We’re taking our time as we close read and discuss bite-size portions of the literary canon’s largest books.
The CenterForLit Podcast Network
The How to Eat an Elephant: A Little Book Club for Large Books podcast is a must-listen for anyone who has been meaning to tackle that intimidating classic on their reading list. This podcast breaks down large books like War and Peace into manageable pieces, making them more approachable for readers. The conversations held within the episodes are not only helpful in understanding the book better but also highly entertaining. Joining the Andrews family in their discussions feels like being a part of a book club, laughing along with them and gaining insights from their close reading and literary discussions.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to make large books feel less daunting. The hosts provide clear breakdowns of each section, which helps listeners follow along and understand the intricacies of the story. The conversations between the Andrews family are engaging and thought-provoking, offering different perspectives and interpretations that enhance the reading experience. Additionally, they provide historical context and analysis that further enriches the understanding of the book.
Furthermore, The How to Eat an Elephant podcast offers a master class in close reading and literary discussion. Listeners not only get to enjoy reading along with others but also learn how to approach complex texts, analyze themes, and appreciate literary techniques. The hosts' expertise in literature shines through their discussions, making this podcast educational as well as enjoyable.
While it's difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one minor downside could be that some listeners may prefer a more formal structure or in-depth analysis. However, this is purely subjective as the conversational style of the Andrews family contributes greatly to creating an inviting atmosphere for all listeners.
In conclusion, The How to Eat an Elephant: A Little Book Club for Large Books podcast is a valuable resource for readers looking to conquer daunting classics. It combines entertainment with education by breaking down large books into manageable sections and providing insightful discussions on themes, characters, and literary techniques. Whether you're new to reading big books or a seasoned reader, this podcast is sure to enhance your literary journey and make you excited to delve into those intimidating tomes.
You thought it'd never happen! (We were getting nervous ourselves...) Ian, Megan, and Emily are finally back to reveal the next large book the podcast will be consuming, one bite at a time! We also introduce our new host, Charlotte Andrews! (Just kidding...although she makes a rather insistent contribution to this trailer, she will not be joining us for future episodes.) Find a copy of our edition of the next title and the episode schedule at www.centerforlit.com/hee.
Surprise!! We've got a bonus episode for you. Thus far the How to Eat an Elephant podcast has covered War and Peace and Les Misérables. Napoleon Bonaparte features heavily in both of these novels, and so we thought we'd get the crew together to watch Ridley Scott's recent film about the notorious French Emperor and see how his take compares to those of Tolstoy and Hugo. What did we think? Well…you'll have to listen and find out… Our new crew member, Charlotte Andrews, also chimes in a bit in the background of this episode… ;) P.S. We'd love to hear what you think of the film! If you decide to buy Napoleon, please consider using our affiliate link here to help support our work at CenterForLit!
How to Eat an Elephant will be taking a temporary break. But lest you despair: tune in to find out our plan for returning and what we'll be doing in the meantime!
In this episode, the HEE crew frolic about in their love for Schönberg and Boublil's classic musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel. They compare the musical to the book and discuss the ways in which the medium of theater (and film!) allows creators to emphasize Hugo's themes in unique ways. Ian's Comprehensive List of the Best “Bring Him Home” Performances:Colm Wilkinson at the 10th Anniversary concert (my all-time favorite)Alfie Boe at the 25th anniversary concert Gary Morris on the complete symphonic recordingJohn Owen JonesFour tenors rendition featuring Wilkinson, Boe, Jones, and another tenor I don't recognizeCurrent Broadway star Ramin Karimloo, who is my second favorite performer after WilkinsonVery young Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things (amazing!)Join the Facebook discussion group here!Watch out for an announcement about what's coming next on the HEE podcast!
In this episode, the HEE team takes a moment to look back and contemplate our journey through Les Misérables. We attempt a bird's eye view of themes like the historical importance of the 19th century, the role of duty and love, Hugo's definition of education, and his ultimate vision of hope for the miserable ones. (We apologize for the poor sound quality in areas of this episode. Ian and Emily are rearranging their recording studio and haven't quite gotten it fine-tuned yet.)Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Today's the day! In this episode, we discuss the conclusion to Jean Valjean's story. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
In this second to last “official” episode for Les Misérables, the HEE team discusses the idealistic joy of Marius and Cosette's wedding as it compares to the realistic struggle of Jean Valjean's decision to take up his real name. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
The payoff of the novel is upon us! In this episode we discuss two magnificent scenes: the profound conclusion of Javert's story and the reconciliation of Marius and his grandfather.**Due to 2/3 members of the HEE crew being on the road and the fact that our talented audio editor is on paternity leave, the sound quality of this episode is not up to our usual standards. Please accept our apologies, our assurance that quality will return for future episodes, and our opinion that the thematic content we discuss in this episode is still WORTH IT!!Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
At long last the HEE crew ventures into the Paris sewers! They do their best to navigate its powerful, metaphorical layers while avoiding junior high humor. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
The HEE crew is back! We're discussing Book One of Jean Valjean – it's the beginning of the end. Topics include Hugo's philosophy of history, the tension between ideal and real in the story, and Cosette's strange interlude in this passage about the barricades.Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
We continue our discussion of the barricades with a special emphasis on the dynamics between Marius and Eponine.Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
In this very musical edition of How to Eat an Elephant, the team compares the various attitudes toward revolution that we see in this section as they are expressed by Grantaire, Enjolras, Gavroche, and Marius. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Megan and Emily shoulder the burden of distinguishing between Hugo's definition of an “uprising” and an “insurrection.” Along the way, they they wrestle with moral quandaries and vent their spleen about the edition of Les Mis we are reading.Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Ian, Emily, and Megan explore the world of “argot” and compare this broken language to Marius and Cosette's budding language of love. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
This week we wrestle through Hugo's philosophy of love and follow Gavroche into the nooks and crannies of Paris. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
The HEE crew wrap their heads around French history while trying to pin down Victor Hugo's political opinions. Meanwhile, Marius continues to be Marius. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
