Fancy Book Learnin'

It's a Fancy Book Learnin’ bonus episode! Beto and Sarah rank the best and worst books of season one and decide if any books should be un-shelved or un-shunned. Plus, they give out Fancy Book Learnin’ superlatives. Which character was the best? Which character is most likely to go to jail? Who was the biggest party animal? Listen and find out!

On the season finale, it’s the spooky Halloween episode! Beto and Sarah discuss Carrie by Stephen King. They read listener mail and listen to a special audio submission! They talk about the dangers of bullying, prom, whether Chris is the ultimate Mean Girl, and the best way to raise a telekinetic kid. Is this book worthy of the Fancy Book Learnin’ bookshelf? Listen and find out! 

This week, Beto and Sarah discuss To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and catch-up with a special guest from their freshman English class: Dylan Brogan! They chat about their high school’s rendition of the play, discuss Boo Radley’s gift-giving skills, and the pros and cons of ham costumes. Will this book be added to the Fancy Book Learnin' library? Listen and find out! 

On this episode, Beto and Sarah discuss the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. They talk about the Red Scare and the Salem witch trials, learn about Arthur Miller’s marriage history, discuss whether Abigail Williams is the ultimate mean girl, and if the Ten Commandments quiz is a good way to catch a witch. They also read some listener mail! Will this book be shelved or shunned? Listen and find out!

This week, Beto and Sarah discuss The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie. They talk about the sexual misconduct allegations against Alexie, discuss eight stories from the book, and interview Don Hoaglin, one of their high school English teachers! They also hear from listeners about their favorite teachers. Will this book be added to the Fancy Book Learnin’ library? Listen and find out! 

On this week's episode, Beto and Sarah discuss Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and learn about the detective story genre. Plus, they talk about train travel, proper interrogation techniques, and the benefits of diplomatic immunity. Will this book be added to the prestigious Fancy Book Learnin' Library? Listen and find out! *** To skip the plot overview, fast forward from 20:15 to minute 30:30 in the episode.

This week, Beto and Sarah discuss The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and read your Twilight listener mail! They learn more about Hawthorne, discuss Hester’s punishment, bad physicians/roommates, and who they think are the best and worst characters. Is this book worthy of your bookshelf? Listen and find out! 

On this week’s episode, Beto and Sarah discuss Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. They talk about the book’s popularity, plot, problematic gender roles, and the downsides of dating a vampire. Will this book be Shelved or Shunned? Listen and find out!Thank you to Steev Baker for our new theme song! Additional music by Ketsa

Beto and Sarah discuss William Golding's Lord of the Flies. The two share memories from reading it in high school, discuss allegories, the book's plot, Team Fire vs. Team Pig, and what they would bring to a desert island. Is this book worth adding to your bookshelf? Listen and find out! Cover art by Sarah MichaelisTheme song by KetsaEdited by Beto McQuade Sound mixing by Cody Nicholls

Beto and Sarah discuss Alice Walker's The Color Purple. They discuss the book's main points, strong female friendships, letter writing, and jazz flute. Is this book worth adding to your bookshelf? Listen and find out! Cover art by Sarah MichaelisTheme song by KetsaEdited by Beto McQuade Sound mixing by Cody Nicholls

Beto and Sarah discuss F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The two share memories from reading it in high school, discuss the book's finer points, and decide who is the best/worst character. Is this book worth adding to your bookshelf? Listen and find out!Cover art by Sarah MichaelisEditing by Beto McQuadeSound mixing by Cody Nicholls