Novel Pairings

Get ready to load your summer totes with compelling reads, both new and old! We're sharing our anticipated summer releases on today's episode, carefully curated from a long list of captivating titles to shake up your TBR. As always, we've included some perfectly paired backlist favorites to enjoy while you wait for the buzzy new books.  Today, we explore an exciting mix of poignant literary fiction, immersive historical narratives, richly layered contemporary stories, and even a touch of magical realism to spark your imagination. You'll find everything from heartfelt memoirs threaded with nostalgia to sharp, insightful critiques of today's world, alongside enchanting tales perfect for reading all season long.  This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. Stay tuned. To learn when our shop opens up and to get all new announcements, make sure you are following @novelpairingspod on Instagram and subscribed to novelpairings.substack.com. Find us individually and continue to read with each of us here: Chelsey – IG: @chelseyreads | Substack: chelsey.substack.com Sara – IG: @fictionmatters | Substack: fictionmatters.substack.com   Books Mentioned Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry  Heart, Be at Peace by Donal Ryan (5/20) The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan  Dubliners by James Joyce I'll Tell You When I'm Home by Hala Alyan (6/3) Disoriental by Négar Djavadi  Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Challenger by Adam Higginbotham  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid  Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (6/3) The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro Skipshock by Caroline O'Donoghue (6/3) A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey (6/17) Audition by Katie Kitamura Liars by Sarah Mangusso The Tiny Things are Heavier by Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo (6/24) Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott (6/24) Katabasis by R.F. Kuang (8/26) Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang  Babel by R.F. Kuang  Yellowface by R.F. Kuang  The Inferno by Dante Alighieri The Odyssey by Homer The Austin Affair by Madeline Bell Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor On Beauty by Zadie Smith Heart the Lover by Lilly King The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue The Unveiling by Quan Berry Endurance by Alfred Lansing   Also Mentioned Paperback Summer Reading Guide  Libro FM The Irishification of Pop Culture (The Culture Study Podcast) LuLaRich Documentary  

We're wrapping up our Emma readalong with final reflections on rereading, standout themes, and Austen's legacy.  We also chat about how we're marking the momentous occasion of Jane Austen's 250th anniversary and the ways this milestone is resonating with us as readers.  This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. Stay tuned. To learn when our shop opens up and to get all new announcements, make sure you are following @novelpairingspod on Instagram and subscribed to novelpairings.substack.com. Find Chelsey and Sara on Substack, too!  Chelsey, The Eclectic Reader:  chelsey.substack.com Sara, Fiction Matters: fictionmatters.substack.com Books Mentioned The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton Les Misérables by Victor Hugo Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Mansfield Park by Jane Austen The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson Superworm by Julia Donaldson Jane Austen's Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney Wild for Austen by Devoney Looser Persuasion by Jane Austen Juvenilia by Jane Austen Of Love and Friendship by Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen   Also Mentioned Novel Pairings Readalongs Emma Footnotes #4: Foils 250 Years of Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice Series on Netflix Hamilton Pride and Prejudice on the big screen Emma Slow Horses  

In this episode, we reach the culmination of Jane Austen's Emma, where secrets are revealed, relationships evolve, and characters face pivotal choices that will shape their futures. We discuss shifting affections, unexpected engagements, and the web of emotions that bind the residents of Highbury together. We will conclude our Emma series with a finale reflection episode in a few weeks to give you a chance to catch up on recaps.  This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. Stay tuned.  To learn when our shop opens up and to get all new announcements, make sure you are following @novelpairingspod on Instagram and subscribed to novelpairings.substack.com. Find Chelsey and Sara on Substack, too!  Chelsey: The Eclectic Reader @  chelsey.substack.com Sara: Fiction Matters @ fictionmatters.substack.com   Books Mentioned Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters by William Austen-Leigh Also Mentioned Novel Pairings Odyssey Readalong Novel Pairings Les Miserables Readalong  

In this episode, we're unpacking so many juicy moments—from Frank Churchill's restless return to Highbury and the long-awaited ball at the Crown Inn to Harriet's shocking misadventure and Mr. Knightley's heroic turn on the dance floor. We'll explore Emma's ever-active imagination, Mrs. Elton's relentless meddling, and some subtle but oh-so-important moments between Emma and Mr. Knightley.  Plus, we'll chat about strawberry-picking at Donwell Abbey, and all the little details that make this part of the novel so rich and entertaining.  As a reminder, we've historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we're sharing it on the public feed! We're so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you'll get reminders and announcements at novelpairings.substack.com. This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're opening a shop for our exclusive classes and recap series. Stay tuned.  

In this episode, we're savoring the drama and intrigue of Emma, Volume Two, Chapters 9 through 18. The aftermath of the Cole's party has Emma rehashing every social triumph and misstep, from her jealousy over Jane Fairfax's piano skills to her playful gossip with Frank Churchill about the mysterious pianoforte.  Meanwhile, Mrs. Elton makes her grand entrance into Highbury society, leaving Emma unimpressed but the rest of the town charmed. Between witty banter, romantic musings, and subtle moments of humor (looking at you, Mr. Knightley), these chapters are packed with Austen's signature blend of sharp social commentary and entertaining drama.  As a reminder, we've historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we're sharing it on the public feed! We're so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you'll get reminders and announcements.  

In this recap, we're discussing Volume Two, Chapters 1-8 of Emma by Jane Austen. In this episode, we'll explore the arrival of some intriguing new characters to Highbury that shake up Emma's carefully curated social circle. We'll also explore Emma's complex relationships, including her aversion to a certain reserved newcomer and her budding friendship with a charming gentleman. Plus, we'll uncover how Emma's imagination runs wild with romantic theories that may or may not have any basis in reality.  As a reminder, we've historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we're sharing it on the public feed! We're so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you'll get reminders and announcements.

In this recap, we're diving into Emma by Jane Austen — covering Volume One, Chapters 10–18. Join us on Patreon for bonus content.  Emma Woodhouse is back at it — charming, meddling, and trying to navigate Highbury's tricky social scene. This time, she's determined to set Harriet up with Mr. Elton… but, surprise, things don't exactly go as planned. From awkward visits to the vicarage to a snowstorm-fueled carriage ride that takes an unexpected turn, Emma's confidence in her matchmaking skills starts to crumble. We'll also unpack the iconic moment when Emma explains why she's still single — and why finding someone who meets her high standards might be harder than she thought. Emma's missteps are about to catch up with her in the most entertaining way. As a reminder, we've historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we're sharing it on the public feed! We're so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you'll get reminders and announcements.  

In this recap episode, we're discussing Volume One, Chapters 1-9 of Jane Austen's Emma. We take a deep dive into Emma Woodhouse's world, examining her relationships with key figures like Miss Taylor, Mr. Woodhouse, and the insightful Mr. Knightley. We explore how Emma's interactions with these characters set the stage for her matchmaking adventures. As we continue through the chapters, we meet the wider community of Highbury, including the mysterious Frank Churchill and the charming Harriet Smith. Emma's matchmaking ambitions quickly take center stage, leading her to meddle in Harriet's love life and sparking a significant conflict with Mr. Knightley. We analyze Austen's use of narrative techniques, and discuss the importance of riddles and social expectations in the novel. In a special bonus segment, we preview our upcoming Footnotes episode, where we compare and analyze the opening lines from all six of Austen's most famous novels. If you're interested in more literary analysis and Austen insights, be sure to check out the full episode and head to patreon.com/novelpairings for exclusive content! As a reminder, we've historically shared these “big book readalong” recap series in our patreon community, but to celebrate five years of podcasting, we're sharing it on the public feed! We're so excited to have all of you reading with us. To grab our reading schedule, go to our instagram page @novelpairingspod for our pinned post or subscribe to our free weekly substack newsletter where you'll get reminders and announcements.  

