A Well Read Life

I hope you're enjoying the early days of summer. Today, I'm sharing the delightful, heartwarming story of Hickory by Palmer Brown. It is a new-to-me book, but it has quickly become a well-loved classic in our home. 

Today, I'm tackling one of the most well-known and beloved fairy tales of all time in its original form, Beauty and the Beast. Written in the 18th century by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, much of the story will be familiar, but this version has many unexpected twists and turns. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by it. 

Once again, I'm continuing down the fairy tale rabbit hole. Today, I'm sharing about Snow White. It is a new-to-me version retold by the irreplaceable Joan Aiken, with lovely illustrations by Belinda Downes. And I credit it with changing my view of the story.

I'm out of town traveling this week and next--so look for a new episode the first week of April. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this beautiful weather and a good book!

Recently, I sat down and had a bookish conversation with Brittany Cuenin. Brittany is also a keen lover of children's literature and fairy tales, and when I found that out, I knew I had to have her on the show. I had so much fun talking with Brittany about all things fairy tales, and I hope you enjoy it as well. Brittany's Blog: Tales of a Bookworm

It's been a while since I've featured a fairy tale on the podcast, but I've wanted to do another series on them for some time. Recently, I've enjoyed re-immersing myself in the world of fairy stories, and I hope you'll join me on this adventure. Today, I'm starting with Hans Christian Anderson's beautiful fairy tale, The Nightingale.   Books mentioned in this episode: The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Anderson (affiliate link) Tending the Heart of Virtue On Stories On Fairy-stories

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless children (and adults). Most recently, Lewis's magical story has enthralled my daughter. Because of her love of the story, I re-read the beautiful classic and share it with you today.

Welcome back! It's been far too long since my last podcast. I'm so happy to be back with you in the new year. Today, I'm sharing a letter that my mom wrote years ago. A letter I've affectionately named Ode to a Used Book. Enjoy!

I'm starting the Advent season with a lovely book by Elizabeth Goudge, Sister of the Angels. It is a book that will delight and enchant you. And one which will cause you to contemplate this season of waiting more profoundly. Sister of the Angels- Girls Gone by Publishers

I am back after an unintended multi-month break. (Thank you for your patience in my absence.) Today, I'm sharing the children's classic Heidi by Johanna Spyri. It's a dear book. If you haven't read it, I hope you will soon.

Today, I'm welcoming back the wonderful Whitney Boroski to the podcast. Whitney joins me to discuss the Olive Ann Burns southern classic novel, Cold Sassy Tree. You won't want to miss the fun we have sharing this book!

Today, Mae Sullens joins me on the podcast. Mae is a bookseller at The Story Shop, a wonderful children's bookstore. In today's episode, Mae shares the joys of working at an independent bookstore and her favorite classic literature. It was a delightful conversation, and I can't wait for you to join in.

Today, I'm sharing the second part of my interview with Danny Delgado of Stick Man Reads. Danny and I discuss family book clubs and book recommendations for boys. It was such a fun conversation, and I can't wait to share it with you. Danny's Website Danny's YouTube Help the Fellas Out

Today I have Danny Delgado on the podcast. Danny is a self-described reading hypeman, and when you listen today, you will understand why. Danny's passion for reading and reading aloud is unparalleled, and we had so much fun talking all things books. Danny's website Danny's Youtube Help the Fellas Out Article Tips on How to Select Books to Read to Kids Article

You may be familiar with the story of the Von Trapp family from the 1960s musical The Sound of Music. Today I'm sharing about the book that inspired the movie, The Story of the Von Trapp Family Singers. It is a story of sacrifice, love, and beautiful music. I adore this book. I hope you will join me in reading it.  

