Reality Raincheck

Have you ever been hounded to continue writing books? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has! In fact, were it not for his ardent fans, we wouldn't have as many Sherlock Holmes books as we do currently. In this book club chat, we'll talk about Doyle's use of landscape to add ambiance and mystery to this novel that is at once a detective story, a horror, and a gothic tale. We discuss how the book, though known as a Sherlock book, has more Watson than anyone else. We talk about why this duo is so likable, and why Sherlock has continued in such popularity in retellings and reimaginings today. This book is highly accessible, so if you've never read a Sherlock story, definitely start with The Hound of the Baskervilles. The pacing and mystery will suck you right in. Just try not to lose a shoe in a bog while you're at it.

In this episode, you'll discover why The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green resonates so deeply with readers. Through a series of insightful, nostalgic, and often hilarious essays, Green reviews everything from Halley's Comet and Diet Dr Pepper to scratch-and-sniff stickers and Liverpool soccer games. His reflections turn the ordinary into something extraordinary, offering moments of humor, heartbreak, and wonder. He wrote during the covid pandemic and makes you appreciate newly the challenges of connecting with others during times of separation. We discuss the essays we might write to review our own lives—the fleeting experiences, vivid memories, and quiet moments that have shaped our world. Green's unique format invites you to do just that: to pause, reflect, and assign meaning to what might otherwise go unnoticed. The Anthropocene Reviewed is a book that makes you laugh out loud and, at times, cry. It's a tender, funny, and profoundly human read—one that stays with you long after the last page. If you haven't picked it up yet, this episode might be just the push you need.

Have you ever met a female commercial pilot? It's a rare experience and one that we were able to have as we discussed Beryl Markham's memoir West With the Night, with special guest and pilot Lola Reid Allin.  In this episode of Reality Raincheck, we take to the skies with two extraordinary aviators—one from history and one from our own time. We dive into West with the Night, Beryl Markham's lyrical memoir of pioneering aviation and life in colonial Africa, and discuss its striking omissions—what she chose to include, and what she left out. Markham, the first person to fly solo east to west across the Atlantic, offers a poetic yet enigmatic account of her adventures, raising questions about authorship, past lovers, and the untold stories behind her words. Joining us is our special guest, pilot and author Lola Reid Allin, whose memoir Highway to the Sky captures the exhilaration and solitude of flying, as well as the resilience required to carve out a space in a male-dominated industry. Through her firsthand experiences as a pilot, she offers insight into what Markham's airborne freedom might have truly felt like—the mix of precision, fear, and sheer wonder that comes with being alone in the cockpit. But beyond the thrill of flight, Lola's story is one of perseverance against incredible odds. She not only broke barriers in aviation but also overcame the personal struggles of an abusive first marriage, finding her own path to independence and strength in the skies. Lola's journey underscores the importance of representation in aviation and her mission to serve as the role model she never had, inspiring young women to see themselves in the cockpit. Together, we explore the narrative gaps in Markham's memoir, and the timeless allure of flight as both a literal and literary journey. Strap in for a discussion where history, adventure, and personal experience converge at cruising altitude.

If you've ever wanted to talk about L.M. Montgomery's Emily of New Moon series, but have lacked the proper bosom friends, fret no longer! Listen to this chat as we'll discuss the magical ways in which Montgomery creates another heroine that rivals Anne of Green Gables in her wit and charm, but is distinct from her in appearance and cool-headedness. We'll also delve into the lingering mystery surrounding Montgomery's death—was it an accidental overdose or a suicide? Regardless of the circumstances, one thing remains clear: Montgomery's ability to create timeless, believable characters is what cements her status as a truly remarkable storyteller. We are Joined by Diana Smith, our longtime friend and fellow bookclub member and  L.M. Montgomery expert. Be sure to join us next month as we discuss West With the Night, the captivating memoir of Beryl Markham!