Welcome to our Spring Season! We're reading Emma by Jane Austen as a community, and we hope you will join us. Listen to today's introduction to hear why we love this novel, how we approach readalongs and recaps, and what to pay attention to as you follow along. To get maximum delight this season, join our Patreon community for classes and conversation, plus special Footnotes episodes. Here's the reading schedule: March 4: Introduction March 11: Volume 1, 1-9 or Chapters 1-9 March 18: Volume 1, 10-18 or Chapters 10-18 March 25: Volume 2, 1-8 or Chapters 19-26 April 1: Volume 2, 9-18 or Chapters 27-36 April 8: Volume 3, 1-10 or Chapters 37-46 April 15: Volume 3, 11-19 or Chapters 47-End And here are our recommended texts: The Annotated Emma Vintage Classics Patterned Vintage Classics Penguin Clothbound Classics Rifle Paper Co. + Puffin in Bloom Oxford Classics

We're back and kicking  off 2025 with our annual Superlatives episode. Today, we're excited to highlight stand-out books from 2024. We've got eight superlatives lined up that highlight our favorites, least favorites and everything in between. Plus, we're looking back on our podcasting journey through 2024 and give you some behind-the-scenes insight to our reading lives. Stick around because we've got two big announcements to wrap things up! Special Announcement (Timestamp 58:20) Link to Announcement video on Patreon Books Mentioned The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton Les Miserables by Victor Hugo James by Percival Everett Martyr by Kaveh Akbar Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday  Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst The Wedding by Dorthy West Taiwan Travelogue by Shuang-Zi Yang Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio Private Rites by Julia Armfield Salt Slow by Julia Armfield Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr Emma by Jane Austen Say You'll Be Mine by Nayina Kumar Come and Get It by Kiley Reid Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Quarterlife by Devika Regge Neighbors and Other Stories by Diane Oliver The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Sandwich by Katherine Newman Blue Sisters by Coco Melores   Also Mentioned Classics We Love & Loathe Episodes Fiction Matters Paperback Summer Reading Guide  Liz Moore on New York Times Podcast      

We're excited to be back in your podcast feeds to pair highly anticipated fall book releases with beloved backlist favorites. Prepare to overload your TBR pile as we dive into an exciting fall publishing season filled with moody, atmospheric titles. In today's episode, we'll share our carefully curated lists of outstanding upcoming fiction from both renowned authors and indie presses, along with a selection of diverse fiction and nonfiction we think you'll enjoy, all paired with a backlist book to explore while you await your library holds and pre-orders. Before diving into the books, we want to remind our community that Chelsey will be on maternity leave this fall. As a small (very small!) business, this requires significant planning and adjustments. To best manage our schedules while preserving the community we've created, we will take a short break from the main feed while focusing on providing fun, nerdy new content on Patreon at patreon.com/novelpairings.  We aim to return to the main feed in December or January with a special episode featuring the best books of 2024, along with a thrilling spring season. In the meantime, we will continue to offer bonus episodes, discussion-based classes, and book club events through our Patreon community. You can join us at either the $5 or $10 level, depending on your desired level of participation. We are incredibly thankful for your support. Thank you for being with us!    Books Mentioned The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro Frankenstein by Mary Shelley I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith Guide Me Home by Attica Locke  The Headmaster by Tiffany Reisz  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia  The Professor by Charlotte Bronte Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout Graveyard Shift by ML Rio  If We Were Villians by ML Rio The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osmond The Wildes by Louis Bayard The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde  The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde Jackie & Me by Louis Bayard The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng Heir by Sabaa Tahir  Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon Don't Be a Stranger by Susan Minot Sandwich by Catherine Newman All Fours by Miranda July The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister  Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann The Starling House by Alix E. Harrow Curdle Creek by Yvonnne Battle-Felton Ours by Philip B. Williams Lone Women by Victor Lavalle The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews Persuasion by Jane Austen The Wedgford Trials by Courtney Milian The Children of Jocasta by Natalie Haynes  Homefire by Kamila Shamsie Rental House by Weike Wang Chemistry by Weike Wang Joan Is Okay by Weike Wang Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Kong The Fortnite In September by RC Sheriff   Also Mentioned The English Teacher A Discovery of Witches Fiction Matters Substack Joyce Carol Oates Algonquin Books Anonymous Divorce/Sex Substack Cup of Jo Substack  

As the summer reading season comes to a close, we're turning our eyes to fall. With Chelsey on maternity leave, we've made some thoughtful adjustments to our plans and structure here at Novel Pairings. Our goal is to ensure that we stay connected and continue to foster the amazing community we've built together. The best way to stay connected this fall is through our Patreon community; we're excited about the bonus episodes, discussion based classes and book club events we have planned!  On today's episode, we revisit last summer's buzzy book reviews from our Patreon archives. Each summer, we sit down for a conversation where we share our thoughts on the latest buzzworthy books we've read. Today, we're re-airing last summer's discussion on popular titles, which features some unconventional opinions on well-known works. Follow us on Instagram @novelpairingspod and subscribe to our newsletter at novelpairings.substack.com. Books Mentioned The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro  Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith The Rachel Incident by Caroline O' Donaghue The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Saddiqi Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Congratulations, the Best is Over by R. Eric Thomas Yellowface by R.F. Kuang Happy Place by Emily Henry Talking at Night by Claire Daverley Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo Loot by Tania James Also Mentioned Our Town on YouTube  Chelsey's Recipe for a Summer Romance Reading Guide  Sara's Reading in Public newsletter on long books and active attention  

In today's recap episode, we discuss Book One of The Custom of the Country (that's chapters 1-10 if your book is not divided into books). This episode includes detailed discussion of the plot and characters introduced in this first section of the novel, so spoilers abound. We discuss our initial impressions of the unforgettable character that is Undine Spragg, how well this book would translate to the screen, a close read of a mythology reference, and what we've learned about parenting from this portion of the novel because we desperately want to avoid raising Undines! Some more background on this episode: twice a year, we choose a big bucket list classic to read together as a community. For every book we read, we dust off our English teacher skills to break down plot, themes, style, and more in recurring recap podcast episodes. We have our Big Book Summer Read Along of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables on the horizon and we'd love for you to join us! We do know that it can be hard to sign up for a subscription community if you don't know what you're getting so we wanted to give you a taste for what we do in our Patreon Classics Club by putting two of our recent recap episodes here on the main feed. Over the winter months, we read Edith Wharton's The Custom of the Country and we think it would make for a great summer read if you haven't read it yet.  If you love these two episodes, head over to our Patreon at patreon.com/novelpairings. Enrolling at the $10 Literature Scholar level will get you access to the rest of our Custom of the Country recap series, the corresponding classes, our entire Odyssey recap series from last summer, and all of our previous bonus episodes and class recordings. Plus, you'll get access to our current summer recap series of Les Misérables. Books Mentioned: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton Eloise at The Plaza by Kay Thompson Also Mentioned: Gossip Girl  

