S6 E9: Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything by James Gleick
Welcome to The Book Dialogue, where thoughtful reading meets lively conversation.
In this episode, we dive into Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything by James Gleick, bestselling author of Genius and Chaos. With his signature wit and clarity, Gleick invites us to explore what it means to live in an age defined by speed.
“When every moment is measured, time seems to vanish.” James Gleick, Faster
We’ve entered what he calls the “epoch of the nanosecond”—a world where time-saving devices multiply and yet somehow, we feel we have less and less time. Hurry sickness, microwave moments, and the quiet erosion of simple pleasures all come under the microscope.
Sarah brings her brilliant perspective to this conversation, offering a thoughtful lens on how Gleick’s insights connect to our everyday lives—how we eat, relate, love, and slow down (or don’t).
Whether you’ve read Faster or are simply feeling the rush of modern life, we invite you to pause with us for a while. Take a deep breath, settle in, and listen. The pace may be accelerating, but here, reflection still matters.
It seems that we are in a rush without knowing why—saving seconds only to lose whole seasons.
Thank you for listening in,
Sarah and Rebecca
Music by Epidemic Sound
Solitude in Motion By Golden Age Radio
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/L1wFapK56R/
S6 E8: Celebrating Helen Hoyt: A Summer Conversation between Sarah and Rebecca
It was a golden afternoon in the heart of summer when we met to celebrate a quiet but powerful voice in American poetry—Helen Hoyt. As sisters and co-hosts of The Book Dialogue, we’ve often found ourselves drawn to poets who speak across time, whose words seem to reach out and take our hands. Helen Hoyt is one of those voices.
Our connection began months earlier on Rebecca’s Reading Room, where we recorded a joint recitation of Annunciation—a poem that shimmered with quiet awe and grace. That reading opened a door into Helen’s poetic world, one marked by restraint, dignity, and deep interior vision.
What followed was something we never expected.
Rebecca received a handwritten letter from Helen Hoyt’s granddaughter, Lulii Lyman, who had listened to our reading. Enclosed with her note was a rare copy of A Girl in the City, a collection of Hoyt’s poems written between 1912 and 1919 during her years in Chicago, and published decades later in 1970. Lulii’s words have stayed with us.
“Rebecca, I know my Grandmother would love for you to have one of her poetry books. She would also appreciate that you have kept her name and writings alive. Love, Lulii.”
That generous act became the seed of a new conversation. On a sunlit day, we gathered again—this time to read Ellis Park, one of the poems from A Girl in the City. It was a deeply personal moment for Rebecca. She was living in Edmonton at the same age Helen was when she wrote this poem, and she found herself walking the same emotional terrain described in the poem. Helen’s voice, so clear and interior, mirrored feelings Remember remembered from that time in her life.
Our conversation, captured in this latest episode of The Book Dialogue, is not only about poetry—it’s about memory, legacy, and the invisible threads that connect us across generations and geography.
This post marks the beginning of a new series where we’ll continue to explore Helen Hoyt’s work. Through her poems, we are reminded that even quiet voices carry forward, shaping lives and lighting paths long after they are written.
Stay tuned for more reflections and episodes. We are honoured to walk alongside Helen Hoyt’s voice, one poem at a time.
Ellis Park
Little park that I pass through,
I carry off a piece of you
Every morning hurrying down
To my work-day in the town;
Carry you for country there
To make the city ways more fair.
I take your trees,
And your breeze,
Your greenness,
Your cleanness,
Some of your shade, some of your sky,
Some of your calm as I go by;
Your flowers to trim
The pavements grim;
Your space for room in the jostled street
And grass for carpet to my feet.
Your fountains take and sweet bird calls
To sing me from my office walls.
All that I can see
I carry off with me.
But you never miss my theft,
So much treasure you have left.
As I find you, fresh at morning,
So I find you, home returning —
Nothing lacking from your grace.
All your riches wait in place
For me to borrow
On the morrow.
Do you hear this praise of you,
Little park that I pass through?
Sarah & Rebecca
Music by Epidemic Sound
Our New Home By Sleeping Vines
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/ReJuTi457q/
Smell of Morning Coffee By Franz Gordon https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/f1gXJ8DevC/
S6 E7: Sarah and Rebecca on Exploring the Depths of Poetry
Welcome to another episode of The Book Dialogue Podcast!
Poetry, with its rhythmic cadences and vivid imagery, speaks to the very essence of human experience. It captures our joys, sorrows, hopes, and dreams. When we read poetic words, we are moving beyond absorbing text. We are being energized by a melody of emotions, a symphony of thoughts that resonate deep within our souls.
