Conversation explores the connections between Frank Prescott and Hamlet, his quixotic nature, the book's female characters, and much, much more.

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The Rector of Justin: Chapters 1-5

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 14:32:33 GMT

After a one-week hiatus due to some scheduling issues, we are back! In this episode David is joined by Matt and a new contributor to the network, Sarah-Jane Bentley, who teaches at Eton College in England. They chat about the unique structure of the book, the myriad of intertextual references (and whether they matter), the similarities between the various narrators, and much more.

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Bonus Episode: Hemingway's "A Clean Well-lighted Room"

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 18:05:57 GMT

Unfortunately we had a scheduling snafu with recording for this week, so we are sharing a bonus episode that we sent to our Patrons a few months back. It's a conversation between David, Tim, and Heidi about Hemingway's famous story, "A Clean Well-lighted Place." Conversation touched on the difficulty with Hemingway and his particular craftsmanship in this short story.

Thanks for your patience! The regular show will be back soon.

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The Odyssey: Q&A Episode

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 12:55:50 GMT

It's time for listener questions! In this episode, David, Tim, and Heidi answer your questions about topics like why Athena is gray-eyed, other great translations, whether Odysseus broke the hospitality code when visiting the cyclops, what first-time readers should glean from this epic poem, and much, much more.

Remember: when you rate and review the show you help us spread the word!

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The Odyssey: Final Books

Sat, 28 Sep 2019 04:51:16 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Heidi as they arrive at the end of the Odyssey. Conversation touches on Telemachus' evolution, the way the various themes come together, the stories behind stories, modes of reading, and much more. Don't forget to send in your questions for next episode!

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The Odyssey: XXI-XXII

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 12:50:12 GMT

It's time to discuss the battle and the bloodshed. In this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim chat about whether Odysseus is after justice or revenge (and all the ramifications of that question) . . . and much more, of course.

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The Odyssey: XIX-XX

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:55:39 GMT

And we're back with more conversation about Homer's famous epic poem. This week, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss Penelope's evolving character, the way the poet is comparing Odysseus and Penelope in the text, the building tension, and much more. Remember: if you like this show you can help spread the word by rating and reviewing it.

And don't forget you can support the show and get some great show swag on Patron: Patreon.com/closereads.

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The Odyssey: XVII-XVIII

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 20:00:57 GMT

The saga continues. On this week's episode, David, Heidi, and a very special guest discuss books XVII and XVIII of the Odyssey. Conversation touches on the patience of Odysseus and Telemachus, Athena's role in the story, whether the suitors are worthy adversaries, and Penelope's beauty.

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The Odyssey: XII-XVI

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 05:39:12 GMT

And we're back with more discussion of Homer's Odyssey! David, Heidi, and Tim explore the fascinating character of Eumaeus the swineherd; Poseidon, the anti-xenia god; the Western-y nature of the second of half of the poem; and much more.

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The Odyssey: XI-XII

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 17:30:30 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they continue their journey with Odysseus. In this episode they discuss books XI and XII, focusing on Odysseus' virtues, the allegorical aspects of the poem, the popularity of the story of the sirens, and much more.

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The Odyssey: Books IX-X

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 03:11:00 GMT

It's time for books IX and X of Homer's Odyssey! Join David, Heidi, and Tim for a discussion about the cyclopes, Circe, and the degree to which Odysseus is truly virtuous. And, remember, it helps the show out a whole lot when you leave reviews on whatever app you use to listen to podcasts.

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The Odyssey: Books V-VIII

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 15:27:33 GMT

David, Heidi, and Tim are back with more conversation about The Odyssey. They discuss the question of Odysseus' faithfulness, they compare Nausikaa and Calypso, and they discuss the role of this section in the grand scheme of the poem.

Remember: if you like this series on the Odyssey we could use your help. Rate and review the show to spread the word!

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The Odyssey: Books III-IV

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 03:26:39 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim for more conversation about Homer's classic epic poem. in this episode they chat about the role of the gods in the story, the complicated nature of ancient Greek paganism, whether the characters in the book have "faith," and much, much more.

Remember: if you love this show, please subscribe, rate, and review it. It goes a long way .

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The Odyssey: Books 1-2

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 16:46:32 GMT

It's time for a new book! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into Homer's Odyssey, books one and two. Discussion touches on the purpose of these early books, Telemachus' journey, the relationship between the gods and humans, Penelope's wisdom, and much more.

Remember: if you like this show it really goes a long way when you leave starred or written reviews wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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Sense and Sensibility Q&A Episode

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 21:31:39 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Karen Swallow Prior as they answer your questions about Jane Austen's novel. And if you like this episode be sure to leave a review. Those 5-star reviews go a long way.

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Sense & Sensibility: The Final Chapters

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 01:14:10 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and special guest Karen Swallow Prior as they discuss the final chapters of Sense and Sensibility. Conversation touches on whether Edward deserved Elinor, Marianne's evolution, Elinor's most of catharsis, and the reversal of the book's beginning.

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Sense & Sensibility: Volume 3, chapters 1-8

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 12:51:39 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and special guest Karen Swallow Prior for a conversation about Marianne's growth, Willougby's villainy, Edward's issues, and the balance of satire and pathos in a book like this.

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Sense & Sensibility: Volume 2, chapters 8-14

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 16:57:21 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and very special guest, Karen Swallow Prior, as they chat about volume 2 of Jane Austen's classic novel. Conversation focuses on which character most bears the essence of the novel, whether there are any ideal types in the book, and the characterization that makes Austen so important (and amazing).

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Sense & Sensibility: Volume 2, chapters 1-7

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 19:47:07 GMT

David, Heidi, and special guest, Karen Swallow Prior are back with more conversation about Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. Conversation touches on the differences between Elinor and Marianne, the similarities in their situations and responses, Edward and Willougby, and much more.

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Sense & Sensibility: Volume I, chapters 16-22

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 14:36:32 GMT

This week, David, Heidi, and special guest, Karen Swallow Prior, dive ever-deeper into the world of Jane Austen's classic first novel. Discussion touches on the languid pacing of this middle section, the question of stakes, the various binaries Austen asks us to consider, and much more.

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Sense & Sensibility: Vol. I, chapters 9-15

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 13:54:41 GMT

Further up and further (as they say)! Join David, Heidi, and special guest Karen Swallow Prior (author of the much-loved book, On Reading Well) as they continue their discussion of Jane Austen's classic novel. Topics of conversation include: How the irony and satire in the book ought to be read for each character, how Jane Austen portrays her male characters, the question of making judgments as readers, and much, much more.