Today's episode is a special one! Twice a year, we choose a big bucket list classic to read together as a community. For every big book we read, Chelsey and Sara dust off their English teacher skills to break down plot, themes, style, and more in recurring recap podcast episodes. We have our Big Book Summer Read Along of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables on the horizon and we'd love for you to join us! We do know that it can be hard to sign up for a subscription community if you don't know what you're getting so we wanted to give you a taste for what we do in our Patreon Classics Club by putting two of our recent recap episodes here on the main feed. Over the winter months, we read Edith Wharton's The Custom of the Country and we think it would make for a great summer read if you haven't read it yet.  If you love these two episodes, head over to our Patreon at patreon.com/novelpairings. Enrolling at the $10 Literature Scholar level will get you access to the rest of our Custom of the Country recap series, the corresponding classes, our entire Odyssey recap series from last summer, and all of our previous bonus episodes and class recordings. Plus, you'll get access to our current summer recap series of Les Misérables. In today's first recap episode, we discuss the introduction materials from the Penguin Classics (Sofia Coppola & Sarah Blackwood) and Scribner (Brandon Taylor) versions of the text. You do not need to read the intros in order to listen to this episode. Future recaps will include plot spoilers, of course, but this introduction episode is completely spoiler-free! We discuss initial impressions of the introductions, lenses and questions for guided reading, literary relevance and contemporary comparisons, and three big things to look for as you read. Books Mentioned: The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray Also Mentioned: The Buccaneers Bridgerton The Gilded Age Downton Abbey  

We're taking it back to the classroom in today's episode! Chelsey and Sara reflect on their experience with high school summer reading as both students and teachers: the good, the great, and the hot takes. While we aren't assigning any reading in this episode, we are sharing 10 classics that would make for great summer reads at any age! For an enhanced reading experience, pair a past Novel Pairings episode with each of these classics to listen as you go.  Of course, our main summer reading recommendation is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, our BIG summer readalong hosted in Patreon with classes, bonus episodes, and special recaps to get the most out of this huge novel.  Novel Pairings operates on an academic calendar to keep our work sustainable. But like most teachers, just because we have summer “off” doesn't mean we aren't hard at work behind the scenes! This summer, we will take off from sharing new episodes on the main feed in July and August to devote more time and energy to planning for the year ahead, restoring our creativity, and strengthening our bond with Patreon community members.  If you are missing Novel Pairings in your podcast feed, we would love for you to join our community for extra nerdy summer fun.    Books Mentioned: The Once and Future King by T.H. White The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham  Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe The Joyluck Club by Amy Tan Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Passing by Nella Larsen To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn  James by Percival Everett Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor The Summer Book by Tove Jansson The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson  The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton   Novel Pairings Episodes Episode 86: Palpable tension and shocking twists in Passing by Nella Larsen Episode 136: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf Episode 117: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Episode 114: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor Episode 68: The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and contemplative books for moody summer reading Episode 66: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende Part Two Episode 64:  The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende Part One Episode 61: The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery, plus books about complicated families, romance, and boundaries Episode 20: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston and romantic Black feminist heroines Episode 126: Leaving a Legacy: The Odyssey in modern literature                                Episode 142: The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton Stay Connected with Novel Pairings  Novel Pairings Substack Novel Pairings Instagram Novel Pairings Patreon  

Today, we're wrapping up our spring season with Zadie Smith's On Beauty, a theme-driven novel that recreates the social world of an elite liberal arts college, exploring issues through nuanced satire on race, class, and beauty. We dig into the stories of the Belsey and Kipp families and Smith's use of the academic setting to discuss identity and social satire. Our pairings for On Beauty include callbacks to previous classic episodes, essays by Zadie Smith, and surprising historical fiction. Our Slow Down Summer Read Along of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo is starting soon! Just like our readalongs for The Odyssey and The Custom of the Country, you can expect exclusive Patreon content, including book clubs and classes, to guide you through this ginormous classic. We'd love for you to join us! Go to patreon.com/novelpairings to sign up.    Books Mentioned: Howard's End by E.M. Forster There is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset Passing by Nella Larsen Members Only by Sameer Pandya Changing My Mind: Occasional Essays by Zadie Smith  Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston Love Marriage by Monica Ali Neighbors and Other Stories by Diane Oliver The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan A Room with a View by E.M. Forster Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Get ready for your summer TBR to pile high as we share our most anticipated titles releasing this summer! Plus, each new release that we preview in today's episode is perfectly paired with a backlist book or two, giving us plenty to read while waiting for pre-orders and library holds to come in. If you enjoy our recommendations on today's episode, we have even more book suggestions to explore in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great place to discuss books with a smart group of readers, and now is the perfect time to join as we're about to start our Slow Down Summer Read Along of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. Visit patreon.com/novelpairings to learn more. You can also stay up-to-date with all things Novel Pairings by following us on Instagram and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on Substack. Thank you for supporting our book-loving community! Books Mentioned: Fire Exit by Morgan Talty  LaRose by Louise Erdrich The Road to the Country by Chigozie Obioma At Night All Blood is Black by David Diop Every Day Is For the Thief by Teju Cole  The God of the Woods by Liz Moore  Unseen World by Liz Moore In the Woods by Tana French Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan  On Beauty by Zadie Smith One Star Romance by Laura Hankin  Beach Read by Emily Henry Bear by Julia Phillips  The Hunter's Wife by Anthony Doerr Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner The Latecomer by Jean Hanf Korelitz The Plot by Jean Hanf Korelitz The Coin by Yasmin Zaher  You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman  Legendborn by Tracy Deonn Liars by Sarah Manguso  Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill Colored Television by Danzy Senna  Yellowface by R. F. Kuang A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abudrraqib Mina's Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell   Also Mentioned: Novel Pairings Summer 2023 Book Preview and Backlist Pairings  

On today's Modern Readers episode, we're placing “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift in context with pieces of contemporary political satire. We'll explore how satire is being used today to comment on politics and social issues, and the power, or limits, of its influence. Throughout our discussion, we discuss the lasting legacy of Swift's essay, the rise of satirical media, and how satire is used as a rhetorical tool. Listen to the end for contemporary satirical examples in TV, online media, and comedy. We're also excited to  announce our Summer Big Book Read Along: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. We're looking forward to digging into this classic with you! This Big Book Read Along includes 5 recaps spread over June, July, and August, 3 book club meet ups to discuss along the way, an active Discord chat for support and motivation, classes and bonus content. The summer is a great time to join our scholarly community!  Find more details on our summer plans in our free Substack newsletter or head to patreon.com/novelpairings to join our community.    Books Mentioned: A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift Les Miserables by Victor Hugo The Odyssey by Homer Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift   Also Mentioned: A Modern Proposal on Project Gutenberg  Little Women Musical Jo Musical A Point of View: What's the point of satire? The Onion Saturday Night Live The Daily Show The Colbert Report White Lotus Abbott Elementary Veep The West Wing John Oliver  