Join us as we share two favorite poems and explore the layers of meaning that make poetry a captivating force in our lives. From the delicate whispers of nature to the loud echoes of our inner battles, poetry weaves the fabric of our shared human story. How easy it is to get lost in the beauty and depth that poetic words provide. In so doing, we find a little piece of ourselves along the way.
Sarah & Rebecca
A Grain of Sand
by Robert W Service
If starry space no limit knows
And sun succeeds to sun,
There is no reason to suppose
Our earth the only one.
‘Mid countless constellations cast
A million worlds may be,
With each a God to bless or blast
And steer to destiny.
Just think! A million gods or so
To guide each vital stream,
With over all to boss the show
A Deity supreme.
Such magnitudes oppress my mind;
From cosmic space it swings;
So ultimately glad to find
Relief in little things.
For look! Within my hollow hand,
While round the earth careens,
I hold a single grain of sand
And wonder what it means.
Ah! If I had the eyes to see,
And brain to understand,
I think Life’s mystery might be
Solved in this grain of sand.
April Song
by Sara Teasdale
Willow in your April gown
Delicate and gleaming,
Do you mind in years gone by
All my dreaming?
Spring was like a call to me
That I could not answer,
I was chained to loneliness,
I, the dancer.
Willow, twinkling in the sun,
Still your leaves and hear me,
I can answer spring at last,
Love is near me!
Music by Epidemic Sound
“In This Moment” by Gavin Luke
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/dzkDVIYmbC/
“We Live On” by Gavin Luke
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/etnNrkEl7I/
S6 E6: Embrace the Magic: Why Fantasy Literature Inspires Us
Welcome to our latest discussion on The Book Dialogue where we dive into the enchanting world of fantasy! From mystical realms filled with dragons and wizards to epic quests that captivate the imagination, fantasy literature and media have a remarkable way of transporting us to extraordinary places.
Reading fantasy offers a unique escape from reality, allowing us to venture into worlds where the impossible becomes possible. This genre stimulates our imagination, encouraging creativity and critical thinking as we navigate complex narratives filled with rich characters and intricate storylines.
Fantasy often addresses universal themes such as good versus evil, friendship, and personal growth, which resonate deeply with our own experiences and struggles. By immersing ourselves in fantastical tales, we not only find solace and adventure but also gain new perspectives on our lives and the world around us.
In the end, fantasy literature expands our understanding of what it means to be human, making it a vital addition to our reading repertoire.
Thank you for joining us on The Book Dialogue,
Sarah and Rebecca
“Faërie contains many things besides elves and fays, and besides dwarfs, witches, trolls, giants, or dragons; it holds the seas, the sun, the moon, the sky; and the earth, and all things that are in it: tree and bird, water and stone, wine and bread, and ourselves, mortal men, when we are enchanted.” J.R.R. TOLKIEN, TOLKIEN ON FAIRY-STORIES
Music by Epidemic Sound
Reunited We'll Prevail By Kikoru
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/GP9JmaEeQ3/
S6 E5: Sarah and Rebecca are in the Studio
Welcome to The Book Dialogue Video Podcast!
We are thrilled to welcome you to The Book Dialogue “Studio”. We are now embracing a vibrant new chapter as we launch our video podcast series! This initiative enhances our commitment to bringing you deeper insights into the world of literature.
In each episode, we will explore the pages of our favourite books and engage in meaningful conversations about our reading adventures. Our hope is to illuminate the unique perspectives that make books a profound part of our lives.
Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to our community, we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the visual journey as we celebrate the power of books. Thank you for tuning in to The Book Dialogue podcast, where every book tells a story, and every dialogue opens new horizons!
Sarah and Rebecca
Music by Epidemic Sound
We Need Air By Sleeping Vines
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/8Bbwx1vMdK/
S6 E4: Reading Helen Hoyt, Poet and Visionary
Sarah and Rebecca invite you to join them as they explore the poetry of Helen Hoyt through her poem Annunciation.
Poet Helen Hoyt (1887-1972), born in Norwalk, Connecticut, was the daughter of former Pennsylvania governor Henry Hoyt. Educated at Barnard College, she lived in Chicago and worked as an associate editor for Poetry. In 1916, she edited an issue of Others: A Magazine of the New Verse, an American literary magazine founded by Alfred Kreymborg in July 1915.
As editor of the 1916 issue, Hoyt addressed her interest in poetry as a space for women’s voices: “At present most of what we know, or think we know, of women has been found out by men. We have yet to hear what woman will tell of herself, and where can she tell more intimately than in poetry?”