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Sense and Sensibility: Vol. 1, chapters 1-8

Mon, 27 May 2019 04:34:06 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and special guest, Karen Swallow Prior (author of the much-loved book, On Reading Well) for this new series of shows about Jane Austen's classic novel. In this episode they discuss Austen's use of irony and satire, her genius point-of-view techniques, the purpose of a comedy of manners, and much, much more.

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Little Britches: Q&A Episode

Sat, 18 May 2019 20:06:15 GMT

It's question and answer time! Join David, Adam, and Heidi as they answer your questions about Little Britches.

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Little Britches: The Final Chapters

Tue, 14 May 2019 13:40:50 GMT

It's time for the final chapters of Ralph Moody's Little Britches! In this episode, David, Heidi, and Adam discuss the denouement of Ralph's journey to manhood (and cowboyhood), the relationship between Ralph and his mother, the poignent moment in the finale, and much more!

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Little Britches: Chapters 22-26

Mon, 06 May 2019 12:18:27 GMT

Welcome back! In this episode, David, Heidi, and Adam discuss the culmination of Ralph's story arc, parenting lessons from Little Britches, the important role of the horse/boy relationship in this book, the Cowboy dream, and much more.

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Little Britches: Chapters 17-21

Thu, 02 May 2019 03:30:53 GMT

Welcome back! In this episode David Kern, Adam Andrews, and Heidi White discuss Ralph Moody's stated intentions for this book, what we as readers (and parents/teachers) ought to do with those intentions, and how those intentions impact the book's literary place. Plus some other stuff, of course.

Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! If you like Close Reads please be sure to give it the ol' 5-star review in whatever app you're using.

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Little Britches: Chapters 11-16

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:41:26 GMT

David, Heidi, and Adam are back with further discussion about Ralph Moody's Little Britches. Conversation touches on the dangers of romanticizing or idealizing the past, the difficulty of parenting, the key moment in Ralph's journey to get Two Dog, and the ongoing saga of the water rights.

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Little Britches 7-10

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:20:04 GMT

Conversation in this week's episode touches on the theme of parenting in the book, Ralph Moody's drive and desires, Western archetypes at play in the section, how Ralph's parents should have responded to his behavior, and more.

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Little Britches: Chapters 1-6

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 18:05:01 GMT

And we're back to kick off a new series, with Ralph Moody's Little Britches! Joining David and Heidi is Adam Andrews, from the Center for Lit. Conversation touches on the comparison between Little Britches and Little House on the Prairie, what Homer and Plato have to do with this story, Western stories in American lit, Moody's portrayal of his parents, and much more.

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold: Q&A Episode

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 16:55:48 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim for an in-depth time of answering listener questions! They talk heroism, other spy novels, the ambiguity of the ending, and much, much, much more.

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold: Conclusion

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 00:52:13 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss the final chapters of John LeCarre's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Conversation explores the novel's payoff, Liz and Leamas' relationship, good guys and bad guys, the complicated philosophies embedded in the book, and much more.

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold: Chapters 13-20

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 15:46:02 GMT

Welcome back! This week David, Heidi, and Tim are chatting about chapters 13-20 of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, with an especially deep dive into chapter 13, which is the thematic and dramatic core of the story. Watch out for the moment when Tim drops a fantastic new metaphor. Plus they offer a grateful farewell to a longtime contributor to the show.

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold: Chapters 7-12

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 02:02:30 GMT

Welcome back! In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss John LeCarre's classic spy novel some more, with a particular focus on the value of genre fiction in contemporary times, the concept of anti-heros, LeCarre's subtly, and much more,

This episode is brought to you by New College Franklin! Learn more at newcollegefranklin.org.

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold: Chapters 1-6

Sat, 23 Feb 2019 22:25:53 GMT

Welcome back! It's time to start a new book and we're finally diving into John LeCarre's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Discussions touches on the value of genre fiction, LeCarre's story, his artistry, the way he sets up his themes, and more.

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The Remains of the Day Q&A

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 15:08:43 GMT

We're back and we're answering YOUR questions about The Remains of the Day. We answer questions about the scene with the doctor, the root of Stevens' blindness, the duty/desire dichotomy, the role of food in the book, and much more!

This episode is presented by New College Franklin. Learn more at newcollegefranklin.org.

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The Remains of the Day: Conlusion

Sat, 09 Feb 2019 14:23:20 GMT

In which David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the ending to Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day. They discuss the heartbreaking nature of the book, what to make of Steven's final conversation with Mrs. Benn, whether he changed in the end, and much more.

This episode is presented by New College Franklin. Learn more at newcollegefranklin.org.

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Remains of the Day: Day 3 Evening

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 20:15:52 GMT

Welcome back. In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim continue their discussion of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, Remains of the Day. Conversation some of the unique ways the novel's structure changes in this section, whether Stevens is a good butler, whether he has changed at all, the confessional nature of this chapter, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by New College Franklin. Check them out at newcollegefranklin.org.

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Remains of the Day: Day 2 Afternoon + Day 3 Morning

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 13:52:40 GMT

We're back with more discussion about Kazuo Ishiguro's Remains of the Day. This week's conversation touches on Stevens' inner-turmoil, the complicated social changes at work in the novel, the interesting structural choices Ishiguro makes, and much more.

This episode is brought to you by CLT, the classically-based alternative to the SAT and the ACT. Learn more at clt.org.

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Remains of the Day: Day 2, Morning

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 22:59:50 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads. In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim continue their discussion of Kazuo Ishiguro's Remains of the Day. Conversation explores the way Stevens' various personal relationships mirror the international politics in the story, Ishiguro's gift for subtext, the history of the age in which the story takes place, the ongoing theme of "professionalism", the American's place in the story, and much more.

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The Remains of the Day, Prologue and Day 1

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 03:48:59 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they kick off discussion of a new book: Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day. Topics of conversation include the expectations of a road novel, the book's treatment of dignity, why professionalism is so important to Stevens, the questions of culture the book raises, key scenes, and more.

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The Year in Reading

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 21:30:45 GMT

The gangs all here for a fun conversation about our favorite books of 2018, what we're planning to read in 2019, and much, much more.