In today's episode, we're discussing The Importance of Being Earnest by the ever-delightful Oscar Wilde. A classic example of British theater, this play is known for its biting social satire and brilliant comedic dialogue. Throughout our conversation, we dive into the play's themes, discuss Wilde's mastery of wordplay, and his ability to write characters that satirize Victorian society in the cleverest ways. As always, we share our complementary pairings, and we hope this episode adds a few books to your TBR pile!  If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would also love participating in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings.   Books Mentioned: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby Nevada by Imogen Binnie Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris The Best of Me by David Sedaris I Am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett Dr. No by Percival Everett What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell On Beauty by Zadie Smith   Also Mentioned: Bonus: 127. An Introduction to The Importance of Being Earnest Hamlet by William Shakespeare Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead R. Eric Thomas  

We're thrilled to welcome back Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks Podcast, for a thought-provoking discussion on one of Shakespeare's darkest comedies, Measure for Measure. In this conversation, we'll dive deep into the play's timeless themes including punishment, gender, power, and politics. We discuss how these themes continue to resonate with modern audiences, revealing the parallels between the play and our contemporary world. We also talk about how Shakespeare masterfully uses this satire in this work, even when satire doesn't necessarily equate to laugh-out-loud humor. Listen to the end for Traci's book recommendations, including Shakespeare pairings and a soon-to-be-released title.  Connect with Traci: The Stacks Podcast  Unstacked  Instagram: @thestackspod    Join our community! Patreon Substack Instagram: @novelpairingspod   Books Mentioned: Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare The Great White Bard: How to Love Shakespeare While Talking About Race by Farah Karim-Cooper Blackface (Object Lessons) by Ayanna Thompson New People by Danzy Senna Color Television by Danzy Senna Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu Erasure by Percival Everett Severance by Ling Ma Victim by Andrew Boryga Love's Labor Lost by William Shakespeare All's Well That Ends Well by William Shakespeare Othello by William Shakespeare Richard III by William Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare   Also Mentioned: Ask a Shakespeare Professor  Macbeth The Stacks episode on Romeo and Juliet  

If aesthetics, British aristocracy and nostalgia sounds like an appealing combination, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is the book for you. In today's episode, we talk through the key themes, relationships, Waugh's stated purpose for writing Brideshead, and we ask: is Brideshead Revisited a satire or a novel with satirical elements? Plus, today's pairings include a fantasy novel, historical fiction and a psychological thriller. If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would also love our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings.   Books Mentioned: The Other Significant Others by Rhaina Cohen The Secret History by Donna Tartt The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Come and Get It by Kiley Reid This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell American Gods by Neil Gaiman Slippery Creatures by KJ Charles The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles   Also Mentioned: Downton Abbey  Brideshead Revisited Mini Series The Crown  

Today, Chelsey and Sara share their most anticipated spring book releases paired with backlist selections. After  listening today, your TBR will be filled with delightful fiction, thrilling mysteries, historical romance and literary books from favorite writers, all releasing between late February and May. As always, our go-to pairings will keep your spring both entertaining and engaging.    If you love our recommendations on the podcast, we have even more books to share over in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings. Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on Instagram and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on Substack. Thank you for supporting public scholarship! Books Mentioned: Neighbors and Other Stories by Diane Oliver Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft  Intimacies by Katie Kitamura The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Rainbow Black by Maggie Thrush  Victim by Andrew Boryga Erasure by Pervical Everett The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett  Sirens of Sussex series by Mimi Matthews  James by Percival Everett  The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn by Mark Twain Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys Clear by Carys Davies Great Expectations by Charles Dickens The Colony by Audry McGee This Other Eden by Paul Harding A Few Rules for Predicting the Future: An Essay by Octavia Butler The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler How Long ‘Til Black Future Month by N.K. Jemisin The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley The Oracle of Delphi by William J. Broad  The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson Oye by Melissa Mogollon The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee House of Mirth by Edith Wharton A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley Also Mentioned: Beforeigners  Bridgerton Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story  Episode 141: Bookish Pairings for our favorite period dramas  

In today's episode, we're wrapping up Wharton in Winter with a conversation about The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. We focus on Undine and question whether she's a signature unlikable heroine or an anti-hero. Our conversation also digs into the other dynamic characters, themes of motherhood, greed, marriage, business, and Edith's incredible writing. Every plot point builds to a bigger narrative in this timely classic. At the end of the episode, we share our complementary pairings , and we hope you add one to your TBR pile!    If you loved our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have even more content to enjoy over in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings.   Shows Mentioned: Mad Men Breaking Bad Selling Sunset Downton Abbey   Books Mentioned: Italo Calvino Vanity Fair by William Thackeray The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald  Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh There Is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset Emma by Jane Austen Free Food For Millionares by Min Jun Lee  These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore Marriage, a History: How Love Conquered Marriage by Stephanie Coontz One Woman Show by Christine Coulson Wahala by Nikki May Trust by Hernan Diaz

Reading The Custom of the Country this winter has felt like stepping into the most lush, dramatic, and marathon-worthy period piece–so today we're sharing some of our favorite period dramas and pairing them with excellent books for cozy winter reading. We discuss the appeal of watching historical fiction versus reading it, the throughline from reading Dear America books to watching Downton Abbey as a comfort show, and the complex nature of colorblind casting. We hope you find a new, or old, TV series or novel to enjoy after listening to today's episode.  PS: if you hear some odd background noises in this episode, just imagine little toddler feet stomping above Chelsey's head!    For more pairings, classes, and nerdy conversation join our Patreon community! Go to patreon.com/novelpairings to sign up today.   Don't miss our FREE weekly newsletter at novelpairings.substack.com.    Shows Mentioned: Downton Abbey Poldark Miss Scarlet and the Duke Gentleman Jack The Gilded Age Bridgerton Queen Charlotte The Crown Outlander The Empress The Great The Good Lord Bird  The Underground Railroad Reign   Books Mentioned: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin Longbourn by Jo Baker Poldark series by Winston Graham Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn Knockout by Sarah Maclean Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas Sarah Waters The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan The Davenports by Krystal Marquis Fiona Davis Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin Jane Austen The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan The Countess by Sophie Jordan Victoria by Daisy Godwin Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan Shakespeare's history plays  Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett The Lost Queen by Signe Pike Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton James McBride John Brown by W.E.B. DuBois The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead Beloved by Toni Morrison  Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward The Water Dancer by Ta Nehisi Coates Royal Diaries series My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, et al Alison Weir Philippa Gregory Margaret George  