Today I'm joined by my dear friend and kindred spirit, Olga Pyshnyak-Lawrence. Recently, I invited Olga to the podcast to talk about the first two books in the Anne of Green Gables series. We're both huge fans of the series and had so much fun revisiting the books together. Olga's Etsy Shop Olga's Blog Olga's Books: Out of the Wilderness: My Journey to the Land Called Heaven An Everyday Mama Finds a Passionate Life Living an Empowered Life Personally and Professionally

Today my dear friend Kristyn Boyett joins me to discuss Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte's classic gothic novel. Kristyn loves the story of Jane Eyre (she reads it every year), and she has such beautiful insight into the story and characters. We discuss ways Jane's character and virtue can inspire us, our like (or dislike) of Mr. Rochester, and the infamous plot twist. It was a delightful conversation that gave me new respect for the novel. I can't wait for you to listen in!    

I am thrilled to welcome Rachel Atkinson back to the podcast. Today we're talking all things motherhood and reading. We talk about prioritizing what to read, the power of a good book club, and the bonding power of good books. We also share a few of our favorite books for fun. It was a delight, as always, to have Rachel join me, and I can't wait for you to listen.

Forbidden love. Family honor. Devotion to God. Temptation of the flesh. All are themes in H.F.M. Prescott's medieval epic, The Son of Dust. Join me today for the second conversation of this classic novel rife with the foibles of human nature.  

Forbidden love. Family honor. Devotion to God. Temptation of the flesh. All are themes in H.F.M. Prescott's medieval epic, The Son of Dust. Join me today for an introduction to this classic novel rife with the foibles of human nature.

Today my friend Julia Seymour joins me to continue the conversation on Far From the Madding Crowd. We discuss how our love of the story has grown with each reading, our mutual love of Gabriel Oak, and our newfound respect for Thomas Hardy's writing. My conversation with Julia was an absolute delight, and I can't wait to share it with you!   Bookshop.org affiliate link to books mentioned in the episode: Far From the Madding Crowd Vanity Fair One Day in the Life of Ivan Denosivich Pan Tadeusz Atomic Habits

I've recently re-read one of my favorite books of the last twenty years, Far From the Madding Crowd. I have to admit that I started reading it with some trepidation. Would I love it as much this time as the last? I am happy to report that I loved it as much, if not more, on this reading. Join me as I introduce part one of this sweeping, tragic romantic classic. Bookshop.org affiliate link to today's book: Far From the Madding Crowd

If you've listened to the podcast for a while, you know that Elizabeth Goudge is one of my favorite writers. Her writing is so peaceful and calming. So, you may not be surprised that I'm featuring one of her books again on the podcast. Today I have my friend Whitney Boroski on the podcast to talk about The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge. Whitney has some beautiful insight into this rich story, and I can't wait for you to join us in our conversation.   Affiliate link to The Dean's Watch on Bookshop.org: The Dean's Watch

Today I'm sharing another favorite read from 2022, Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy by Rumer Godden. Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy is the story of Lise Fanshawe, a former prostitute, Madame, and murderer. Lise enters the religious life of the Sisters of Bethany after being released from prison. Her life is a beautiful story of salvation and redemption.    Bookshop.org affiliate link: Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy

One of my favorite books that I read this past year was The Devil's Advocate by Morris West. The Devil's Advocate is the story of a dying priest sent to a rural Italian village to investigate a man for possible martyrdom and sainthood. What follows is a novel rife with mystery, intrigue, and the depths of human nature. Find me at- awellreadlife.com Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: The Devil's Advocate  

Today I'm sharing A City of Bells by Elizabeth Goudge. Set in the fictional cathedral town of Torminster. It is the story of Jocelyn Irvin, his family, friends, neighbors, and their life in this quaint English village. When you read it, prepare for cozy bookshop scenes and a meditative look at one's vocation in life.  Elizabeth Goudge is one of my favorite writers. (I have covered two of her books in previous episodes—-and I'm planning many more in the future.) She filled her works with hope and goodness that too often is missing from our contemporary literature. I hope you come to love reading her books and experience the comfort and peace found in them. My website A City of Bells Sister of the Angels Affiliate links to Bookshop.org- Wildoak

Today I'm giving a behind-the-scenes peek at the books I read this fall. These are books I haven't shared on the podcast yet, but a couple of them that I will share soon in full-length episodes. This season included some of my favorite books of the year, and I can't wait to share more about them in the new year! Books mentioned in today's episode: The Mousewife The Kitchen Madonna Affiliate links to Bookshop.org: Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy Mouse House The Great Divorce The Devil's Advocate The Genesis of Gender    