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And to see our lists of our favorite books head over to the Close Reads Instagram page!

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The Great Gatsby Q&A

Sun, 30 Dec 2018 04:05:05 GMT

David, Angelina, and Adam are back with more conversation about F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby! In this episode, they answer your questions.

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The Great Gatsby, Final Chapters

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 22:33:05 GMT

David, Angelina, and Adam are back more conversation about F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby! Conversation touches on Gatsby's demise, Nick's departure, Fitzgerald's worldview, and (of course) the famous final passage.

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This episode is presented by our friends over at New College Franklin - check them out at NewCollegeFranklin.org.

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The Great Gatbsy, Chapters 6-7

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 21:09:56 GMT

David, Angelina, and Adam are back more conversation about F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby! Conversation touches on Jay Gatsby's dream-based Platonic ideal, the clash between Tom and Gatsby, Daisy's choice, Eckleburg's vigil, and much more.

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This episode is presented by our friends over at New College Franklin - check them out at NewCollegeFranklin.org.

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The Great Gatsby, Chapters 4-5

Sat, 08 Dec 2018 05:01:00 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads! This week David, Angelina, and special guest Adam Andrews (of Center for Lit) chat about chapters 4 and 5 of F. Scott Fitzgerlad's novel, The Great Gatsby. Topics of conversation include several minutes on the first sentence of chapter 4, the question of the "debauchery" in the story, Gatsby as a hero, the book's place in the canon, and much more.

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The Great Gatsby: Chapters 1-3

Sat, 01 Dec 2018 21:09:38 GMT

Join David, Angelina, and guest of honor, Adam Andrews (of the Center for Lit) for a rousing discussion about F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Topics of conversation include whether there is a hero in this book, whether the narrator (Nick Carroway) is trustworthy or as honest as he claims he is, the key themes the early chapters set forth, the book's treatment of the American dream, the importance of place in the book, and much more!

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Bonus Episode: David Joins "The Bookening" to Discuss/Defend Flannery O'Connor

Fri, 23 Nov 2018 19:26:07 GMT

In this Thanksgiving week bonus episode, David goes on The Bookening podcast to discuss Flannery O'Connors "Good Country People."

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The Power and the Glory Q&A

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 21:29:20 GMT

Join Heidi, Tim, and David as they answer listener questions about Graham Green's The Power and the Glory.

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The Power and the Glory: Final Chapters

Sat, 10 Nov 2018 15:30:34 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Heidi as they discuss the final chapters of Graham Greene's The Power and the Glory, focusing on whether the priest is a hero and the lieutenant is a villain, characters who have conversions, the saintly characteristics of the whiskey priest, the chiastic structure of the novel, and much more.

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The Power and the Glory: Part 2, Chapter 3 - Part 3, Chapter 1

Sat, 03 Nov 2018 04:58:28 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads, where David, Heidi, and Tim are discussing Graham Greene's The Power and the Glory. Conversation in this episode centers primarily on the image of the dying dog - including a long discussion of the nature of images and symbols in literature (how to approach them, in what ways they matter, the difference between an image and a symbol, and more).

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The Power and the Glory: Part 2, Chapters 2-3

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 22:16:01 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads, where David, Heidi, and Tim are discussing Graham Greene's The Power and the Glory. Topics of conversation on this episode include Graham Greene's opinion that these were the greatest pages he ever wrote, the pace of these chapters, the contrast between the two chapters. the whiskey priests' transformation, the lieutenant's inability to recognize the priest, the whiskey priest vs Padre Jose, and much more.

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Support us on Patreon! To learn more about the Close Reads Podcast Network please click here.

***

This episode is brought to you by the honors program at Belmont Abbey College.

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The Power and the Glory: Part 2, Chapter 1

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 18:48:21 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads, where David, Heidi, and Tim are discussing Graham Greene's The Power and the Glory. Topics of conversation on this episode include whether the whiskey priest is noble, the various character doubles in the book, the theme of faithfulness in this section, the idea of judgment, and the concept of plausibility structures in making a revolution happen. Typical Close Reads.

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***

This episode is brought to you by the honors program at Belmont Abbey College.

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The Power and the Glory: Part 1, Chapters 3-4

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 17:07:46 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads, where David, Heidi, and Tim are discussing Graham Greene's The Power and the Glory. Topics of conversation include Coral Fellow's entrance into adulthood and corresponding conversion (?), the faith of the stranger priest, Padre Jose's despair, little Luis' abandonment, and more.

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Support us on Patreon! To learn more about the Close Reads Podcast Network please click here.

***

This episode is brought to you by the honors program at Belmont Abbey College.

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Crossover Post: Much Ado Nothing Act I | The Play's the Thing

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 15:16:44 GMT

In this special crossover post from The Play's the Thing, a podcast dedicated to an ongoing examination and celebration of Shakespeare's entire canon, David, Angelina, and Andrew Kern discuss Act I of Much Ado About Nothing. PLEASE NOTE: To access the rest of the shows in this series make sure you have subscribed to The Play's the Thing's feed.

Topics of conversation include the multiple meanings of the titles, Renaissance cosmology, order and chaos, music and harmony, triangles, and Love and War. And a lot more.

This episode is brought to you our friends at St. John's College - the perfect place for lovers of Shakespeare to take their next academic steps.

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The Power and the Glory: Part 1, Chapters 1-2

Sat, 06 Oct 2018 12:47:37 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads, where David, Heidi, and Tim are kicking off a discussion of Graham Greene's The Power and the Glory. Topics of conversation include Green's deft use of subtext, the setting as character, the sadness/hopefullness of the novel, and much more.

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To learn more about the Close Reads Podcast Network please click here.

Support us on Patreon

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Crossing to Safety Q&A

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 18:27:23 GMT

In this episode David, Angelina, and Heidi answer listener questions about Wallace Stegner's Crossing to Safety. Topics of conversation include the stuttering son-in-law, Larry's choice to tell this story, the role Charity's death played in the various characters crossing to safety, the Frost poem in the epigraph, and much more.

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Crossing to Safety: Part 3

Sat, 22 Sep 2018 13:00:24 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads. In this episode, David, Angelina, Heidi, and Graeme chat about the final chapter of Wallace Stegner's Crossing to Safety. Discussion touches on the conflict between the Mogan's and Lang, what makes the ending moving, whether the ending was unexpected, the loveliness of the final two lines, the book's ambiguity, and much more (plus, Graeme tells a story about Halloween candy, in a call back to an old episode).