Today we're sharing five tips for “reading” your favorite (or least favorite) TV shows and movies. These close reading tricks will help you get more critical while you watch television, which we hope prompts more engaging discussions with your friends and family. We're using The Buccaneers (Apple TV) as our main example in this episode, but you don't need to watch the show in order to listen. In fact, if you like episodes in which we get a little sassy, well, this one's for you. We also share questions to make you a more critical viewer, what we're reading with a literary lens, and book recommendations to pair with The Buccaneers show. We've included a bunch of resources in our free weekly newsletter, so be sure to visit novelpairings.substack.com to supplement today's listening.  For more public scholarship and continued literary learning, sign up for our community at patreon.com/novelpairings. We would love to see you in our classes and book club meetings! Books mentioned: The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton Anna K by Jenny Lee Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan The Great White Bard by Farah Karim-Cooper The Fifth Avenue Rebels series by Joanna Shupe  Also mentioned: Close reading Fiction Matters Substack: Book Reviews with Traci Thomas Leave The World Behind The Culture Study Podcast The Atlantic review of The Buccaneers The Guardian review of The Buccaneers  

It's time for our annual Superlative Soirée! (Okay, so we've never called it that before, but it fits, right?!) Today Chelsey and Sara share their favorite and least favorite books of 2023, plus everything in between. YOU helped us come up with some creative categories to cover in this official wrap-up episode, and we can't wait to hear what you think of the titles we discuss.  To get your very own superlative printable, subscribe to our newsletter at novelpairings.substack.com--and to join us for Wharton in Winter, go to patreon.com/novelpairings to sign up. We're so excited for the year ahead! Find us on Instagram @novelpairingspod. Shop for your 2024 TBR through our Bookshop.org storefront: https://bookshop.org/shop/novelpairings Books Mentioned: The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg Gone Girl & Rebecca Wellness & To the Lighthouse Congratulations, the Best is Over! By R. Eric Thomas Wellness by Nathan Hill Disoriental by Negar Djavadi Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park The Employees by Olga Ravn One Woman Show by Christine Coulson The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton The Pleasing Hour by Lily King Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld The Tea Dragon Society by K. O'Neill The Fortnight in September by R.C. Sheriff Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat The Land of Milk and Honey by C. Pam Zhang Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo The Sense of Wonder by Matthew Salesses Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal Doomsday Book by Connie Willis Beyond the Door of No Return by David Diop All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Saddiqi Big Swiss by Jen Beagin Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride Loot by Tania James North Woods by Daniel Mason  

We're wrapping up the 2023 season with a final Short Story Club, this time exploring a prime example of Postmodern fiction with Jorge Luis Borges' “The Garden of Forking Paths.” Borges is often considered one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century and credited as an early writer of magical realism, lo real maravilloso. In today's discussion, we take a close work at Borges' popular story and share our interpretations on this text that begs us to stretch our concept of time and causality and consider the infinite possibilities and choices that shape history and destiny. We also share background on Jorge Luis Borges' life as well as discuss the Argentinian writer's contribution to the literary canon. And as always, we can't help but talk about what texts we've read that use tropes and elements developed in Borges Ficciones. If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have even more content to enjoy over in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings. Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on Instagram and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on Substack. Thank you for supporting public scholarship!

Ever wonder what it's like to attend a class at Novel Pairings University? We have a special treat for our listeners as we prepare for #WhartonInWinter and our readalong of Edith Wharton's Custom of the Country. Today on the main feed, we're releasing the audio from our Patreon Class Gilded Age Literature: Entering Edith Wharton's World for everyone to enjoy.   In today's class we talk about key literary figures of the Gilded Age, historical events and social movements that shaped this period, and how they connect to today. Plus, we share details about the grandiose drama, architecture, and wealth that give this period its weighty name. This episode is just one example of the public scholarship we're creating on Patreon, where we teach classes on author and historical context, literary movements, critical lenses and more. We are working hard to convert past classes into exclusive Patreon episodes so you can catch up and listen on-the-go! If you'd like to access more classes like the one you heard in today's episode, to join our monthly book club, to get handouts, to listen to weekly bonus episodes, and to join our engaging Discord community, you can sign up for our Classics Club over at patreon.com/novelpairings for just $10 a month. We'd love to see you in book club, class, or on social media this winter! Follow us on Instgram. Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter.     

Today, Chelsey and Sara explore TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf, investigating Woolf's intention to put “real life” on the page, analyzing her prose and structure, discussing themes and characters, and contextualizing historical references. For a deeper reading and listening experience, check out our episode on A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN and our bonus episode on Patreon all about The Bloomsbury Group. We can't wait to hear your thoughts about Woolf's masterpiece.  Order your Novel Pairings University Sweatshirt today! Our shop closes on 11/30.  Follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, and join our Patreon community.  Books mentioned: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (Norton Critical Edition) The Long Form by Kate Briggs Wellness by Nathan Hill Day by Michael Cunningham And Yet by Kate Baer Orbital by Samantha Harvey Shakespeare in Bloomsbury by Marjorie Garber Assembly by Natasha Brown Also mentioned: Maggie Smith's Substack  

We're kicking off our month of Virigina Woolf with an episode exploring Woolf's dense and sprawling extended essay, “A Room of Own's Own.” At just over one hundred pages, Woolf gives herself ample space on the page to explore and consider the issues that keep women from the forefront of the literature and what might be done to give them the creative freedom to write unencumbered. In today's episode, we're following along closely with the text while helping our fellow readers pull out key takeaways from Woolf's work. We share our own experiences reading and teaching this seminal piece of feminist critique, Woolf's use of figurative and practical language to provide compelling arguements, and limitations of the essay, including who was included in Woolf's critique and who was left out.  If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have even more content to enjoy over in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings. Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on Instagram and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on Substack. Thank you for supporting public scholarship! Books Mentioned: The Baby on the Fire Escape by Julie Phillips  Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde How to Think Like A Women by Regan Penaluna Cross Stitch by Jasmina Barrara The Marriage Question by Claire Carlilse

If a dark and twisty stream of consciousness narrative in translation sounds like an intriguing read, Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat is perfect for you. Penned by the forefather of the Modernist movement in Iranian literature, this surrealist story blends Western influences, Iranian folklore, and psychology. In today's episode, we discuss key themes and questions raised by Hedayat's text (so. many. questions). Today's pairings include a contemporary Iranian work in translation, a Persian fairy tale retelling, and a polarizing love-it-or-hate-it novel that is perfect for group discussions. If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would also love our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings. Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on Instagram and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on Substack. Thank you for supporting public scholarship!   Books Mentioned: Girl Serpent Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust  Earthlings by Sayaka Murata My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh Disoriental by Negar Djavadi The Queue by Basma Abdel Aziz Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

What is the difference between literary historical fiction and “woman with her back turned on the cover” historical fiction? In today's episode of Modern Readers, we're discussing the literary landscape and rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre. We explore the definition of historical fiction, significant time periods, craft vs. plot, and “literariness” to understand whether a historical book is literary or a really entertaining read—or both! Plus, we share Novel Pairings episodes and book recommendations to pair with our nuanced conversation. If you enjoyed today's episode and want more conversations similar to this nerdy genre deep dive, you should check out our Patreon community where for just $5 a month, you can access weekly bonus episodes just like this one. At our $10 Literature Scholar level, patrons have access to classes and our virtual book club, where we'll be discussing The Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat this month. To join, visit patreon.com/novelpairings. For more updates from Novel Pairings, make sure to follow us over on our Instagram or subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter.  Timestamps Recent Reads - 2:13 What is Historical Fiction? - 10:23 What makes a text Literary Historical Fiction? - 23:19 Novel Pairings Historical Fiction Episodes  The Remains of the Day (Episode 6) Beloved by Toni Morrison (Episode 9)  Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (Episode 98) Books Mentioned Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls How Can I Help You by Laura Sims Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson The Fraud by Zadie Smith Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel Phillipa Gregory (try The Other Boleyn Girl) Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe  Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Life After Life by Kate Atkinson Atonement by Ian McEwan Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

Shirley Jackson's “The Lottery”, first published in The New Yorker in 1948, feels relevant in every decade. Whether it's discussed in the high school classroom or revisited in adulthood, this shocking story leaves a mark. We're back with another Short Story Club episode on Novel Pairings in which we take a closer look at Jackson's haunting text, considering its wider themes, and touch on how one of the most widely known short stories by an American writer continues to live on as a quintessential classic. Read today's short story club selection HERE. Special thanks to our executive producers: Emma, Dilma, Cathy, Amy, and Jodie for making Short Story Club possible! If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would also love our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings. Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on Instagram and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on Substack. Thank you for supporting public scholarship!