My friend Karen Schwind joins me on the podcast to talk about Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go. We both enjoyed this haunting novel immensely, and there was much to discuss with this short but rich book. I hope our conversation will inspire you to read the book, too. Bookshop.org affiliate links to books mentioned in the episode: Never Let Me Go The Remains of the Day A Gentleman in Moscow One Day in the Life of Ivan Denosivich August 1914 The Ambassadors A Test of Wills And Then There Were None 4.50 From Paddington Gilead Abide With Me War and Peace Dr. Zhivago The Secret Keeper

Today I'm thrilled to have my friend Olga Pyshnyak-Lawrence on the podcast to talk about her book Out of the Wilderness: My Journey to the Land Called Heaven. Out of the Wilderness: My Journey to the Land Called Heaven An Everday Mama Finds a Passionate Life Living an Empowered Life Personally and Professionally Olga's Etsy Shop Olga's Blog

I'm wrapping up my series on Reading Like Kathleen Kelly today with Roald Dahl's memoir Boy. It is one of my all-time favorite books, and I can't wait to share it with you. Roald Dahl Museum Krokan Ice Cream Recipe Affiliate links to books mentioned in the episode: Boy Going Solo The Witches Danny the Champion of the World

It's time for the next installment in The Reading Like Kathleen Kelly series. Today I'm sharing about Ballet Shoes and Theater Shoes by Noel Streatfeild. Two delightful books from the Shoes Books canon, famously mentioned in You've Got Mail. They are the perfect books to cozy up with this season. Enjoy! Affiliate links to Bookshop.org: Ballet Shoes Theater Shoes Dancing Shoes Skating Shoes

It was a delight to chat with Anna Rose Johnson about her new middle-grade novel, The Star That Always Stays. I read this book at the beginning of the summer, and it has remained a favorite read of the season. We talk about Anna Rose's inspiration for the book, a bit of the behind-the-scenes process, and many book recommendations. If you're a fan of Maude Hart Lovelace's writing, you will want to get your hands on a copy of The Star That Always Stays.  Anna Rose Johnson's website The Star That Always Stays Book recommendations from the episode (some titles include my affiliate link to bookshop.org): Treasure for Debby Emily of Deep Valley Jane of Lantern Hill Heidi Whose Waves These Are Up From the Sea Rosetown Just Jenifer by Janet Lambert From Anna Jean Little  

Today we continue the series on Reading Like Kathleen Kelly. Up first, I'm featuring Maude Hart Lovelace's delightful series, The Betsy-Tacy books. It was my first time reading the semi-autobiographical stories of the world of Deep Valley and these dear best friends, and I hope you will be as enchanted by them as I was.   Affiliate link to the first four books on Bookshop.org: The Betsy-Tacy Treasury

We start a new series on the podcast today---Reading Like Kathleen Kelly. Think favorite girlhood classics inspired by You've Got Mail and its iconic character bookseller extraordinaire, Kathleen Kelly. Throughout the series, I'll search for the elusive qualities that make up good children's literature, share why they should be read by all ages, and share a couple of debut writers. I hope you'll join me on a topic dear to my heart.

Today I am thrilled to welcome Katie Marquette of the Born of Wonder podcast to the show. Katie is a delight to talk to, and I had the best time chatting about motherhood and reading. We share some of our favorite books, shifting perspectives on re-reads, and books we can't wait to share with our daughters. I hope you enjoy our conversation too! Born of Wonder The Genesis of Gender Bookshop.org affiliate link to books mentioned in the episode: The Betsy-Tacy Treasury The Screwtape Letters In This House of Brede The Life You Save May be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage Dr. Zhivago The Lost Words The Awakening of Miss Prim The Scent of Water

It's the last episode in The Yearling series today. I hope you have enjoyed your reading journey with this well-loved classic.   Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: The Yearling

How can The Yearling inspire us to long for the new heavens and earth? Find out in today's episode.   Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: The Yearling Cross Creek