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Crossing to Safety: Part 2, Chapters 4-5

Sat, 15 Sep 2018 01:56:49 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads. In this week's episode David, Angelina, and Heidi continue their discussion of Wallace Stegner's Crossing to Safety. Conversations touches on the theme of ambition in the book (and in life), Larry's ongoing contemplation of "going somewhere," Sally's wise view of the world even in the midst of her suffering, and much more.

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Crossing to Safety: Part 2, Chapters 1-3

Sat, 08 Sep 2018 00:44:09 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Angelina as they continue their conversation about Wallace Stegner's novel, Crossing to Safety. Topics of conversation include the difference between a personal and transcendent experience with art, the bottomlessness of Great Books and Good Books, a comparison between the first chapter of part one and the first chapter of part two, and much, much more.

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Crossing to Safety, Chapters 11-13

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 19:31:29 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Angelina, as they continue their conversation about Stegner's modern classic, Crossing to Safety. Topics include the strange mystery of reading, the similarities between Charity and Larry, Stegner's playful approach to subverting archetypes, and much more.

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Crossing to Safety, Chapters 7-10

Sat, 25 Aug 2018 04:19:55 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Angelina, as they continue their conversation about Stegner's modern classic, Crossing to Safety. Topics include Sally's characterization, the likability of the various characters, Charity's overbearing nature and Sid's vows to her, the archetypes in the boat scene, and much, much more.

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King Lear I.I - The Play's the Thing (premier)

Sat, 18 Aug 2018 05:14:30 GMT

This first episode of The Play's the Thing is a preview. For future episodes, please subscribe to The Play's the Thing's own feed.

Welcome to the premier episode of The Play's the Thing, a podcast dedicated to an ongoing examination and celebration of Shakespeare's entire canon. In this episode, David Kern, Matt Bianco, and Tim McIntosh dive into act I of King Lear, focusing primarily on scene I. Topics of conversation include: the Mount Rushmore of Shakespeare's plays, what makes a good Shakespearean tragedy so good, whether Lear should have divided his kingdom the way he did, how to read Cordelia's response, and much, much more.

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Crossing to Safety, Chapters 5-6

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 14:45:01 GMT

Join David, Heidi, and Angelina, as they continue their conversation about Stegner's modern classic, Crossing to Safety. Topics include the kind of emotional responses this book elicits, what we mean when we say a book "feels well-crafted," the way Stegner plays with memory in the first person voice of the narrator, how much we should "believe" Larry's recollections, and much more.

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Crossing to Safety, Chapters 1-4

Sat, 11 Aug 2018 14:19:09 GMT

It's Wallace Stegner time! Join David, Heidi, Angelina, and Stegner aficionado, Graeme Pitman, as they kick off a conversation about Stegner's modern classic, Crossing to Safety. Topics include Stegner's poetic prose and unique metaphors, the way the story introduces and explores characters, Stegner's literary impact, and much more.

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The Lottery

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 21:03:30 GMT

Join David Kern, Tim McIntosh, and special guest Adam Andrews (of Center for Lit) for an exploration of Shirley Jackson's harrowing short story, "The Lottery." Conversation touches on the crazy initial response the story received, the way Jackson manages to point her critique at contemporary life and not just the ancient pagans, best practices for teaching this story, why Jackson doesn't reveal the reason for the brutal tradition at the heart of the story, and much, much more.

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A Rose for Emily

Sun, 29 Jul 2018 01:28:53 GMT

Join David Kern, Heidi White, and guest Jonathan Rogers for an exploration of William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily." Discussion touches on the pedagogy of teaching literature, Faulkner's customary obtuseness, the purity of the narrative of this story, what it says about Southern culture, and much, much more.

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A Jury of Her Peers

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 05:02:38 GMT

Join David Kern, Angelina Stanford, and Heidi White, for an exploration of Susan Glaspell's short story, "A Jury of Her Peers." Topics include the possible feminist ideas in the story, the question (or non-question) of justice, how the men in the story should be read, the private vs public lives of the women in the story, and much more.

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Desiree's Baby

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 01:13:15 GMT

Join David Kern, Angelina Stanford, and Heidi White, for an exploration of Kate Chopin's short story, Desiree's Baby. Topics include the story's fairy tale nature, the way it touches on matters of race and gender, its structural genius, and much, much, much more.

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An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Sat, 07 Jul 2018 05:01:06 GMT

Join David Kern, Tim McIntosh, and very special guest Jonathan Rogers (author of The Wilderking Trilogy and The Terrible Speed of Mercy: A Spiritual Biography of Flannery O'Connor, among other books), for a deep-dive into Ambrose Bierce's famous short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." Discussion touches on whether Bierce's "gotcha" moment is a flaw in the story, the idea of the unreliable narrator, Bierce's wild biography, where his skill most shows up in the story, and more.

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Rip Van Winkle

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 01:12:07 GMT

Join David Kern, Heidi White, and very special guest Jonathan Rogers (author of The Wilderking Trilogy and The Terrible Speed of Mercy: A Spiritual Biography of Flannery O'Connor, among other books), for a deep-dive into Washington Irving's famous short story, "Rip Van Winkle." Topics include the place of this story in the American literary tradition, Irving's craftsmanship, the conceit/framing device Irving employs, and a whole lot more.

This episode is brought to you by Augustine College in the US.

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The Glass Menagerie Q&A

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 01:43:54 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Heidi for some more lively discussion as they conclude their conversation about Tennessee Williams' award-winning and much-beloved play, The Glass Menagerie. Topics of conversation include the glass unicorn, the value of tragedies, the challenges of reading a play (vs. seeing it performed), and much, much more. Plus, David explains some exciting new changes for the Close Reads brand - and the short story the show will cover next week.

This episode is brought to you by Augustine College in the US.

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The Glass Menagerie

Sat, 16 Jun 2018 15:38:17 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Heidi (Angelina is away for work) for a lively discussion about Tennessee Williams' award-winning and much-beloved play, The Glass Menagerie. Topics of conversation include the differences (and unique challenges) between play writing and novel writing, who plays are written for, how to read plays, why this play has been so popular for so long, Williams' creative genius, and much, much more.

This episode is brought to you by Augustine College in the US.