Let's discuss one of our most requested classics! Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is an eerie gothic novel with elements of mystery, fairy tale, and domestic suspense–and you've been asking for us to cover it on the show for years. In today's episode, we speculate on why this classic remains so popular today, discuss the magic of reading a classic just for fun (and then returning to it with literary lenses), and analyze our unnamed narrator. This is the kind of book that you can't discuss without spoilers, so we included fair warning and a timestamp if you wish to avoid them.  To access our deep dive on unreliable narrators, go to patreon.com/novelpairings and join our community for just $5.    Spoiler alert timestamp: [37:27] Pairings timestamp: [53:19]   Books mentioned: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn Starling House by Alix E. Harrow (out 10/3) The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas The Curse of Penryth Hall by Jess Armstrong (out 12/5) Land of Milk and Honey by C. Pam Zhang Comfort Me with Apples by Catherynne M. Valente Doppelganger by Naomi Klein   Also mentioned: Jane Eyre Episode Rebecca Movie Episode  

Get ready for your TBR pile to actually topple over as we discuss a truly abundant season of publishing and books. The fall publishing calendar has a lot of hype-worthy titles, and in today's episode you'll hear our pared down lists (it was a struggle!) of excellent fall fiction due to hit shelves soon. This includes big books from BIG authors, intriguing titles from small indie presses, and a smattering of assorted fiction and non-fiction we think you'll love. Plus, each title we preview in today's episode is perfectly paired with a backlist book for your consideration, giving us the option to explore additional titles while we wait for our library holds and pre-orders to come in. If you love the work of public scholarship and the mission of Novel Pairings, we'd love for you to take a moment and share a review of the show over on Apple Podcasts. These reviews greatly help our shows visibility, and mean that other readers and lifelong learners have the opportunity to join our community. Novel Pairings also offers bonus content, classes, and a virtual book club through Patreon and we'd love to have you join. Tiers start at just $5 a month, and a 10% discount on annual subscriptions is available. Head over to patreon.com/novelpairings to sign up today!    Books Mentioned:    The Fraud by Zadie Smith Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff  Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, American captivity narratives Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward Jubilee by Margaret Walker America Fantastica by Tim O'Brien In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien Absolution by Alice McDermott The Mountains Sing by Ngyuen Phan Que Mai Peach Pit: Sixteen Stories of Unsavory Women, edited by Molly Llewellyn & Kristel Buckely, ft. Deesha Philyaw, Lauren Groff, & more (Dzanc Books)  The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Company by Shannon Sanders  The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw Bluebeard's Castle by Anna Biller (Verso)  Rebecca and Jane Eyre North Woods by Daniel Mason  Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell Every Duke Has His Day by Suzanne Enoch  Bringing Up Baby (1938) When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin People Collide by Isle McElroy  Orlando by Virginia Woolf Starling House by Alix E. Harrow  Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia One Woman Show by Christine Coulson  From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler The New Naturals by Gabriel Bump  This Other Eden by Paul Harding Wild Girls: How the Outdoors Shaped the Women Who Challenged a Nation by Tiya Miles  End of the Rope: Mountains, Marriage, and Motherhood by Jan Redford The Loneliness Files by Athena Dixon  Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino  

  You may have heard us mention the term “public scholarship” when talking about the mission of our podcast and our community of readers here at Novel Pairings. But what exactly is public scholarship, and how does it apply to us as lifelong learners? Today in our first Modern Readers episode, we're sitting down to define public scholarship, share how our backgrounds in academia and the classroom help us on our mission of public scholarship, and discuss how we hope this framework will open up conversations and allow our fellow readers to think of themselves as public scholars, too. You'll also hear about our recent reads that surprisingly fit the theme of today's discussion, and we'll share some additional titles and resources readers can check out to keep learning about this topic.    Episode Timestamps  Recent Reads - 2:42 What is Public Scholarship? - 11:15 Further Reading for Public Literature Scholars - 38:39   Books Mentioned Critical Theory: A Very Short Introduction (and the whole very short introduction series) Norton Critical Editions The Literature Book from DK How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Forester Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf Reader Come Home by Maryanne Wolf Craft in the Real World by Matthew Salesses The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson These Truths by Jill Lepore   Substack Recommendations Novel Pairings Sweater Weather (Brandon Taylor)   Submakk (Rebecca Makkai) Culture Study (Anne Helen Peterson) So Many Thoughts (Elizabeth Holmes)  

Today we're sharing our (sometimes controversial) opinions about some of the buzziest books of LAST summer. We love it when our reading overlaps off the podcast and gives us a chance to come together for some off-the-cuff book conversation. Of the slew of buzzy books that released in Summer 2022, there were a handful both of us somehow made time to read. We're deep diving into five of those books, sharing what worked for us, what didn't, and why we can love a reading experience even when we don't love a book.  This episode originally aired on our Patreon bonus feed. To hear all about the buzzy books we read THIS summer, sign up to join Classics Club at patreon.com/novelpairings. We would love to see you in our community this semester! Books Mentioned Book Lovers by Emily Henry  Beach Read by Emily Henry People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott  Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine  Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine Lessons in Chemistry by Bonne Garmus  Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin  The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay by Michael Chabon

Today, we're sharing six classic titles from the 1920s that make excellent additions to your late summer or early fall reading stack, whether you're reading them for the first time or returning with fresh eyes. The 1920s is a time period we both love to read and explore. In this mini TBR-toppler episode, you'll have your picks from dense and delightfully nerdy tomes, a slim spiritual journey in translation, a children's series that sparked one thousand fantasies about running away from home, and a work of nonfiction that shaped the way women thought about the spatial and financial freedom to create.  This episode previously aired on our exclusive bonus Patreon feed. If you'd like to hear more episodes like this one, go to patreon.com/novelpairings to support the show for just $5 and access out backlog of bonus episodes. Thank you for keeping our show running! Books mentioned: Ulysses by James Joyce Siddhartha by Herman Hesse The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf Hay Fever by Noel Coward