Helen Hoyt‘s poetry spoke of gender, the body, and nature. She married William Whittingham Lyman Jr, a writer and academic, primarily in the field of Celtic studies, and moved to St. Helena, California, where she spent her later years. She was the aunt of poet Elinor (Hoyt) Wylie who wrote “Velvet Shoes”.
Helen Hoyt's poetry provides a unique window into the early 20th century, capturing the spirit of social change and the burgeoning feminist movement. Her work is characterized by its intimate and personal tone, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for individual identity.
Reading Helen Hoyt allows us to connect with a pivotal era and gain insight into the experiences of women navigating a rapidly changing world. Her poems offer a blend of emotional depth and intellectual engagement, making them both accessible and thought-provoking.
Helen Hoyt’s contribution to American literature deserves recognition, and her poetry continues to resonate with contemporary readers interested in exploring the complexities of human experience.
Recitation by Sarah Ahmadi & Rebecca Budd
Photography by Rebecca Budd#TheBookDialogue
Music by Storm “Vintergartan” https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/pomymHDcWb/
S6 E3: Should We Journal?
Welcome to The Book Dialogue
Thank you for listening in!
Welcome to another episode of The Book Dialogue! Today, we’re diving into a topic that has sparked much debate among creatives and thinkers alike: Should we journal?
Join us as we explore the transformative practice of journaling and its potential benefits for personal and creative growth. We’ll be referencing influential works, including Julia Cameron’s bestselling book, The Artist’s Way, which emphasizes the importance of nurturing one’s creative self through morning pages—an exercise that encourages free-flow writing to unlock inner thoughts.
We’ll also discuss Ryder Carroll’s The Bullet Journal Method, a system designed to help you organize your thoughts, tasks, and reflections in a way that promotes clarity and focus.
Whether you’re a seasoned journaling enthusiast or someone curious about starting, this episode will provide insights, tips, and inspiration to help you decide if journaling is the right practice for you.
So, grab your pens and notebooks and join us as we discuss the question: Should we journal?
Sarah & Rebecca
Music by Epidemic Sound
Building Bridges by Table Etiquette https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/dNRGleu5Mg/
S6 E2: How Should One Read a Book by Virginia Woolf
Welcome to The Book Dialogue
Thank you for listening in!
We are excited to share our conversation on Virginia Woolf’s thought-provoking article, “How should one read a book.” We explore her perspective on the reading process, highlighting the transformative nature of engaging deeply with literature. Virginia Woolf highlights the interplay between reader and text and the emotional resonance of connecting with the writer.
Virginia Woolf reminds us that reading is a multifaceted experience that goes beyond mere comprehension. She prompts us to appreciate the beauty of language and the depth of thought that literature can offer.
This is your invitation to join us in considering the complexities of reading and the profound connections that can be forged through the written word.
Sarah & Rebecca
Music by Epidemic Sound
"Trying to Remember" By Riverworn
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Ly6rKyNehY/
S6 E1: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
Welcome to 2025!! We are thrilled that you joined us for another season of The Book Dialogue.
The World Moves Fast: Finding Your Inner Peace
Welcome to a new episode of our podcast, where today we’ll be diving into the calming and insightful world of Haemin Sunim’s acclaimed book, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down. Join us as we explore the profound wisdom embedded within Sunim’s teachings. In a society that often prioritizes speed and efficiency over mindfulness and reflection, this episode serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of slowing down to appreciate the present moment.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. However, The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim reminds us that we don’t have to rush through life. Sunim, a bestselling author and Buddhist meditation teacher, offers gentle insights drawn from his experiences in both Korea and the United States. If you’re seeking clarity amidst chaos, this book provides a nurturing path toward inner peace, urging us to embrace the present and find solace in simplicity.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery and reflection around the beautiful messages found in The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down.
Sarah & Rebecca
Music by Epidemic Sound
Studio A by Table Etiquette https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/h0HVR91m7K/
S5 E4: The Book of Eels by Patrik Svensson
Welcome to The Book Dialogue!
Thank you for listening in!
Join us today as we discuss The Book of Eels by Patrik Svensson. Sarah is excited to share her thoughts on reading about eels, one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures.
Patrik Svensson’s profound exploration of eels invites us to draw parallels to our own existential inquiries. As he eloquently states, “When I held them in my hands and tried to look into their eyes, I was close to something that transcended the limits of the known universe.” Through his narrative, we’ll uncover the mysteries surrounding these elusive beings while reflecting on the universal questions of identity and purpose.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of nature writing or new to the genre, this discussion promises to engage and inspire.