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Hannah Coulter Q&A

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 17:15:11 GMT

Join David, Tim, Angelina, and Heidi as they conclude their conversation about Wendell Berry's novel, Hannah Coulter, by answering listener questions. Topics include the Okinawa chapter, whether Berry is preachy, whether his work will be remembered in a few hundred years, and much more.

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Hannah Coulter: Conclusion

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 19:14:05 GMT

Join David, Tim, Angelina, and special guest Heidi White as they continue their discussion of Wendell Berry's 2003 novel, Hannah Coulter. They discuss the ways this book impacts each of them, the character of Hannah, why men love this book, and much, much more.

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Hannah Coulter, Chapters 8-15

Fri, 25 May 2018 18:22:05 GMT

Join David, Tim, Angelina, and special guest Heidi White as they continue their discussion of Wendell Berry's 2003 novel, Hannah Coulter. Conversation touches on Berry's emphasis on the values of rural life, whether Berry's ideals can be applied anywhere, Nathan Coulter and Burley Coulter as embodiment of those ideals, and much more.

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Hannah Coulter, Part 1

Fri, 18 May 2018 15:28:12 GMT

Join David, Tim, Angelina, and special guest Heidi White as they begin their discussion of Wendell Berry's 2003 novel, Hannah Coulter. Conversation touches on first impressions, the book's epitaph, Hannah's unique voice, the poetic rhythms of Berry's writing, whether this is a sad book, and much, much more.

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The Code of the Woosters, Q&A

Sat, 12 May 2018 01:14:12 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Angelina as they conclude their conversation of P.G. Wodehouse's novel, The Code of the Woosters, by answering listener questions. Topics include Bertie's thickness, Jeeves' genius, the percentage of allusions that the hosts got when reading this book, and much more.

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The Code of the Woosters, Final Chapters

Fri, 04 May 2018 20:30:02 GMT

Join David and Angelina as they continue their conversation of P.G. Wodehouse's novel, The Code of the Woosters. This week - sans Tim - discussion touches on, well, the code of the Woosters. Plus, Graeme Pitman makes an appearance and conversation goes far afield.

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The Code of the Woosters, Chapters 5-9

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 19:12:48 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Angelina as they kick-off their conversation of P.G. Wodehouse's novel, The Code of the Woosters. This week's discussion touches on whether Wodehouse had serious intentions when he wrote this novel and why so many people consider him funny over multiple generations and in various places. Plus, they do a close read of a specific scene, just for the sheer pleasure of it.

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The Code of the Woosters, Chapters 1-4

Sat, 21 Apr 2018 03:01:03 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Angelina as they kick-off their conversation of P.G. Wodehouse's novel, The Code of the Woosters. Focusing on their favorite passages in the first four chapters they discuss what makes Wodehouse so funny, the deeper themes in his work, and the consistent presence of irony in the story. Plus they laugh a ton.

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True Grit, Q&A Episode

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 21:28:36 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Angelina, as they answer listener questions about Charles Portis' novel, True Grit.

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True Grit, Conclusion

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 22:00:11 GMT

Join David, Tim, and Angelina for the conclusion of their conversation about Charles Portis' masterpiece, True Grit. Conversation touches on who the book's hero is, whether justice is served in the end, Rooster's tragic ending, and much more.

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True Grit, Part 6

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 17:13:55 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for the beginning of their conversation about Charles Portis' masterpiece, True Grit. Topics of conversation include the effects of the civil war on the characters in the book, the complicated character of Rooster Cogburn, the differences between Rooster and LeBeouf, and much more.

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True Grit, parts 4-5

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 18:31:40 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for the beginning of their conversation about Charles Portis' masterpiece, True Grit. Topics of conversation include whether Mattie is worth imitation, the humor in Rooster Cogburn, Mattie's infatuation with LaBeouf, and Charles Portis' light but skilled touch.

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True Grit, Parts 1-3

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 19:45:45 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for the beginning of their conversation about Charles Portis' masterpiece, True Grit. Topics of conversation include the place of the Western genre in American literature, True Grit's unique approach the Western protagonist, and much more. Plus, they chat about the next few books and the Literary Leading Ladies Bracket.

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Howards End Q&A

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 16:12:27 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for the conclusion of their conversation about E. M. Forster's Howards End as they answer a plethora of listener questions (and discuss this year's Close Reads' literature bracket). Topics include Tibby's role, Leonard's fate, what Forster means by "connection," and much, much more!

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Howards End, Chapters 37-44

Sat, 03 Mar 2018 03:07:01 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End. Topics of conversation include whether the ending is satisfying, Forster's preachiness, Margaret's threat to leave Henry, Henry's redemption, and much, much more.

If you like this show please consider supporting it on Patreon.

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Howards End, Chapters 31-36

Sat, 24 Feb 2018 04:54:14 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End. Topics of conversation include the ways place = character, whether Margaret was wrong to side with Helen over Henry, Margaret fighting for woman-kind, whether Henry deserves any sympathy, fallen sisters in literature, and much, much more.

PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains a brief discussion about Victorian perspectives on sex so please be discerning if your children are listening.

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Howards End, Chapters 26-30

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 19:47:38 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End. Topics of conversation include Margaret's response to Henry's past indiscretions, Helen's protection of the Basts, whether Henry is truly repentant, and much more!

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Howards End, Chapters 21-25

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 16:01:01 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End. Topics of conversation include the differences in liking and appreciating a good book, Romantic (big "R") literature and the Romantic period of art, whether Margaret is a true Romantic, and much more!

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Howards End, chapters 16-20

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 21:28:54 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End. Topics of conversation include the differences between Mr. Wilcox and Margaret, capital "R" Romance vs. lower-case "r" romance, Forster's energetic writing, the awkward Wilcox-Shlegel kiss, and much more.

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Howards End, Chapters 11-15

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 15:15:09 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel Howards End. Topics of conversation include whether this book is about anything, Forster's instance on keeping his characters at arms-length, an Angelina reversal, Margaret's affection for Mr. Wilcox, the Downton Abbey-ness of the story, and much more.

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Howards End: Chapters 6-10

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 18:55:22 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel Howards End. Topics of conversation include whether Mrs. Wilcox is meant to a type of a mystic character, the odd relationship between Mrs. Wilcox and Margaret, Leonard's strange chapter (and role in the book), and much, much more.