It's the last stretch of our Slow Down Summer with The Odyssey, and for this week's discussion, we're sharing final thoughts on The Odyssey's staying power and impact on modern literature. We dive into talking about what we noticed in our full read-though of Emily Wilson's translation. We also share themes to consider when reading, thoughts on reading a text symbolically, and guesses for why the story of a complicated man like Odysseus has staying power—in scholarship, public discussion, and as an inspiration of countless retellings and allusions. Finally, if you need some more #MythologyGirl energy in your reading life, we share additional titles for discovery. If you enjoyed today's episode and would love to get even nerdier with us, we have a wealth of extra content for all our listeners. Our Patreon is the place to be for our listeners who want to feel like they're back in English class without the homework. Head on over to patreon.com/novelpairings and sign up for instant access to all our recorded classes, webinars, and bonus episodes. In addition to all our recorded content, we host monthly book discussions and for August we'll be discussing Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer. We'd love to have you join the discussion.    Further Reading:  Claire North (Ithaca and House of Odysseus) Madeline Miller (Song of Achilles and Circe)  Stephen Fry (Mythos, Heroes, and Troy) Olympus, Texas by Stacy Swan Island of Forgetting by Jasmine Sealy Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

Do you love the feeling of happening upon a subtle reference to a great literary work in the midst of your current read? Or do you feel like you're on the outside when books allude to works you haven't read? In today's episode, we're getting extra nerdy and breaking down all things literary allusions. For our discussion, we share what a literary allusion is and what kinds of allusions are referenced most widely. Plus, we'll share tips on how to access these oft-referenced stories to illuminate your reading experience, and we'll share book recommendations to build your TBR with classic and contemporary literature.  If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would love our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship, get a little more academic, and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings. Classic Books for Allusions: The Odyssey by Homer (NP episode 123) Paradise Lost by John Milton Dante's Inferno Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (NP episode 32) Alice's Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (NP episode 111) Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte  (NP episodes 77 + 79) Rebecca by Daphne Du Mauier Beloved by Toni Morrison (NP episode 12) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (NP episode 20) Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (NP episode 51 + 53) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (NP episode 26)   Other Books Mentioned: On Beauty by Zadie Smith Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Telephone by Percival Everett Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark Lone Women by Victor LaValle  The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë

This summer on Patreon, our Classics Club has been voyaging across the Aegean Sea with Odysseus, reading Emily Wilson's brilliant translation of Homer's epic poem. To deepen our experience with this ancient text, we're offering ongoing opportunities for public scholarship and reading in community. Today we're sharing one of these Patreon exclusive episodes with all of you and inviting you to come set sail with us this summer because it's not too late! Join at the Literature Scholar level to access all of our Odyssey bonus material plus our back catalog of classes and episodes to go deeper into whatever books you're picking up this summer. Enrollment is always open and we'd love to see you there! If you would like you stay connected to what's happening at Novel Pairings, make sure to sign up for our Substack and follow us over on Instagram. You can make sure you never miss an episode of the podcast by subscribing to the show wherever you get your podcasts. And if you love the work we're doing, make sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

Today we are re-airing one of our very first episodes of Novel Pairings: Episode 18 on Homer's Odyssey, in which Sara reveals her nerdy middle school obsession, Chelsey has strong opinions on defining “the classics,” and we have a LOT of fun discussing the complicated character of Odysseus. You don't need to have any knowledge of mythology or The Odyssey in order to enjoy this episode. This episode is mostly spoiler-free, except for a brief discussion of the ending. We'll warn you in advance before we get into it, and timestamps are listed below.   If, after listening to today's rerelease, you're interested in joining us for a Slow Down Summer Odyssey, head over to the Novel Pairings Patreon page and join us at the $8 literature scholar tier. In addition to weekly podcast recaps of each section of The Odyssey, you'll also get invitations to monthly book club discussions and classes to help you get more out of this epic poem, along with our regular Friday bonus episodes and access to our entire back catalog of bonus episodes and class recordings. Perhaps most exciting of all, Patreon supporters will get first access to our limited edition merch shop opening this month! We'd love to explore The Odyssey and beyond with you this summer so head to patreon.com/novelpairings to join our classics crew. Our discussion includes:  What is a “mythology girl?” [13:08]  Analyzing Odysseus: a larger-than-life character [20:10]  More on Odysseus as a complex, flawed and nuanced hero [29:30]   Plus, as always, we're recommending six contemporary books to pair with our classic,  including a business book and a book in translation.   Notes: Edith Hamilton's Mythology “Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood “ Penelope” by Carol Ann Duffy The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy Madeline Miller: Circe and The Song of Achilles Gareth Hinds graphic novel The Odyssey Bull by David Elliot   Pairings: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffeneger [40:35] The Martian by Andy Weir [46:06] Dare to Lead by Brene Brown [53:05] The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood [37:10] The Songs of the Kings by Barry Unsworth [42:55] Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera [48:35] Also mentioned:  Chelsey: A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow recommended by Bezi @beingabookwyrm Sara: Rick Riordan Presents

We're closing out our spring semester of children's classics with one final book about a book—and another richly imagined story in translation, The Wild Book by Juan Villoro. This modern story reached great acclaim in Mexico, with an English translation finally reaching America in 2017.  We found this work a  compelling companion to our first children's work in translation, Inkheart, and we share our thoughts on the book's proposed relationship between books and reading, how this modern work stacks up besides tried-and-true classics, and the supernatural elements that feel grounded in the magical realism traditions of incredible Lantix authors. We love reading and discussing books with our listeners, and we hope you'll join our group of nerdy readers for a summer of EPIC reading over on our Patreon at patreon.com/novelpairings. Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price. Pairings Timestamp: 25:50  . . . Books Mentioned:  The Wild Book by Juan Villoro Pet by Akwaeke Emezi Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng  The Sentence by Louise Erdrich  

Get ready to load your summer totes (ahem…your summer Novel Pairings totes, more to come on that) with lots of good reads; we're talking about our most anticipated summer reads on today's episode! We've carefully culled our long lists of interesting books coming out this summer to provide some high-interest titles that are sure to topple your TBR while also providing backlist books that will pair perfectly and are available right now.   Today we talk about forthcoming humorous memoirs (including one woven with lots of 90s nostalgia), a searing, fictional critique of contemporary publishing, and plenty of engrossing tales you'll want to curl up with poolside. And if that's not enough, we take a shot at solving the mystery surrounding the unnamed Flatiron title prior to it being settled by the New York Times (and Chelsey will add amateur sleuth to her list of alternate career options should occasion arise).   We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you'll join our group of nerdy readers at patreon.com/novelpairings. Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price!   Books Mentioned Yellowface by R. F. Kuang Disorientation by Elian Hsieh Chou Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel All Sinners Bleed by S.A. Crosby Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke My Murder by Katie Williams Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey Chouette by Claire Oshetsky  Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder Banyan Moon by Thao Tai Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo  Loot by Tania James The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson Wannabe: Reckoning with the Pop Culture that Saved Me by Aisha Harris Piccolo is Black by Jordan Calhoun Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens A Dangerous Business by Jane Smiley Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi Babel by R. F. Kuang Half-Life of a Stolen Sister by Rachel Cantor Glass Town by Isabel Greenberg Charlotte Bronte: A Fiery Heart by Claire Harman The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell History's Angel by Anjum Hassan Members Only by Sameer Pandya The Lost Ranger by Peter Heller Congratulations, the Best is Over! by R. Eric Thomas Here for It by R. Eric Thomas  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Our Town by Thorton Wilder  