If you're searching for a meaningful Christmas read, this episode is just for you. Join us as we dive into Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These, a novella that proves even the shortest books can make a big difference. Set against the backdrop of a quiet Irish town during the holiday season, this story explores the profound impact one person can have in the face of systemic oppression. In this heartfelt book club discussion, we examine the themes of courage, compassion, and the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people. We'll explore how acts of kindness and standing up for what's right can resonate far beyond their immediate circumstances, offering hope in even the darkest of situations. Whether you're a seasoned reader or just looking for something inspiring this holiday season, tune in to discover why Small Things Like These is a must-read that lingers long after you've turned the final page.

In this episode, we dive into the macabre yet enlightening world of cadavers with Stiff by Mary Roach, a book that reveals the many unexpected ways cadavers have advanced human knowledge and society, whether it be from their use in medical research and crash tests to their roles in forensic investigations. Our guest, Dr. Darin Johnston, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Northern California, joins us to discuss the book's accuracy and share his own experiences learning from cadavers in his medical training. We also tackle some heavier topics, including organ donation, the booming industry of death, and the future of internment practices. Whether you're fascinated by the science or the philosophy behind life, death, and the human body, this episode offers a mix of both the intriguing, the thought-provoking, and sometimes the comical. Blending science, history, and morbid humor, Roach invites readers to confront the reality of death with a sense of both wonder and respect, making it a fascinating read for anyone curious about the afterlife of the human body.

Join us as we welcome back Dr. Carl Sederholm, a professor of horror and early American studies at BYU, to explore the haunting world of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The House of the Seven Gables. Although the novel unfolds at a slow pace, it offers a rich foundation for discussing how individuals and families grapple with ancestral guilt and inherited curses. Together, we'll examine themes like wealth, greed, isolation, and untimely death. We'll also delve into Hawthorne's personal struggles with ancestral guilt, particularly his connection to the Salem witch trials through his Puritan ancestors. Could this novel represent Hawthorne's attempt to confront and heal the past? Tune in for an insightful conversation on how The House of the Seven Gables continues to resonate with readers through its exploration of history, legacy, and haunting family secrets.

My Life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead is a captivating blend of memoir and biography that invites readers to explore the enduring impact of George Eliot's Middlemarch. Mead offers insights into the relevance of Middlemarch in contemporary life, illustrating how Eliot's exploration of human relationships and personal growth resonates today. We are joined by former British Novel professor, and published author, John Bennion as we discuss the merits of Rebecca Mead's book. Join us for a thought-provoking journey through both Mead's reflections and Eliot's timeless narrative!  

The Last Cuentista is a winner of the Newberry Medal award, and is the second book by author Donna Barba Higuera. It is a fast paced, middle-grade dystopian sci-fi, and yet it has so much depth and maturity in its themes.  We were able to discuss many topics at length including immigration, the importance of storytelling, genetic enhancement, collective working, and what connects us. Azul Uribe is a bi-cultural woman who was partially raised in the U.S.—Texas and Mexico. She is currently working on a book of essays, and lives in Merida Mexico, with her two cats, where she owns no high heels and never wears pants. She has been featured in The Daily Dot, and the Anthologies Los Otros Dreamers (2014) and Somewhere We Are Human (Harper Collins 2019). We talk about Azul's personal story, as it deals with deportation, and the U.S. immigration policies and other systemic failures that make the path to citizenship unattainable. 

Join us in this book club chat as we discuss Susan Cain's work of non-fiction Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. This book feels very validating for those of us who are introverts, and helpful for extroverts who want to better understand their children and partners and the very different ways in which they are energized. We also talk about the highly sensitive person and the correlation between introversion and the HSP. 

Join us as we discuss a classic that still has modern relevance. Air Force attorney, Mike Bunnell will provide his unique perspective as he specializes in criminal cases involving sexual assault. He discusses the difficulty found in proving or disproving consent (particularly when alcohol is involved) and compares it to the accusation and subsequent trial that take place in the book. In E.M. Forster's novel A Passage to India, Forster seems to be asking if people of different cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds can co-exist, particularly in situations of high tension and biases. It leads to a good discussion regarding what it means to really see a person, or really see a country.