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Howards End, Chapters 1-5

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:30:15 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they kick off their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel Howards End. Topics of conversation include Angelina's secret sports-life, which Schlegel sister Tim and Angelina see most in themselves, 19th-century European politics, the Bloomsbury group that Forster was a part of, his interesting use of pace and voice, and much more.

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Reviewing 2017: The Year in Reading

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 20:41:09 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads, where David, Angelina, and Tim are discussing their 2017 in reading and their reading goals for 2018. Plus, Angelina gets ambushed by a special guest.

***

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The Twelfth Night Q&A Episode

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 18:34:07 GMT

Welcome back to Close Reads, where David, Angelina, and Tim are discussing listener questions about Twelfth Night. Topics include lots of talk about Feste, strong women in Shakespeare, whether the ending is satisfying, the alternate title, Shakespeare as political rabble-rouser, and, of course, some Christmas-themed banter.

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Twelfth Night: Act 5

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 18:42:05 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue to discuss William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Topics include where Twelfth Night belongs in Shakespeare's canon, the somewhat abrupt ending, the lack of change in the characters, the subtitle, and the poem that ends the play.

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#79: Twelfth Night, Act 4

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 17:02:20 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue to discuss William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Topics include Shakespeare's innovation (and subversion) of dramatic form, the Shakespearean authorship question and whether it matters, the way the shape of the stage comes alive in the play, and much more.

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#78: Twelfth Night ( Act 3)

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 14:47:37 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue to discuss William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Topics include Shakespeare's approach to structure, identity (and the motif of disguise), and comedic reversals. Plus, Tim tells another story about classroom hijinks.

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#77: Twelfth Night (Act 2)

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 15:09:30 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue conversation on William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Topics include the number of lines dedicated to the "foolish" characters, the nature of Soliloquy in Shakespeare, and much, much more.

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#76: Twelfth Night (Act 1)

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 04:40:29 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they kickoff conversation on William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Topics include different approaches to Shakespeare, Renaissance metaphors that are key in the play, and much, much more (this episode is long!).

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#75: Murder on the Orient Express: The Movie

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 05:39:42 GMT

It took a few takes (and some persistent in the face of tech issue), but Angelina, Tim, and David are back with another episode of Close Reads. This week they discuss Kenneth Branaugh's film adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.

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#74: Murder on the Orient Express Q&A

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 02:18:20 GMT

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for another episode of literary debate, witty banter, and all around frivolity as they answer several listener questions and debate the overall artistic quality of Agatha Christie's "masterpiece."

Topics includes (more on) justice, considering literary world's for their own sake, P.D. James take on Christie (and other mystery writers), the grandeur of red-leafed trees, and much more.

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#73: Murder on the Orient Express (part 3)

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 15:36:40 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads Angelina, Tim, and David discuss the finale of Agatha Christie's beloved mystery story, Murder on the Orient Express.

Topics include: The Great Candy Wars of 2017, the detective as a trope, the question of justice in the ending, Poirot's punting, Tim's inner struggle.

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#72: Murder on the Orient Express (part 2)

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 19:25:54 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads Angelina, Tim, and David discuss part two of Agatha Christie's beloved mystery story, Murder on the Orient Express.

Topics include: Some (fascinating) listener theories on the book, Poirot's approach and personality, the role of the reader in a good mystery, Tim shenanigans, and much more.

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#71: Murder on the Orient Express (part 1)

Sat, 21 Oct 2017 02:57:22 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads Angelina, Tim, and David kick off their discussion of Agatha's Christie classic mystery story, Murder on the Orient Express. This week they chat about part one. Topics include the way Christie plays with the form of the mystery story, Hercule Poirot's character, the nature of justice in the story, and MUCH more.

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#70: Gilead (ep. 8)

Sat, 07 Oct 2017 04:34:24 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Tim and David conclude their discussion of Marilynne Robinson's beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead. include whether Jack should have left town, whether Jack is a bad guy, and much, much more. This episode covers pages 215 through the end of the book.

***

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#69: Gilead (ep. 7)

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 03:56:26 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Marilynne Robinson's beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead. Topics include Angelina's strong feelings about the book (and David's pushback), whether Robinson misfired with the Boughton/Ames scene, and much more. This episode covers pages 188-215.

***

This episode is brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

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#68: Gilead (ep. 6)

Fri, 22 Sep 2017 20:30:25 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Marilynne Robinson's beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead. Topics include ways the parable of the prodigal son show up in the book, Jack Boughton's concerns about being "elect," rejection vs. restoration, Jack's loneliness, and much more. This episode covers pages 160-188.

***

This episode is brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast. Learn more at patreon.com/closereads.

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#67: Christine Perrin on Learning to Love Marilynne Robinson

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 20:34:38 GMT

On this bonus episode of Close Reads, David discusses Marilynne Robinson with poet, teacher, and speaker Christine Perrin, who explains why it took her a while to learn to love Gilead, why Lila is her "heart book," and much, much more.

***

This episode is brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

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#66: Gilead (ep. 5)

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 02:20:01 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Marilynne Robinson's beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead. Topics include how easy it is to focus on the wrong things when you read, the mystery of reading a book, the lack of a problem to be solved in this book, the Jack Boughton revelation, and much more. This episode covers pages 128-160.

***

This episode is brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

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#65: Gilead (ep. 4)

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 20:04:34 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Marilynne Robinson's beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead. Topics include all the baseball in the book, the mystery of Jack Boughton, the remembrance of sorrow, and much more. This episode covers pages 97-128.

***

This episode is brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

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#64: Gilead (ep. 3)

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 21:06:15 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim (from Aruba), and David continue their discussion of Marilynne Robinson's beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead. Topics include the book's lack of plot, the various father/son relationships, more conversation on theology and suffering, and more. This episode covers pages 68-97.

***

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

It's also brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

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#63: Gilead (ep. 2)

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 04:12:00 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina and David continue their discussion of Marilynne Robinson's beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead (while Tim vacations in Aruba). Topics include John Ames' observations of humanity, the goodness of growing old, contemplation of heaven (and the beauty of perishability), and more. This episode covers pages 37-68.

***

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

It's also brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

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#62: Gilead Kick-off Show

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 20:18:46 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David kick off their discussion of Marilynne Robinson's beloved, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead (2004). Topics include whether this is a sad book, a bit on Robinson's biography, John Ames's joy in the face of suffering, and more.