So, grab your headphones, and let’s plunge into the world of The Book of Eels!
Sarah and Rebecca
"We all came from the sea once, and therefore anyone wishing to understand life on this planet has to first understand the sea.” Patrik Svensson, The Book of Eels: Our Enduring Fascination with the Most Mysterious Creature in the Natural World
Music by Epidemic Sound
"The Grassland" By Trevor Kowalski
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/3Qas3rA0I2/
S5 E3: 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
Welcome to the Book Dialogue
Thank you for listening in!
Welcome to another episode of the Book Dialogue Podcast! We are travelling virtually with Alexander McCall Smith to the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. The address is 44 Scotland Street, home to a vibrant array of characters living in a townhouse that serves as a microcosm of society. With its rich tapestry of interactions and quirky personalities, Alexander McCall Smith invites us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the randomness of life.
Closing Thoughts
As we wrap up this episode of the Book Dialogue Podcast, we hope you've enjoyed our journey through the charming streets of Edinburgh and the delightful world of 44 Scotland Street.
Thank you for joining us today! We encourage you to explore Alexander McCall Smith's work. Layers of humour, warmth, and insight await you. Until next time, keep reading, keep reflecting, and remember—there's always a new story waiting to unfold. Safe travels in your literary adventures!
Thank you for being a part of our community.
Sarah & Rebecca
Music by Epidemic Sound
“Flowers in the Garden” By Cercles Nouvelles
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/6zlqB43d8P/
S5 E2: Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
Welcome to The Book Dialogue.
Thank you for listening in!
Leonardo da Vinci's multifaceted genius continues to inspire audiences centuries after his time. In this podcast conversation, Sarah discusses Walter Isaacson's book on the legendary artist, scientist, and thinker. She candidly shares the profound takeaways from Walter Isaacson's book that has deeply resonated with her and influenced her life. Tune in to gain insight into how Leonardo da Vinci's legacy has impacted Sarah's perspective and approach to creativity, innovation, and life itself.
Thank You for Listening In!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for joining us on The Book Dialogue! Walter Isaacson's illuminating work, "Leonardo da Vinci" is a compelling read. We hope you found inspiration and insight in our discussion about the enduring legacy of such a multifaceted genius. Your presence and engagement make these conversations truly special. Thank you for being a part of our community.
Sarah & Rebecca
S5 E1: Sarah & Rebecca on Poetry Welcome to the Book Dialogue!
Thank you for listening in.
A few weeks ago, my sister, Rebecca, and I embarked on a memorable journey to the picturesque city of Victoria, B.C. The charming ambience and scenic beauty of this destination provided the perfect backdrop for heartfelt discussions on poetry. As we strolled through the quaint streets and soaked in the tranquil atmosphere, we found ourselves delving into the world of verse, sharing our favorite poems and reflecting on the power of words. Our enriching experience in Victoria, B.C. was truly elevated by the beauty of poetry intertwining with the beauty of our surroundings.
We invite you to join us on a sunny spring day to recite the poetry of Sara Teasdale and Emily Dickinson! Their evocative verses beautifully hold the essence of this special season.
Sarah
Music by Epidemic Sound
Gavin Luke "All That You Will Be" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/PbIHP0zsMX/
S4 E13: Sarah’s Musings on Katherine Mansfield and her poem, “The Meeting”.
The Meeting by Katherine Mansfield
We started speaking,
Looked at each other, then turned away.
The tears kept rising to my eyes.
But I could not weep.
I wanted to take your hand
But my hand trembled.
You kept counting the days
Before we should meet again.
But both of us felt in our hearts
That we parted for ever and ever.
The ticking of the little clock filled the quiet room.
"Listen," I said. "It is so loud,
Like a horse galloping on a lonely road,
As loud as a horse galloping past in the night."
You shut me up in your arms.
But the sound of the clock stifled our hearts' beating.
You said, "I cannot go: all that is living of me
Is here for ever and ever."
Then you went.
The world changed. The sound of the clock grew fainter,
Dwindled away, became a minute thing.
I whispered in the darkness. "If it stops, I shall die."
Voice by Sarah Ahmadi
Photography by Rebecca Budd
Music by Sight of Wonders “A Shade of Steam” Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com/track/eU5T5zuehK/
S4 E12: Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson
Welcome to The Book Dialogue!
Thank you for listening in!
Sarah and Rebecca take you into the fascinating world of Thomas Erikson’s book, “Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life) “.
Thomas Erikson is a communication expert and bestselling author. Surrounded by Idiots is a revolutionary book that delves into the challenges of understanding and connecting with different personality types. With over 1.5 million copies sold worldwide, this international phenomenon offers valuable insights and a practical method for improving communication.