The HEE team follow Marius into a bit of a tight spot, caught between his lady love and his father's savior!Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Marius is in love, and he doesn't care who knows it! In this episode we talk about the young hero's character development, Hugo's prescriptions for the progress of society, and the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of our story. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
In which we finally meet Marius, examine his changing worldview, and get our first glimpse of the Friends of the ABC! (Do you hear the people sing?)Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
How to Eat an Elephant is back for the new year! In this episode, we take up two extremes: the gaman and the old man. We compare the two and begin to unpack Hugo's perspective on French history. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
We're wrapping up 2022 with a discussion of Jean Valjean's burial and resurrection at the end of “Cosette.” Stay tuned for our 2023 reading schedule, coming soon!Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
It appears that Victor Hugo has some fairly strong opinions about the nuns. In this episode, the HEE crew wrestle through the layers of his argument about God, convent life, and the nineteenth century.Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
In this episode, the HEE team tries to keep up with Hugo as he leads us on a detailed chase through the neighborhoods of Paris. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
In this episode, the HEE team unpacks the significance of Hugo's digression on the Battle of Waterloo and tries to connect it back to the developing themes we have already recognized in the novel. ABBA reference included. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Ian, Emily, and Megan follow Jean Valjean down the twisty-turny corridors of his subconscious and try not to get lost along the way. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
The story of Fantine continues. Meanwhile, we meet both M. Madeleine and Javert: one suspiciously familiar, the other a compelling but unambiguous symbol. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
n this episode, the HEE team walks through Fantine's tragic backstory and tries to process that firehose of a chapter on “The Year 1817.”Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
This week we are at last introduced to Jean Valjean! The HEE team members discuss “The Fall” and try to pinpoint the conflict which will carry our protagonist throughout the rest of the novel. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Our journey begins! Ian, Emily, and Megan discuss “An Upright Man.” They unpack Monseigneur Bienvenu's character and try to determine why Hugo began his novel from such an indirect angle. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
How to Eat an Elephant is back! Ian, Emily, and Megan kick off their discussion of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables with an introductory overview of the historical context of the novel and author. Download a timeline of relevant French history.Purchase the edition we're reading.Victor Hugo: A Biography by Graham RobbJoin the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
The end is finally here! We celebrated War and Peace with a live recording which covers Tolstoy's Appendix to the novel, a host roast, and a series of Q&As. Thank you to all who have followed us on this journey!The HEE team will be taking a couple of weeks off to rest and recover before we embark on our next elephant, Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, in late summer 2022. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
In this episode, the team discusses the last official words of Tolstoy's War and Peace. We wrestle with his final thoughts on history and free will, and–believe it or not–defend our conclusion that the last sentences of the novel are not only perfectly appropriate, but beautiful. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
We're nearing the end of War and Peace, but Tolstoy will have his say one last time! In this episode, the team takes up his question of history once again…Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
The HEE team reveals what we'll be reading after we finish War and Peace! They acknowledge Facebook group voting concerns and their plans for other much desired titles, and briefly expound on reasons to join us on our upcoming crusade…
The time has come to give a reluctant and heartfelt goodbye to our favorite characters. In this episode, the War and Peace crew discuss the “backwards progress” of Pierre and Nikolai and Natasha, and attempt to articulate the thematic import of these final, intimate scenes. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Marriage is what brings us together today! As War and Peace winds to a close, we revel in the beautiful home life of the Rostovs and Bezukhovs…and Sonya. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
It's the beginning of the end! In this episode, we kick off our discussion of the epilogue to War and Peace with a tour of Tolstoy's ideas concerning “genius” and “chance,” and then check in with our good friends the Rostovs. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
We've come a long way in Volume 4 of War and Peace! The team looks back and considers Tolstoy's climactic thoughts on death and resurrection, love, and history, and makes conjectures about what we'll find in the Epilogue. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
The War and Peace crew find themselves interrupted by travel season. As a peace offering, we give you a class by Adam and Missy Andrews on one of Tolstoy's other great classics… Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
It's the conclusion of Part Four, and we're soaking up all the Pierre and Natasha vibes! We discuss Tolstoy's definition of love, the difference between Pierre and Andrei, and the meaning of “it had to be.”Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
At long last we're checking back in on Natasha! The HEE crew talks about Tolstoy's depiction of grief in her story, as well as the reason he switches so suddenly back to narrating Kutuzov's march to the Russian border when it was just getting good. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
In this episode we discuss Napoleon's historical legacy, Tolstoy's artistic project, and how many pages it's been since we've seen Natasha…Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Delighted to find ourselves with Pierre once again, in this episode we explore his foil relationship with Petya and contemplate a new and exciting dimension to Denisov's character. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
In this episode, the War and Peace crew hang out with Petya Rostov, compare him to his family, and savor his innocent and imaginative perspective on the world. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
A Rostov has entered the building! In this episode, the War and Peace team dive back into the character drama of it all with great relish after a lengthy detour through Tolstoy's philosophy. Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
A little slap-happy as they gear up for the final push to the end of the novel, our War and Peace gang intersperse their conversation about Kutuzov with chatter about snowballs and War and Peace alternate histories.Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
We're back with our favorite jail bird, Pierre! In this episode we talk about why he's so happy all of a sudden and whether or not that joy is here to stay.Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
Napoleon is abandoning Moscow, and chaos abounds as nobody causes or controls anything! Join the Facebook discussion group here!Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee
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