On the plots surface, Bel Canto details a hostage situation that takes place at an embassy in Peru. But when one delves deeper, it is a meditation on the healing and uniting power of art, specifically that of opera to bring people of completely different cultures and languages together to appreciate music at its finest. This is Ann Patchett's 4th novel and was awarded the Orange prize for fiction and the PEN/Faulkner award. Later the book was made into a film that uses the masterful vocal stylings of soprano Renee Fleming. Stay tuned to the end of this book club chat to hear fellow book-clubber, Mary Ann Claros sing the aria from Rusalka called "Song to the Moon," which is the song that launches the book Bel Canto. Hearing it live is magical!

Join us for this book club chat as we interview author Dr. Charles Inouye about his beautiful memoir, Zion Earth Zen Sky. He details the experiences from his life as a child growing up in rural Sigurd, Utah. As Japanese-Americans, his family eventually settled there after his parents met at an internment camp following Pearl Harbor. His religious backgrounds include a family culture of Buddhism, and then a conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. Though he began working along side his dad as a farmer, Dr. Inouye eventually left the farm to serve as a missionary in Japan and discovered the many beauties of the Japanese traditions. He went on to pursue his education, completing a doctorate at Harvard. He now teaches at Tufts University in Boston. His memoir is replete with Haiku and stories that warm your heart to their teller. His ideas on faith are simple and profound: serving others is similar to the Buddhist tradition of maintaining a zen garden. The constant raking is what refines us, and allows us the connections that come from loving others, and being loved. https://www.amazon.com/Zion-Earth-Charles-Shirō-Inouye/dp/1950304116#customerReviews https://www.amazon.com/Hymns-Silence-Stories-Charles-Inouye/dp/1948218976/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1I9NCGKAA8UC9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.91HYIhIlWWSJ73IJ4s03YbacoDXZI4OkDCEPox1o9EYF8wLbPUkeX0ztidyFg-CKyO92CBIoVgxyPAzthvARQTQbgLbTSC85B2AsbsUkPGjgNu7BMJwm5Nkx7jlh1gJRJFowCzlgMjAm96KsaPaVT5SmN5TtWuKyLOzMQij5wnn2LXrYLqZXFH4vowSwYgsahDCvMt9Be75Bks8eW57rlswHaqbt_VR_S7Oc0IPNSf8.fsPVslObfCz34JOYvewhqNU2L76d5gU8p3ur-BO3DIE&dib_tag=se&keywords=books+by+charles+inouye&qid=1711822544&s=books&sprefix=books+by+charles+inouye%2Cstripbooks%2C62&sr=1-1  

George Eliot, who's actual name is Mary Ann Evans, was one of the best Victorian authors to have emerged from England. Join us in this book club chat with author John Bennion, and former BYU professor of the British novel. While this novel has slow beginnings, the pace quickens and provides such a complicated love triangle, one is left wondering how things will possibly conclude. As with many victorian novels, the answer to that question is “tragically”. We try to rewrite the ending and come to the conclusion that though tragic, Eliot knew exactly what she was doing. To have an alternate ending would have required the heroine, Maggie Tulliver, to have been untrue to herself. This book is in part autobiographical, as it has echoes of Eliot's upbringing, and her later estrangement from her brother.

If you want a glimpse into beautiful nature poetry, look no further than the poems of Mary Oliver. She was considered to be one of America's finest poets, winning the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Her poems, and the reading of them, connect you more closely to the natural world and simultaneously the spiritual world. Join us as we read some of our favorite poems with our friend Jessie Scoville, who for a time shared Mary Oliver's poetry online in an effort to spread hope in an time when it was desperately needed. We read many of her poems aloud, discovering anew the awakening to life that such beautiful poetry can invoke. Her poems read like prayers, though she will be the first to say that she doesn't know what it means to pray. But she was a master at sitting idly and observing the outdoors with a feeling of gratitude.