As voracious readers we love to dive into stories about books and reading, whether it's paying homage to the source of procuring books (think publishing, bookshops, and libraries) or the physical books themselves. In today's episode, we're taking you on a dark, mysterious, and twisty adventure in translation with Cornelia Funke's Inkheart. A plot-packed novel for the not-so-faint-of-heart, we discuss what Funke's international bestseller has to say about the power stories hold for children, the necessity to engage a child's imagination, and how the tone of this children's classic spooked us (just a little bit). If you're looking for more imaginative fantasies, we've paired this sweeping novel with a rich, outlandish romantic historical fantasy and a slim work of non-fiction about the nature of books from one of the most renowned writers and translators of our time.  A quick note: we had some technical difficulties, so the audio on this episode may sound slightly different than usual. It'll be back to normal in our next episode!   [Pairing Timestamp: 41:33]   Books Mentioned: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon The Clothing of Books by Jhumpa Lahiri The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield   Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alex E. Harrow   Other Books Mentioned The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke

Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure. This week, we're discussing E. L. Konigsburg's Newbery award-winning novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, a 1960s romp about a pair of siblings who find refuge and mystery at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. From the Mixed-Up Files is a story simple in prose, yet imbued with rich descriptions and detail to leave a lasting impression. In today's episode, we talk about our own mixed-up, nostalgic memories of reading Mrs. Frankweiler, the alluring nature of Konigsburg's novel for generations of readers, and the need to have our own private “somethings.” Plus, we help you dive deeper into the world of art and art forgery with a novel in translation and prepare for beach reading with a summer-y story about two teenage misfits, first love, and their creative endeavors.   We're learning to be better, more critical and thorough readers of classic and contemporary literature, and there's still time to join us for the last month that we're reading children's classics! Sign up to join our community of nerdy readers where we host bonus mini-episodes, lectures, seminars, and book clubs. Head on over to patreon.org/novelpairings to join our Classics Club today. Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price.   Pairings Timestamp: 39:22   Books Mentioned:   Portrait of an Unknown Lady by María Ganzia Now That I Found You by Kristina Forest Possession by A. S. Byatt The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringley Metropolitan Stories by Christine Coulson

Anne-with-an-e Shirley, a hallmark figure in children's literature, provides a formative childhood reading experience for many readers. An imaginative and loquacious orphan who finds home and community with the Cuthbert siblings at Green Gables of Avonlea, Anne is a feisty, feminine, and dramatically charming protagonist. In today's episode, we talk about how this sweet and endearing novel worked for us compared to other “warm hug” classics that missed the mark, the aspects of Anne's character that make her loveable and realistic, our favorite scenes from the book, and whether Montgomery's work can be considered feminist. Plus—our pairings today include a whimsical fairy story loosely based on the premise of Anne, as well as a novel that features another unforgettable protagonist from a Canadian author.  We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you'll join our group of nerdy readers at patreon.com/novelpairings. Thank you for supporting the show!   Pairings Timestamp: 44:16   Books Mentioned The Lost Queen by Signe Pike The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett Blue Cedar Falls series by Jeannie Chin: try The House on Mulberry Street Fight Night by Miriam Toews J. Ryan Stradal: try Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club The Lucy Barton series by Elizabeth Strout: try My Name is Lucy Barton   Also Mentioned: Why Anne Makes Us Dizzy by Julia McQuillan and Julie Pheiffer (Critical Study) Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a staple in high school classrooms and a foundational piece of American literature. This children's classic is a boisterous and satirical novel addressing a vast array of social and political issues couched in an episodic coming-of-age tale. In today's episode, we address some of the teaching baggage that comes along with this book, consider Huck's moral development, and wrestle with the complexities of encountering this book as a modern reader. As always, we also offer contemporary pairings including a National Book Award winner and a sweet and tender father-and-son story.  Together, we're learning to be better, more critical and thorough readers of classic and contemporary literature. We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you'll join our group of nerdy readers at patreon.com/novelpairings. Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price.    Pairings Timestamp: 39:14     Books mentioned: Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson Washington Black by Esi Edugyan This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger The Good Lord Bird by James McBride   Also mentioned: Percival Everett's Huck Finn Retelling Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry Lonesome Dove episode Toni Morrison on Huck Finn Jane Smiley on Huck Finn  

Catherine, Called Birdy has been a surprise hit with our listeners and book club community, and today Chelsey and Sara share their experience with Karen Cushman's award-winning work of middle grade historical fiction. We share what we remember about the book from childhood, why we connected with it more now, and why a book about a girl trying to avoid marriage in the 13th-century feels so relevant today. We also go down a couple of rabbit holes of our own this episode, including a discussion about how we teach and model gender for children and the role of literature in that development.  Together, we're learning to be better, more critical and thorough readers of classic and contemporary literature. We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you'll join our group of nerdy readers at patreon.com/novelpairings. Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price.  Pairings Timestamp: 42:00 . . . . Books mentioned: Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton Doomsday Book by Connie Willis Matrix by Lauren Groff My Lady Jane, My Plain Jane, My Contrary Mary, My Imaginary Mary by Cynthia Hand,  Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows  Also mentioned: Dear America, The Royal Diaries, and American Girl Dolls  The Men–and the Boys–are Not Alright  

While we're spending most of this season discussing classic children's literature, today Chelsey and Sara break from form to share our most anticipated spring book releases. Spring is a busy time in the publishing cycle and we will topple your TBR with feel-good fiction, literary books from favorite writers, and a surprising number of intriguing nonfiction titles, all releasing between late February and early May. Today is all about those new releases, but if you want to hear us offer backlist pairings for these anticipated buzzy titles, head over to our Patreon community to get that bonus content delivered to your podcast feed. To shop for all of the titles mentioned in today's episode while supporting our show, head to our Bookshop.org affiliate storefront: https://bookshop.org/shop/novelpairings Together, we're learning to be better, more critical and thorough readers of classic and contemporary literature. We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you'll join our group of nerdy readers at patreon.com/novelpairings. Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price.   . . . . . Books mentioned: I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson  Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton In Springtime by Sarah Blake How to Think Like a Woman by Regan Penaluna  Ten Planets by Yuri Herrera Lone Women by Victor Lavalle Above Ground by Clint Smith Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal Greek Lessons by Han Kang The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

Chelsey and Sara discuss Mildred D. Taylor's Newberry Award winning novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. We gush about the writing, share our favorite characters, and unpack a few memorable scenes. We also spend some time considering why this book feels like it could be classified as an adult novel and the value it would add to a middle or high school curriculum. And, of course, we each offer a couple of books to pair with this middle grade classic. This conversation is largely spoiler-free, and we encourage you to listen whether or not you've read this book recently or at all! Together, we're learning to be better, more critical and thorough readers of classic and contemporary literature. We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you'll join our group of nerdy readers at patreon.com/novelpairings. Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price.  Pairings Timestamp: 42:05 . . . . . Books mentioned: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead  Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice by Phillip Hoose Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes Stealing by Margaret Verble Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson   Also mentioned: Profile: Mildred D. Taylor Novel Pairings Not Without Laughter episode