***

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

It's also brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

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#61: Brideshead Revisited Q&A

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 19:34:35 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, David, and Andrew conclude their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel Brideshead Revisited, answering listener questions.

Topics include:

The BBC miniseries and Jeremy Irons' audio book
The effect of Charles immaturity on his perspectives
Whether it's a true conversion story
Which characters display true faith
Symbolism and conversion
and much more

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

It's also brought to you by our good friends at New College Franklin. Set up a campus visit now!

***

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#60: Concluding Brideshead Revisited (LIVE EPISODE)

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:34:06 GMT

On this special LIVE episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, David, and their special guest conclude their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel Brideshead Revisited, focusing on the final chapters.

This episode was recorded at the 2017 CiRCE Conference.

Topics include:

The love story
Whether this story is tragedy
Whether people wanted Julia and Charles to stay together
The sign of the cross and aesthetic theology
The ongoing thread twitches
Listener comments
and much more

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

***

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#59: Brideshead Revisited, part 2, chapters 2-3

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 03:56:45 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, Brideshead Revisited, focusing on chapter 9.

Topics include:

Julia's prescience
Julia's guilty conscience
Bridey's strong words
Ryder's skepticism
and much more

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

***

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#58: Brideshead Revisited Chapter 9

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 02:13:16 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, Brideshead Revisited, focusing on chapter 9.

Topics include:

The interesting structure of the chapter
Celia's infedelity
Much more on perspective
The metaphor of the storm
Characters repeating patterns
Whether this first chapter where anything actually happens
and much more...

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

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#57: Brideshead Revisited chapter 8

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 14:43:22 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, Brideshead Revisited, focusing on chapter 7.

Topics include:

Getting to know Julia
Rex's ignorance
Why Charles is attracted to Julia
"Modern" education
Perspective and Waugh
and more...

This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, purveyors of Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization. Learn more here.

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

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Close Reads #56: Brideshead Revisited Chapter 7

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 18:19:48 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, Brideshead Revisited, focusing on chapter 7.

Topics include:

Getting to know Julia
Rex's ignorance
Why Charles is attracted to Julia
"Modern" education
Perspective and Waugh
and more...

This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, purveyors of Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization. Learn more here.

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#56: Brideshead Revisited Chapter 6

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 04:09:59 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, David, and a special guest continue their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, Brideshead Revisited, focusing on chapter 6.

Topics include:

The greatest sentence of the 20th century
What's wrong with Sebastian
Whether Sebastian's family is being fair
More on the aesthetic theology of the book
and much, much more...

This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, purveyors of Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization. Learn more here.

This episode is also brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

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#54: Brideshead Revisited Chapter 5

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 00:25:17 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, Brideshead Revisited, focusing on chapter 5.

Topics include:

Charles' father
Sebastian's malaise
The fate of young men during the era
Religion at Brideshead
More on the aesthetic theology of the book
and more...

This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, purveyors of Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization. Learn more here.

This episode is brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#53: Brideshead Revisited, Chapters 3-4

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 16:54:48 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, Brideshead Revisited, focusing on chapters 3-4.

Topics include:

Tim's upcoming vacation
A comparison of Charles family and Sebastian's family
Sebastian's faith and Charles lack thereof
Sebastian and Charles' youth and what it means
The aesthetic theology of the book
Aesthetics as a road to faith
and more...

It's also brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

***

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#53: Brideshead Revisited Chapters 1-2

Tue, 23 May 2017 14:42:20 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David kick off their discussion of Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, Brideshead Revisited, focusing on the prologue and chapters one and two.

Topics include:

First experiences with Waugh
Waugh's nostalgia
The prologue
The book's various juxtapositions
The sacred and the profane
The book's spiritual hauntings
3 key decaying institutions
and more...

This episode is brought to by our friends at Roman Roads Media, purveyors of the Old Western Culture series, featuring Wes Callihan.

It's also brought to you by Schole Academy from Classical Academic Press, featuring new literature courses taught by Close Reads co-star, Tim McIntosh.

***

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#52: Narnia Nostalgia

Tue, 16 May 2017 13:21:36 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David discuss C.S. Lewis's classic, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and it's victory in our Great Books Bracket this spring.

Topics include:

Why the Narnia stories have maintained their reputation for so long
The differences in reading it for the first time as a child as opposed to as an adult
Which Narnia book should be read first
Lewis's philosophies on reading
and more...

Plus, they kick the show off by discussing how to know if dislike of a book is because of the book itself or because of the reader.

This episode is brought to by our friends at Roman Roads Media, purveyors of the Old Western Culture series, featuring Wes Callihan.

***

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#51: O'Connor Q&A

Wed, 10 May 2017 17:22:32 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David conclude their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, by answering listener questions.

Topics include:

How O'Connor's contemporaries viewed her work
Angelina and Tim's Amazon-style reviews of O'Connor
Anagogical/allegorical reading
O'Connor's appeal to non-Christians
Rapid-fire questions

and much more...

***

This episode is brought to by our friends at Roman Roads Media, purveyors of the Old Western Culture series, featuring Wes Callihan.

***

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#50: Judgement Day

Tue, 02 May 2017 01:30:09 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, with "Judgement Day".

Topics include:

The next book we'll be reading on Close Reads
The complicated nature of this story
It's serious flaws
Comparing The Geranium with Judgement Day
Is it confusing on purpose or because of bad writing?
The weird glasses scene
The good and bad of the "southern code"
Coleman's wisdom and loyalty
Tanner's pride and bigotry

***

This episode is brought to by our friends at Roman Roads Media, purveyors of the Old Western Culture series, featuring Wes Callihan.

***

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#49: Parker's Back

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 20:13:39 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, with "Parker's Back".

Topics include:

The differences between "Parkers' Back" and her other work
The theatrical nature of the story
Parker's awe
The deeper meaning of the characters' actions
Reading Sarah Ruth
Parker's image (and its all-seeing eye)
Why O'Connor chose to use a Byzantine icon

***

This episode is brought to by our friends at Roman Roads Media, purveyors of the Old Western Culture series, featuring Wes Callihan.

***

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#48: "Revelation"

Mon, 17 Apr 2017 17:02:59 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, with "Revelation."