 Eowyn Ivey's debut novel The Snow Child is a beautiful journey into the imagination and the wilds of Alaska. Incorporating the Russian fairytale, the Snow Maiden, Ivey breaths new life into an old tale, and lets live the idea that hope (along with a child) can spring from even the most harsh and hopeless of circumstances. This book gives a very real glimpse into the struggles of infertility and feeling the loss of a child. It was a finalist for a pulitzer in 2013. There are spoilers in this bookclub chat, so read the book before you give it a listen. You'll be glad you did!

If you're curious about the origin story of the haunted house, look no further than Shirley Jackson's classic horror novel, The Haunting of Hill House. We are joined for this book club chat by horror professor, Dr. Carl Sederholm, who recently published a chapter in a work about Shirley Jackson. While his focus was on Steven King (who is an ardent lover of the works of Jackson) he is an expert on this book, which he regularly teaches his students at BYU. Read the book before listening to the podcast as we talk in depth about the ending! It is hauntingly spooky and a perfect book for fall weather days. Enjoy!

Barbara Kingsolver's best selling novel The Poisonwood Bible is a masterful historical fiction about the Price family. While their story is fictional, the backdrop and historical events of the narrative are an accurate depiction of life in the Congo. It's an eye-opening tale told from the perspective of the women in the story. Join us as we retell our favorite moments and relive our initial reactions to this deeply moving and beautifully written book.

Join us for this book club chat about Austen's first novel Sense and Sensibility. Former BYU professor and author, John Bennion, will discuss the merits of the book and Austen's growth as a novelist as she improved upon her craft in subsequent books. The film adaptation of the book as written by Emma Thompson helped to give the novel new life. We compare the book and film, and come to the rare conclusion that the movie did great service to the book in rounding out the characters. But Austen will forever remain the queen of dialogue and masterful observer of people.

Joanna Quinn's debut novel, The Whalebone Theatre, is historical fiction at its finest. We are transported to southern England off the coast of Dorset, where we meet three unlikely heroes--Cristabel, Flossie, and Digby. They are siblings who grow up against the backdrop of the second world war. Their childhood consists of little supervision, and jaunts to the seaside where they discover a washed up whale, and turn its carcass into a local theatre. The theme of overcoming trial, heartache, and loss through the escape of art is prominent. Two of the heroes become spies for England during the war, and discover their true grit. The writing is mesmerizingly beautiful. Join us for this book club chat as we discuss the merits and memorable moments of this wonderfully weaved tale.

This conversation with author, mother, grandmother, scholar, and kind soul Fiona Givens, was healing. If you have not read the books she co-authored with her husband, Terryl Givens, you are missing out on some beautiful and poetic explorations of theology within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Their most recent work, All Things New: Rethinking Sin and Salvation and Everything in Between, explores early christian history to see where some truths became hidden or distorted over time, and how some truths continue to emerge in the restoration of the gospel as we give renewed breath to words that merit new definitions. We will talk of God, both Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, who in drafting the plan of salvation, provided us with a healer, Jesus Christ. In our woundedness, often caused by inherited trauma or conditions, he is the Christ who heals infermities--be they mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional.

Join us in our book club chat as we discuss Jonathan Haidt's work of social psychology, The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided By Religion and Politics. Whether you find yourself politically on the left, right, or in-between, we could all benefit from a little application of empathy for others in understanding the moral matrices that make us think the way we do.

Join us as we discuss Shusaku Endo's novel of historical fiction Silence, where he confronts the age old question of "Where is God during human suffering?" Van Gessel, our guest and translator of many of Endo's novels, joins us to clarify some of the discrepancies in the original translation, as well as the difficulty in general of teaching faith to an audience that doesn't share your language. If you're looking for an introduction to Japanese literature, Silence is a wonderful place to start. You will hear the faith of early Christians in Silence.

Sarah Cole joins me in this interview about the great escape of creating adventures. Find and follow her on instagram at hatgirladventures for some refreshing ways of getting out of the daily grind, and seeing the things around you that you never knew were always there. Dust off your favorite hat, and go snap a picture of yourself in one of your favorite places to visit. Or, try looking up atlasobscura.com for some random new ideas of the fun stuff to visit and document near you. You'll be well on your way to adventuring. And who wouldn't benefit from exploring the great outdoors a bit more? Your future memories might just depend upon it.