I'm back after my months-long hiatus. Today I'm excited to share the first episode in a series about Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' classic, The Yearling. It's a moving story of the year in the life of one family and their farm in rural North Florida in the 1870s. If you haven't read it yet, grab a copy, and join me in reading it this July. Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: The Yearling The Life She Wished to Live  

I'll be taking a short break from the podcast during May, but before I do, I wanted to share the books I'll be reading this spring. I hope you'll join me in reading some of these delightful books!   Books mentioned this episode with affiliate links to Bookshop.org: The Miracles of Jesus Heidi Henrietta's House Vows Til We Have Faces The Hidden Art of Homemaking After Prayer George Herbert

On February 25 of this year, Shirley Hughes, the incomparable illustrator, passed away at 94. Her illustrations are a delight and joy to behold, and her passing leaves a hole in the picture book world. Today I'm sharing a brief tribute to the irreplaceable Shirley Hughes.   Shirley Hughes- What Do Artists Do All Day? Pt. 1 Shirley Hughes- What Do Artists Do All Day? Pt. 2

I'm back after an unintended short break. Today I'm talking about the last book in the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy, The Cross. Oh, it's a good book, and we finally get to see Kristin's story come full circle. There will be a lot of heartbreak as the trilogy comes to an end, but we will also see beautiful pictures of redemption.

It's time to discuss the second book in the Kristin Lavransdatter series by Sigrid Undset, The Wife. Kristin and Erland finally have what they want, but what of the trail of betrayal and blood guilt they've left in their wake? Can they finally be happy, and more importantly, can they be forgiven?

I'm continuing my series on Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset. In today's episode, I'm talking about the first book in the Kristin Lavransdatter saga, The Wreath. It's a story rife with temptation and seduction and the tension between Norway's pagan past and its present Christian faith.

This week I'm beginning a series on Sigrid Undset's medieval epic, Kristin Lavransdatter. It is the story of one woman's life from childhood to death. Today I'm giving an introduction to this fascinating trilogy about love, desire, betrayal, and ultimately redemption.     

It was a delight to have my friend Rachel Atkinson join me on the podcast today. I'm fortunate to not only be in a book club with Rachel, but I also get to have regular tea and book chats with her. Today we're talking about Laurus by Eugene Vodolazkin. A modern-day classic set in 15th century Russia.    Buy Laurus on Bookshop.org Jessica Hooten Wilson article on Fathom Magazine

Today I have my dear friend Julie Bene on the podcast. Julie is one of my go-to people for book recommendations. In our conversation today, we're discussing Sweep by Jonathan Auxier--a new favorite of us both (and a book recommended to me by Julie).    The most delightful children's bookstore!

It's Christmas Eve in the town of Appleton, and in the window of the toyshop, a beautiful Christmas doll waits for a home. Wandering the Christmas market, a young girl searches for a home. Will their wishes come true on Christmas morning? Today I'm featuring Rumer Godden's exquisite children's Christmas book, The Story of Holly and Ivy.     

A second-hand bookshop in Dublin. A family of kind, if eccentric, booksellers. A young boy from rural Ireland in search of his missing uncle. These are just some of the elements which make up Patricia Lynch's heartfelt and charming children's book, The Bookshop on the Quay. Today I'm sharing about this book which captivated and delighted me through the autumn season.

Today is the day to share my favorite mystery novel of all time, Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers. Featuring the witty and erudite detective Lord Peter Wimsey and his love interest Harriet Vane, Gaudy Night is a classic mystery from the golden age of detective fiction. Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: Gaudy Night

It's time to talk about one of my favorite amateur detectives-- the precocious and endearing Flavia de Luce. Obsessed with chemistry and with a propensity for finding dead bodies about the village of Bishop's Lacey, her sleuthing skills are a force to be reckoned with. Join me as I talk about the first book in this delightful series, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.   Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Today I'm joined by my friend Sophie Burkhardt to talk about our love of mysteries. Sophie shares a little about the history of detective fiction and mystery novels, and we discuss our most loved (and hated) of the genre.