Topics include:

Whether this is a good story to use to introduce stuents to O'Connor
The racism of characters in the story
Mrs. Turpin's gradual openness
Mrs. Turpin's Christ-haunted-ness
Seeing ourselves in Mrs. Turpin
Judging Mrs. Turpin
Mrs. Turpin's avenging angel of judgment
Mrs. Turpin's mystical vision

***

This episode is brought to by our friends at Roman Roads Media, purveyors of the Old Western Culture series, featuring Wes Callihan.

***

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#47: The Lame Shall Enter First

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 20:55:34 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, with "The Lame Shall Enter First."

Topics include: whether this story is less grotesque, the clinical-ness of the prose, psychology vs spiritual in the story, whether Shepherd repents, O'Connor vs the enlightenment, Norton as Shepherd's mirror, Norton's loneliness, faith like a child, and O'Connor the smuggler

***

This episode is brought to by our friends at Roman Roads Media, purveyors of the Old Western Culture series, featuring Wes Callihan.

***

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#46: The Comforts of Home

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 19:18:15 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, with "The Comforts of Home."

Topics include: the theatrical nature of O'Connor's work, this story vs. the others in this collection, whether the mother is right to take an interest in Sarah, common critical readings that emphasize sexual tension, the opening paragraphs, Thomas as pharisee, the absence of dark grace, and more.

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#45: The Enduring Chill

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 00:56:14 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, with "The Enduring Chill."

Topics include: O'Connor's sense of humor, the autobiographical nature of the story, the meaning of the names, where Asbury's illness came from, the work of the Holy Spirit in the story, and much more.

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#44: Ralph Wood Talks O'Connor

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 22:26:38 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, David chats with Dr. Ralph Wood, author of Flannery O'Connor and the Christ-Haunted South, about Flannery O'Connor's reputation for grimness.

Topics include: When Dr. Wood heard O'Connor give a reading live in 1962, O'Connor's sense of humor, the scandalousness of the gospel in O'Connor's canon, Julian's mother in Everything That Rises Must Converge, A View of the Woods' lack of quality, and much, much more.

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#43: A View of the Woods

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 21:53:25 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, with "A View of the Woods."

Topics include: Whether Mary actually exists, Mary as mirror of her grandfather, O'Connor's mysterious use of pronouns, the battle between Fortune and Pitts, the story's comments on modernism, and the damnation of Fortune.

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#42: Greenleaf

Mon, 13 Mar 2017 19:11:33 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, with "Greenleaf."

Topics include: The romance of the bull, the bull as Christ-figure, O'Connor's commentary on Southern Christianity, sympathy for the Greenleafs, class differences in the story, Mrs. May's irreligion, Mrs. May's disdain for the bull, and the medieval theme of ecstasy in the story's ending.

PLEASE NOTE: STARTING AT ABOUT 49 MINUTES SOME THEMES THAT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN ARE DISCUSSED. PROCEED WITH CAUTION IF LISTENING WITH YOUR KIDS.

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#41: Everything That Rises Must Converge

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:48:48 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David begin their conversation on Flannery O'Connor's collection of stories, Everything That Rises Must Converge, beginning with the titular story.

Topics include: The 2017 Close Reads literature bracket, first experiences with O'Connor (18:10), O'Connor's "metaphysical realism" (26:40), story summary (37:11), the real racist in the story (41:50), the effect of coming home in O'Connor's work (51:40), the coin (62:45), the ambiguity of the end (70:00).

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#40: Murder Must Advertise Q&A

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 17:35:37 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David answer listener questions about Dorothy Sayers' classic mystery novel, Murder Must Advertise, one of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories.

Topics include: More on how to say "Sayers", Wimsey vs Darcy (12:20), Miss Meteyard as representative of Sayers (19:25), Current states of mystery stories (21:55), Says on good Christian art (38:55), Wimsey's sorrow at the end of the book (51:40), and what Sayers to read next (57:00).

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Here's the article referenced in the episode.

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#39: Murder Must Advertise, chapters 17-21

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 22:01:12 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David conclude their ongoing discussion of Dorothy Sayers' classic mystery novel, Murder Must Advertise, one of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories.

Topics include: Who else the murderer could have been (6:45), whether Justice was served in the end (14:00), whether Wimsey was actually a good detective in this book (36:30), Tallboy's possible redemption (45:00), and the book we'll read next on the show.

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#38: Murder Must Advertise, Chapters 13-16

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 21:15:33 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their ongoing discussion of Dorothy Sayers' classic mystery novel, Murder Must Advertise, one of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories.

Topics include: Comparisons between this book, Netflix's The Crown, and BBC's Downton Abbey; class issues between characters; the lack of appeal in the evil in the book; the slow burn tensions; and how Greek (the language) can help us pronounce "Death Bredon."

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#37: Murder Must Advertise, Chapters 9-12

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 22:24:47 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their ongoing discussion of Dorothy Sayers' classic mystery novel, Murder Must Advertise, one of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories.

Topics include: Why Tim isn't overly excited about this book, what about it people most like, the modernism of the prose, the various jumping perspectives, and the theme of phantasms.

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#36: Murder Must Advertise, Chapters 5-8

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 21:45:13 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their ongoing discussion of Dorothy Sayers' classic mystery novel, Murder Must Advertise, one of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories.

Topics include: How to say "Death Bredon," how Sayers ups the stakes and tension in these chapters, the role of young Ginger Joe, Lord Peter as Bertie Wooster, and similarities with Brave New World.

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#35: Murder Must Advertise, Chapters 1-4

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:20:36 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David continue their ongoing discussion of Dorothy Sayer's classic mystery novel, Murder Must Advertise, one of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories.

Topics include: the anxiety and cultural malaise of post-WWI Europe, the liturgy of the mystery story, why Angelina loves Lord Peter Wimsey more than Mr. Darcy, Sayers/Wodehouse comparisons, the in-media-res start of the book, and the nature of the advertising in the book.

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Close Reads #34: Introducing Murder Must Advertise

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 22:26:55 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Angelina, Tim, and David kick off their ongoing discussion of Dorothy Sayer's classic mystery novel, Murder Must Advertise, one of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories.

Topics include: The value of mystery stories as literature, Lord Peter vs Sherlock Holmes, Dorothy Sayers biography, and Sayers' rules of mystery writing.

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Close Reads #33: Recapping a Year in Reading

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 20:02:42 GMT

On this episode of Close Reads, Tim, Angelina, and David discuss some of the books that excited them most in 2016.

Titles include a difficult Great Book, a fantastical novel about a runaway slave, and several books of culture criticism.

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