I can't sufficiently sum up what this book accomplishes, but sufficeth to say that Dame Antonia Byatt won the Booker prize (England's most prestigious award for literature) because her book is masterfull in its telling. It is at once a romance and a mystery, modern and victorian, and a book that one can read again and again just for the shear enjoyment of her ingenious symbolism, color usage, and for the pleasure of the discovery of some dead poets that she has seemingly brought to life. They seem to me as real as poets that actually lived. Did I mention it's a romance? A pair of modern scholars discover a hidden affair  between two Victorian poets. And as the reader, you will fall in love too. I hope you enjoy our book club chat, and stay for the end as we reference Dame Antonia's essay in which she discusses her choices in writing Possession.

If you find yourself in a quaundry over how to best appreciate music, join me as I discuss some creative ideas for playlists, and how to surround yourself with the music that you had forgotten you always loved. We have such amazing access to mood-enhancing music in so many genres. When was the last time you got away through music and felt reconciled to life? It's time for another get away. 

Join us for this book club chat about Alexandre Dumas classic adventure tale of revenge, The Count of Monte Cristo. It is clear why this book has withstood the test of time, and is so widely recogized as great french literature. But if you don't have time to give it a read, give this podcast a listen. You may be compelled to pick up this great tome after all! 

We loved reading and discussing this Christmas classic, The Box of Delights. Author, John Masefield transports us to the wintery british world of the 1930's, where Kay and his young friends have many fanciful and sometimes dangerous adventures together. If you've ever wanted to enter the world of childhood and relive some of its magic, this book does a great job taking you there. Enjoy! And have a merry Christmas!

Join us as we discuss Ray Bradbury's coming of age story Something Wicked This Way Comes. Bradbury uses the backdrop of a small town in Illinois with a traveling carnival that entices two teenagers with all of its attractions and curiosities. The carnival will ultimately imprison you in your own fears, and these boys must use their cunning, and ultimately the power of friendship, love, and laughter to vanquish the evil. One main theme is age, and ones desire to be older and more mature, or younger and more able-bodied depending on which side of the age pendulum you swing. If you're looking for a creepy autumnal read, this book is right up your alley.

Join us for this book club chat as we discuss the guilded age of New York, and the american author who shed so much light on the time, Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence illuminates the rigid societal norms of pre-WWI New York, and the contraints that we make on our hearts, for better or worse, when it comes to love and marriage. 

We thoroughly loved reading and discussing this exciting travel narrative, The Salt Path. Raynor Winn has captured a beautiful and harrowing memoir about homelessness and surival. She redefines home as the relationships that mean the most, and the walking paths that keep you moving forward. It inspires one to get walking, particulary through southern England. If you need an extra boost of hope, and would like to be the cheering section for a couple with true grit, give The Salt Path a read, and then give this podcast a listen.  

Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves a beautiful story, rich with both scientific and native american culture. She tells the story of our relationship to the earth and what we can learn from indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the wisdom of plants. If you're looking for a book that will inspire you to give the gift of reciprocity to the natural world, give this book chat a listen! We can all improve in our stewardship of mother earth.

In Maggie O'Farrell's novel, Hamnet, we are transported to the life of Agnes (Anne) Shakespeare. Though little is known historically about Shakespeares life, so much can be gleaned from what is known. O'Farrell has captured beautifully the grief that comes from loving and then losing a child. This book will at once make you weep, and look freshly upon the playwright that we know as William Shakespeare. Come along for our book club chat!

Harvard Professor and winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, is an extraordinary American Historian. She has woven together a work that is by far the most comprehensive of its kind. Ulrich uses first hand accounts to build a personal look into the women and men who practiced plurality in the newly established Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It also delves into womens rights from 1835-1870. Join us for this book club chat!