Erikson shares his personal experiences of a disastrous meeting with a successful entrepreneur who believed he was “surrounded by idiots.” This encounter prompted Erikson to embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of human behavior and discover why we struggle to connect with certain individuals.
Until next time we meet, keep reading and join us again for another book discussion on The Book Dialogue! Music by Mid Knight "Chilling in the Sun" Epidemic Soung https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/Q4jNu5ml9Y/
S4 E11: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Welcome to the Book Dialogue!
Thank you for listening in!
Join Sarah and Rebecca for a captivating discussion on “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion. In this thought-provoking book, Joan Didion takes us on a deeply personal journey through grief and loss, grappling with the sudden death of her husband and the grave illness of her daughter.
Joan Didion’s courageous exploration of grief is compelling. She uses storytelling to highlight the universal nature of grief and the human instinct to find meaning in tragedy, drawing parallels and sharing anecdotes from her first year of living without her husband.
“We are not idealized wild things.
We are imperfect mortal beings, aware of that mortality even as we push it away, failed by our very complication, so wired that when we mourn our losses we also mourn, for better or for worse, ourselves. As we were. As we are no longer. As we will one day not be at all.” JOAN DIDION, THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING
Music by Claude Signet "A Love That Once Belonged" Epidemic Sound
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/LheuAHImwW/
S4 E10: Learning French, Reading French
Welcome to The Book Dialogue. Thank you for listening in!
Join Sarah and Rebecca in a discussion of reading a book in a second language.
Reading books in the language that they were written allows a reader to fully experience the author’s intended meaning and style. Translations can often lose the nuances and cultural references that are present in the original language.
Sarah and Rebecca believe that learning a second language improves our language skills, provides a deeper connection to the author and subject matter, and enhances our understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the language.
Music by Trabant 33 "Paris in Spring" Epidemic Sound
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/YkFrBEAsCj/
S4 E9: Metropolitan Stories: A Novel by Christine Coulson
Thank you for listening in!
Today, Rebecca will be sharing her thoughts on Metropolitan Stories: A Novel by Christine Coulson Metropolitan Stories: A Novel by Christine Coulson is a captivating read that will transport you into the world of the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art. The author’s background working at the museum comes through in the vivid imagery and whimsical characters. The stories are interconnected and provide glimpses into the museum’s history and culture. Christine Coulson’s writing style is elegant and atmospheric, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. Overall, this novel is highly recommended to anyone who loves art, history, or simply a good story. Rebecca has it on her “to read again” stack of books.
We would love to hear your thoughts.
Thank you for joining us on The Book Dialogue.
Sarah & Rebecca
Music by Epidemic Sound:
L.M. Styles "Wait on You (Instrumental Version)" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/KDFiOzAlqs/
Bonne Fields "Mother's Mother" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/KAc5WqxiZE/
S4 E8: Books, Movies and Perceptions Welcome to The Book Dialogue!
Thank you for listening in!
In today's episode, Sarah and Rebecca discuss the influence of the books we read, the movies we watch, and the stories we hear.
This conversation explores the relationship between books and movies and how they shape our perceptions of the world around us. So sit back, relax and become involved in the discussion.
Music by The Fly Guy Five "Extra Fries" https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/LFmOjKTPLo/
S4 E7: Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw
Young adult books are essential for beginning a life-long journey of reading.
“You are both daring and unscrupulous, and you think fast. I have been looking for a person with those particular characteristics. Also I noticed you speak Babylonian.” Eloise Jarvis McGraw, Mara, Daughter of the Nile
Young adult books provide relatable characters and situations that resonate with readers in this age group. These books often address important issues such as identity, relationships, and personal growth, which can help young adults navigate their own experiences. These books are written in a way that is accessible and engaging, making them an ideal starting point for those who are new to reading or looking to develop their reading and critical thinking skills.
Join Sarah and Rebecca as they travel back in time to Ancient Egypt to discuss the books that started their love of reading.
“…The queen’s mocking laughter cut in. “This is your treasure, Lord Sheftu?”
“Aye. The greatest treasure in Egypt—a maid whose loyalty cannot be bought. Whatever bargain we make, Daughter of the Sun, must include her freedom.” Eloise Jarvis McGraw, Mara, Daughter of the Nile
Music by Sights of Wonder #EpidemicSound
"Egypt Calling" www.epidemicsound.com/track/TWXNESmrL1/
"Egyptology" www.epidemicsound.com/track/S8xAaqeWAN/
