Ever thought of how life's daily rhythms, the ordinary, and the mundane could be a mesmerizing tale? Well, that's quite the reality we experience in Wendell Berry's book 'A Place on Earth'. This episode takes a profound dive into the ordinary lives outlined by Berry, likening it to a reality show or a 'Seinfeld without jokes'. Join us as we unravel how the characters, while not engaged in grand plans, expose their clear motives and desires through everyday humdrum. Our conversation doe...

Are you prepared to plunge into the intricate world of Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic, The Brothers Karamazov? Brace yourself as we, along with our guest Rhonda, navigate the existential labyrinth that is this timeless narrative. Fascinated by the exploration of family dynamics, redemption, and the quintessential Russian brotherhood? This episode promises to enrich your reading experience by providing new insights into the novel's pivotal father-son relationships. As we journey further, we delv...

Ever wondered how time travel in literature could be annoying? Brace yourself as we traverse the wild ride of Kurt Vonnegut's semi-autobiographical, anti-war novel, Slaughter House 5. It combines historical fiction, science fiction, autobiography, and satire in an account of the life of Billy Pilgrim, a barber’s son turned draftee turned optometrist turned alien abductee.

Ready to unwrap the tangled dynamics of Edward Albee's electrifying play 'Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'? Brace yourself for a tantalizing journey into the world of George and Martha, Nick and Honey, as we pull back the curtain on their intricate relationships. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone who loves unearthing powerful themes in literature as we dig into the play’s rich exploration of the American Dream and the intricate workings of couples' psychology. What does this ...

Father Gaetano faces a difficult task: The horrors the children have witnessed and the grievous losses they have suffered have hardened their hearts to any talk of God's mercy. He must find some way to get through to them. An abandoned puppet theater in the church's basement provides the answer he seeks, or seems to. At least until the puppets ...

What if the world as we knew it was ending, and all we could do was carry on with our daily tasks and routines? Welcome to our lively discussion on Ruman Alam's 'Leave The World Behind', a thrilling tale of a family's vacation in the Hamptons turning into a peculiar series of apocalyptic events. We unravel the surreal narrative, from the sudden deer migration to flamingos drinking from the pool, and ponder the way mundane tasks are used as a coping mechanism for impending disaster. Also, we t...

This description makes us sound really smart!! Join us (Matt and Ellen) as we wonder if societal pressures and public shaming, as portrayed in Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic, 'The Scarlet Letter', still resonate in today's digital age? This episode guides you through an eye-opening journey into the heart of this enduring novel. We'll navigate the puritan culture, the symbolic significance of the red letter, and the riveting conflict between the minister and Hester Prynne, the woman who v...

Befriending an AI may have once been a futuristic tale, as told in Clara and the Sun...but today that's not off the table! Don't miss this exploration of a story that cleverly uses an AI character to shed light on the human condition. But that's not all! We share our thoughts on a delightful book recommended by a librarian, and play around with the idea of inviting her to our show for some bookish banter. Now, would you dare to pretend having read a book? Test your storytelling skills t...

Join me and Ellen as I share my experience of not only listening to the audiobook, but also my unique connection to Gary Sinise, the narrator. Our journey takes us through the heart of America, as we dive into Steinbeck's desire to reconnect with reality after finding success and moving to New York. We'll discuss the uncertain length of his cross-country road trip, the 2010 attempt to recreate his route using his notes, and the possibility that some of the dialogue in the book was fabr...

Ever tried reading a book while eating pizza with floppy hands? Join us on this wild ride as we navigate the world of literature, specifically Herman Hesse's masterpiece, Siddhartha. Listen to the fascinating life of Hesse, who not only survived the First World War but also stood firmly against nationalism as a writer, painter, and poet. On this journey, we explore the protagonist's quest for truth and fulfillment, from tradition and religion to love and business. Siddhartha remains a timele...

Matt and Katie review The Cold Millions by Jess Walter.

Matt and Morgan review The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien.

Matt and Rhonda review Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.