Join us for this discussion of Julie Berry's young adult novel Lovely War. A romance that takes place during WWI as told by the gods of olympus. Highly readable, and highly serendipidous that I was able to find the recording of this podcast! I thought it was lost forever. Enjoy.

Having a spouse deploy is hard. Having him deploy for 11 months straight is even harder. Having him away while managing to keep healthy and alive your three young children is nigh impossible. Join me for a tell-all as I detail the comical crucible that has been my life for the last several months. Hopefully, it will make you think how glad you are to be you, and not me. Enjoy!

In this book club chat, we discuss Ted Chiang's compilation of short stories titled Exhalation. Although a sci-fi writer, his ability to focus on the human element  is what makes the stories readable, memorable, and very fun to discuss. Come with us to consider how we capture memories, whether we have free will, and the self-awareness achieved through time-travel.

This book is a beautiful memoir that takes us on a journey through the cold months of the year. If you're looking for some ideas about how to better endure the winter months, or the emotional winters that occur in our lives, you'll want to give this book club chat a listen. You will be among friends while we talk about depression and anxiety and how to seek additional help while wintering.

For those of us who love a good murder mystery, or 10 mysterious murders, consider reading Agatha Christie's novel And Then There Were None. Christie has the mind of a puzzler, and you won't be able to put the pieces together--try as you might. Join us as we talk about these suspicious characters and the creepy atmosphere that come together on the secluded Soldier Island.

Join us for this book club chat in which we discuss Thomas Hardy's novel The Woodlanders. We have the privilege of reuniting with our dear, BYU professor, John Bennion, who is a Hardy expert and himself a novelist. We talk about how Hardy was superb at his craft because he could weave interesting stories set in beautiful landscapes, where the roll of nature is almost equally important as the rolls of the characters molded from it. A beautiful yet somber autumn read for anyone who could use a dose of British nature worship. 

The Eye of the World is a fantasy book written by Robert Jordan. It is the first book in a very epic series, and in this episode we discuss some of the reasons that Jordan keeps the tension alive through using archetypes and impressive world and character building skills. A fun read to follow up with Tolstoy, as Jordan was a big fan.

Join us as we discuss Sue Monk Kidd's most recent novel, The Book of Longings. It is the story of Ana, wife of Jesus, who gives voice to silenced women of New Testament times, and in the meantime, finds her own. This book will stick with you and make you reimagine a time in history you thought you knew a little about. 

Join us in this book club chat as we discuss James Herriot's bestselling novel All Creatures Great and Small. It transports us to the dales of England and gives firsthand accounts of what it's like to be a veterinarian  in the 1930's. A heartwarming and hilarious read for those who want a pleasant escape!

There's a reason this book is known as the best novel ever written. In this book club chat, we discuss the Russian classic, War and Peace. Not a read for the light reader, but if you've ever wanted to get a brief overview of what this book achieves, give this a listen! 

Join us for this book club chat about a deep time journey that is mostly underground. Whether by caving, or exploring catacombs, or understanding the underworkings of trees, this journey is DEEP!

Join us in our third book club as we discuss Leif Enger's bestselling novel, Peace Like a River.

This is our second book club chat in which we discuss the inequalities in our justice system as detailed by Bryan Stevenson in his book Just Mercy. This book had me weeping and has fundamentally changed my thinking in regards to racial inequalities in our penal system. It reads like a memoir and is beautifully written.

This episode covers the positive escape of going on a ghost tour or seeking out something that scares you (in a good way.) Listen in for some ideas on boosting the old adrenaline and finding new energy for life... among the dead.

Join us for our first book club discussion about Two Old Women by Velma Wallis. It's based on an Athabaskan legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska. We also introduce our book club and its beginnings.

This episode covers the escape of Stargazing and details how it is a better choice than gazingstock, the practice of looking at others with scorn. 

This episode covers escapism and the positive and negative ways in which we escape. I'll talk about two of my personal escapes--one good, one bad--and some methods to help us overcome our negative escapes by replacing them with positive escapes. Spoiler alert, my favorite escape is reading!