Snoozecast

Tonight we'll read the next chapter of Good Wives, written by Louisa May Alcott, titled "Surprises". This is also known as the second half of the Little Women novel, and is considered the 43rd chapter as part of that work as a whole. In our last chapter, Jo found herself adrift in a quieter home, struggling to lift her spirits or rekindle her sense of purpose. Though she tries to be useful, her days feel empty until simple comforts. Conversations with her parents. Small household tasks, and time with Meg and the children begin to steady her. Encouraged to write again, Jo pours her heart into a story that unexpectedly resonates with readers. She warmly supports Amy and Laurie's news, though it stirs her own longing for connection. Alone in the attic, Jo finds an old note from Professor Bear and holds it close. Sensing something quietly beginning. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, for our monthly Snoozecast+ Deluxe episode, we'll read the tale “Old Pipes and the Dryad” by Frank R. Stockton and published in 1894. Stockton was a popular American writer best known for his whimsical and gently satirical fairy tales. His most famous story, “The Lady, or the Tiger?”, posed a famously unsolvable riddle and brought him wide acclaim. But many of his lesser-known tales, like tonight's, are just as imaginative and charming. Stockton often gave mythological or magical elements a lighthearted twist, grounding them in everyday human kindness or folly. In classical mythology, a dryad is a tree spirit or nymph—typically female—who is bound to a particular tree, often an oak. The Greeks believed dryads were shy and long-lived, emerging only when their tree was especially old or under threat. Over time, the dryad became a symbol of the forest itself—an embodiment of nature's quiet, watchful presence. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the first chapter to “The Portrait of a Lady” written by Henry James and published in 1880. It is one of James's most popular novels and is regarded by critics as one of his finest. The novel follows Isabel Archer, a spirited and idealistic young American who travels to Europe in search of experience and independence. When she unexpectedly inherits a fortune, her circumstances shift dramatically—but so too do the stakes of her freedom. Henry James uses Isabel's story to explore the quiet perils of autonomy, as she is gradually drawn into a web of manipulations and choices that test the boundaries of her self-determination. James wrote “The Portrait of a Lady” during his middle period, after moving to Europe himself, and the novel reflects his deepening interest in psychological realism and the nuances of cultural contrast. The book stands as a key work in the development of the modern novel, notable for its subtle characterization and moral ambiguity. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read a version of the French literary fairy tale called “The White Doe” originally written by Madame d'Aulnoy. This version was found in “My Book of Favourite Fairy Tales” edited by Captain Edric Vredenburg and published in 1921. Madame d'Aulnoy, writing at the end of the 17th century, is credited with helping to popularize the term “fairy tale” itself—conte de fées—as she brought together aristocratic salon wit and magical storytelling. Her tales were never strictly for children; they were often satirical, romantic, and filled with elaborate detail meant to entertain adult audiences in the court of Louis XIV. They reflected the social norms and expectations of her time, particularly around the roles of women and the idea of destiny. “The White Doe” is one of her lesser-known but richly imagined stories, blending themes of transformation, betrayal, and enchanted punishment. In this tale, the heroine is bound by a strange prophecy, and a single broken rule sets off a chain of magical consequences. The story's combination of court intrigue, fairy interventions, and symbolic metamorphosis makes it a quintessential example of d'Aulnoy's genre-bending flair. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we shall read the next part to “Persuasion”, the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen, and published in 1817. The story concerns Anne Elliot, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. In the last episode, Anne is stunned to learn of Louisa Musgrove's sudden engagement to Captain Benwick. The pairing seems unlikely—Louisa being lively and high-spirited, Benwick reserved and mournful—but Anne quickly attributes their attachment to circumstance: close proximity and shared vulnerability. Reflecting on it, Anne concludes their union makes sense and could bring mutual happiness. Anne also feels an unspoken joy at the idea that Captain Wentworth is now free—though she barely dares to examine those feelings. Meanwhile, Sir Walter and Elizabeth are indifferent to the news, concerned only with social status, and reluctant to associate with the Crofts. Anne, in contrast, finds quiet joy in observing Admiral and Mrs. Croft's warm, equal companionship. A chance meeting with the Admiral in a print shop reveals his usual charm and humor, further endearing him to Anne. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read another excerpt from French writer Marcel Proust's monumental “In Search of Lost Time” which is seven volumes long, and first published in 1913. “In Search of Lost Time” follows the narrator's recollections and experiences in the late 19th-century and early 20th-century high-society France, while reflecting on the loss of time and lack of meaning in the world. This series does not necessarily need to be followed in order. Rather than being plot driven, it is more of a meditation on memories, consciousness and ambiance. The first episode aired on May 9th, 2022, and is titled “Overture.” The second episode, “The Magic Lantern” aired on July 11, 2022. The third episode, “M. Swann” aired on September 12, 2022.A madeleine de Proust is an expression used to describe smells, tastes, sounds or any sensations reminding you of your childhood or simply bringing back emotional memories from a long time ago. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read “M. Swann” the next part in our series from French writer Marcel Proust's monumental “In Search of Lost Time” which is seven volumes long, and first published in 1913. “In Search of Lost Time” follows the narrator's recollections and experiences in the late 19th-century and early 20th-century high-society France. This series does not necessarily need to be followed in order—as it drifts more like memory itself, circling themes and impressions rather than following a linear story. In this episode, we meet Charles Swann, a family acquaintance whose name and presence loom large in the narrator's early life. Though Swann appears casual and charming, his social status, romantic entanglements, and eventual tragedies become central threads in the broader tapestry of the novel. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll continue the 1928 children's book by A. A. Milne “The house at Pooh Corner”. In the last episode Pooh discovers that fir-cones (and later sticks) dropped into the slow-moving river reappear downstream, invenitng the game of Poohsticks, which leads to playful mishaps such as Eeyore ending up inthe water. When Tigger's bounce and the ensuing confusion prompt Rabbit to seek Christopher Robin's judgment, Christopher Robin suggest they simply play Poohsticks together, turning the moment into a peaceful, shared pastime by the river. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read “The Magic Lantern,” the next part in our series from French writer Marcel Proust's monumental “In Search of Lost Time” which is seven volumes long, and first published in 1913. “In Search of Lost Time” follows the narrator's recollections and experiences in the late 19th-century and early 20th-century high-society France, while reflecting on the loss of time and lack of meaning in the world. This series does not necessarily need to be followed in sequential order as it is more about an ambiance than a plot. In the first episode, “Overture”, the narrator recalls his childhood, bedtimes, bedrooms of his memories, and the peculiar states of consciousness related to sleep. This episode features memories about the magic lantern the narrator's family gives him as a child to help him with his insomnia. Magic lanterns were an early form of a slide projector. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read “Overture,” the opening to French writer Marcel Proust's monumental “In Search of Lost Time” which is seven volumes long, and first published in 1913. “In Search of Lost Time” follows the narrator's recollections and experiences in the late 19th-century and early 20th-century high-society France, while reflecting on the loss of time and lack of meaning in the world. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the 29th chapter of “Anne of Green Gables”, the classic 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This chapter is titled “An Epoch of Anne's Life”. In the last episode, Anne and her friends reenact the poem The Lady of Shalott by floating Anne down the river in a flatboat. She pretends to be the doomed lily maid, but the boat begins to leak and sinks. Anne is forced to climb onto the bridge supports and wait for help. Gilbert Blythe happens by in a rowboat and rescues her. Though still upset with him for past teasing, Anne reluctantly accepts the ride. Gilbert tries to reconcile and apologizes, but Anne coldly rebuffs him. Despite the dramatic mishap, Anne later admits the adventure was romantic. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read recipes from A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes, written by Charles Elme Francatelli and published in 1852. Born in London of Italian descent, Francatelli was a French-trained cook who worked for Queen Victoria. While best known for his lavish cookbook The Modern Cook, filled with elaborate dishes for aristocratic tables, Francatelli also had a keen interest in practical nourishment for everyday people. A Plain Cookery Book was his attempt to provide affordable, nutritious recipes for the working poor—a surprisingly progressive endeavor for someone with royal credentials. The book contains instructions for everything from humble gruels to hearty stews, with occasional flourishes of culinary elegance. Francatelli emphasized the importance of thrift and economy in the kitchen, recommending ways to stretch small amounts of meat or repurpose leftovers. Though the language may feel formal by today's standards, many of the recipes offer a glimpse into the ingenuity of 19th-century home cooks working with limited means. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read a short story titled “The Great Carbuncle” written by Nathaniel Hawthorne and published in 1835. Set in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a band of eight adventurers gathers together. They are each on a personal quest for the Great Carbuncle, a brilliant gem legendary in its elusiveness. The story's ensemble cast represents a spectrum of motivations—scientific curiosity, fame, greed, and reverence—each character convinced they deserve the Carbuncle more than the next. But it's the quiet presence of a humble newlywed couple, seeking only to glimpse the stone and return to a modest life, that serves as the story's moral compass. While there was never a documented search for a mythical gemstone like the Great Carbuncle in New England, the region has long been home to mineral and gem prospecting. Hawthorne likely drew inspiration from this local landscape of rugged ambition and romantic wilderness to craft a legend that, though fictional, feels rooted in place. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the next chapter of “Good Wives” written by Louisa May Alcott titled “All Alone”. This is also known as the second half of the “Little Women” novel and is considered the 42nd chapter as part of that work as a whole. In our last chapter, Laurie tries to recover from Jo's rejection by turning to music, but soon realizes his love for her has faded into affection. His bond with Amy deepens through letters, and she quietly rejects another suitor. With news of Beth's passing, Laurie rushes to Amy's side in Switzerland, where love quietly blossoms between them. Tonight's chapter returns to Jo, amidst her grief and isolation. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read “O Pioneers!”  a 1913 novel by American author Willa Cather. Set on the windswept prairies of Nebraska, “O Pioneers!” tells the story of Alexandra Bergson, a determined young woman of Swedish-American descent who takes over her family's farm.  Cather's quiet, poetic prose captures both the hardships and beauty of prairie life at the turn of the twentieth century, and Alexandra's journey reflects broader themes of endurance, transformation, and connection to the land. The novel marked the beginning of Cather's Great Plains Trilogy, which also includes The Song of the Lark and My Ántonia. Though she wrote this trilogy while living in New York City, Cather drew inspiration from her own upbringing in Nebraska and from the lives of immigrants who shaped the American Midwest. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read about igloos and other polar quarters, from the book Secrets of Polar Travel written by Robert E. Peary and published in 1917. Peary, a famed American Arctic explorer, led multiple expeditions to the far north and claimed to be the first person to reach the geographic North Pole. His writing blends technical insight with firsthand accounts of survival in extreme cold, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity required to build shelter in some of Earth's harshest climates. Although igloos, or snow shelters, are often associated with all Inuit, they were traditionally used only by the people of Canada's Central Arctic and a part of Greenland. Other Inuit groups constructed more permanent dwellings from driftwood, whalebone, and hides, using snow as insulation rather than structural material. Snow works as an insulator because of the tiny air pockets trapped within it—an important fact when outside temperatures plunge to −45 °C (−49 °F), while inside a well-constructed igloo, body heat alone can raise the temperature to a surprisingly livable 16 °C (61 °F). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we shall read the next part to “Persuasion”, the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen, and published in 1817. The story concerns Anne Elliot, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. In the last episode, starting at chapter 17, Anne visits her old school friend, Mrs. Smith, who now lives in modest circumstances due to her husband's debts and death. Despite her hardships, Mrs. Smith is cheerful and spirited. Anne values their renewed friendship, though her family looks down on the connection. The chapter highlights Anne's increasing clarity: while Mr. Elliot offers social security and admiration, it is not the kind of love she desires. Her renewed bond with Mrs. Smith also underscores her loyalty and sensitivity to genuine character over status. We will pick up mid-conversation between Lady Russell and Anne. Lady Russell is trying to persuade Anne to consider marrying Mr. Elliot. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, for our monthly Snoozecast+ Deluxe bonus episode we'll read the short story “All Gold Canyon” by Jack London. First published in 1905, this tale was later included in London's collection The Strength of the Strong. It opens on a pristine valley untouched by human hands, where nature reigns supreme—until a lone prospector arrives in search of fortune. What follows is a tense and gripping account of man's pursuit of gold, told in vivid detail with London's trademark blend of realism and natural beauty. Jack London, best known for works like The Call of the Wild and White Fang, was deeply interested in the frontier spirit and the raw struggle for survival. In this story, he captures not only the richness of the American West but also the precarious balance between ambition and the natural world. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll continue the 1928 children's book by A. A. Milne “The house at Pooh Corner”. In the last episode Rabbit spends the morning dashing around the Forest, organizing everyone and investigating a cryptic notice on Christopher Robin's door, consulting Owl, Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore to figure out what Christopher Robin has been doing each morning. In the end, they discover from the revised notice “GONE OUT / BACK SOON” that Christopher Robin simply goes out to learn and explore, returning later in the day. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read a fairy tale called “The Invisible Prince,” found in “The Yellow Fairy Book” edited by Andrew Lang and published in 1894. This story is about The Prince of Air and how he overcame adversity and found his way to The Golden Isle. Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic best known for his influential "Fairy Books"—a twelve-volume series that gathered tales from a wide range of cultures. Each volume was named for a different color and included a mix of well-known stories and lesser-known folktales, translated and adapted with the help of his wife, Leonora. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read from the ninth chapter of British naturalist Charles Darwin's “The Voyage of the Beagle” titled “Santa Cruz, Patagonia and the Falkland Islands”. The five-year expedition laid the groundwork for Darwin's later theory of evolution by natural selection.In this chapter, Darwin recounts an overland expedition up the Santa Cruz River in southern Patagonia. The landscape is stark and repetitive, with shingle plains, thorny bushes, and a scarcity of birds or waterfowl. Darwin documents vast flows of basaltic lava and enormous erratic boulders, offering early insights into glacial and marine forces that shaped the land. His observations blend physical hardship with scientific wonder, as he marvels at condors circling above the cliffs and theorizes about the slow, ancient processes that carved the Patagonian terrain.If you'd like to start from the beginning, the first episode of this series aired on June 10th, 2024, with subsequent monthly episodes exploring Darwin's journey in detail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read a selection of recipes from the book English Housewifry by Elizabeth Moxon, published in 1764, starting with a recipe for whipt sillabubs.Moxon's book was one of the earliest English cookery books written specifically for middle-class women managing their own households, rather than for professional cooks or the aristocracy. Her recipes are practical but far from plain, offering glimpses into both the culinary expectations and the social rituals of Georgian-era domestic life.The title page promises recipes that are “useful, substantial and splendid,” and the tone throughout is no-nonsense, with an emphasis on health and frugality—though it's clear Moxon didn't shy away from a bit of showiness in presentation. A whipt sillabub, for example, was a frothy dessert drink made of sweetened wine or cider and thickened cream, often served in decorative glasses and topped with foam. It's the kind of indulgence that would have delighted guests at a genteel supper table, bridging the gap between refreshment and dessert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read excerpts from “The Myrtle Reed Cook Book” written by Myrtle Reed and published in 1916. Reed was an American author, poet, journalist, and philanthropist. Reed's cook book blends recipes with spirited commentary on everything from kitchen organization to the art of table service. At the time of its publication, domestic science was gaining popularity, with cookbooks increasingly serving as lifestyle guides for middle-class households. This is the second time we've featured excerpts from this particular book- if you enjoy tonight's episode, check out Snoozecast's episode “The Doilied Breakfast Table” that last aired in June of 2023. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the 28th chapter of “Anne of Green Gables”, the classic 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This chapter is titled “An Unfortunate Lily Maid” In the last episode, Marilla returns home one spring evening thrilled by the season's promise, only to discover there's no fire, no tea—and no Anne. After fuming in the kitchen and questioning Matthew, she fetches a candle in Anne's room and finds her hiding tearfully among the pillows. Anne confesses she spent her chicken-money on a peddler's hair dye, hoping for raven-black locks but ending up with a ghastly green mane. When daily washings fail, Marilla decrees the only cure is to cut Anne's hair off, leaving her shingled head looking “like a scarecrow.” In the aftermath, Anne resolves to be good instead of vain, and Marilla—even amid her headaches—admits she rather enjoys Anne's lively chatter. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read an Icelandic fairy tale called “Litill, Tritill, the Birds, and the Peasant Lad” translated and edited by Mrs. A. W. Hall and published in 1897. Like many folk and fairy tales, the exact origins are complicated and sometimes unclear. The more well-known Crimson Fairy Book edited by Andrew Lang cites this story as having Hungarian origin. However, there are at least two earlier publications that are specifically Icelandic compilations that include this story. Iceland has a rich tradition of storytelling, with folktales passed down through oral tradition for centuries before being committed to print. Stories often traveled across borders and were reshaped by local customs, so it's not surprising to find the same tale appearing in different collections with varied national attributions. What remains consistent in this version is its distinctly Icelandic sensibility—featuring a humble protagonist, mysterious helpers, and a clever unraveling of magical obstacles, all set against the stark yet enchanted landscapes typical of Northern European lore. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the opening to “Ghost Beyond the Gate” written by Mildred A. Wirt and published in 1943. In this story, Mr. Parker is taken to the hospital by another driver after getting into an accident. However, Mr. Parker never arrives at the hospital. Penny takes over running the newspaper in her father's absence and discovers a clue to her father's whereabouts at an old abandoned mansion. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out our other Penny Parker series episodes by searching for our show titled “Snoozecast Presents: Penny Parker” wherever you listen to Snoozecast. Or, you can find Penny at snoozecast.com/series. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight we'll read the next chapter of Good Wives, written by Louisa May Alcott, titled "Learning to Forget". This is also known as the second half of the Little Women novel, and is considered the 41st chapter. As part of that work as a whole. In our last chapter, the March family drew closer together as they cherished their time with Beth and prepared for the inevitable. And now we pick up with Lori as he strives to better himself after Amy's scathing advice. Realize he must move on from Jo's rejection. He attempts to channel his sorrow into music, but finds himself distracted and uninspired. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read “The Door in the Wall,” a short story written in 1911 by H.G. Wells. Considered to be one of his finest short stories, it explores the tension between the rational and the fanciful experiences in life. Wells is best known today for pioneering modern science fiction with works like “The Time Machine” and “The War of the Worlds”, but he also wrote thoughtful, bittersweet tales that delved into memory, regret, and the mysteries of childhood. “The Door in the Wall” belongs to this more reflective side of his writing, offering a meditation on the costs of ambition and the longing for lost innocence. The story first appeared in “The Daily Chronicle” before being included in collections, and it quickly became a favorite among readers and critics alike. Its ambiguous ending continues to invite discussion. Wells leaves the answer suspended between reality and imagination, much like the choices we face in life itself. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read from the opening to the 1923 travel memoir Peaks of Shala by Rose Wilder Lane. It is about a walking tour of mountainous Albania. The daughter of writer Laura Ingalls Wilder, Lane was an American journalist, travel writer, novelist, and political theorist. Though she is perhaps best known today for her work editing and shaping her mother's Little House series, Lane led a bold and independent life that took her far from the American frontier. In the early 1920s, she spent time as a foreign correspondent in postwar Europe, traveling through parts of the continent still recovering from World War I. Albania, then newly independent and largely unknown to the Western world, captured her imagination with its dramatic landscapes and fiercely traditional mountain communities. Peaks of Shala recounts her journey on foot through the northern Albanian highlands, a region governed more by ancient tribal codes than by any central government. Her writing blends observation and introspection, offering glimpses of rugged hospitality, isolated customs, and the physical demands of mountain travel. The book remains a rare first-hand account of a Western woman's experience in one of the most remote corners of Europe during a period of great transition. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we shall read the next part to “Persuasion”, the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen, and published in 1817. The story concerns Anne Elliot, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. In the last episode, concluding chapter 16, Mr. Elliot continues his frequent visits to Camden Place, charming Sir Walter and Elizabeth with his polished manners and apparent desire to reconnect with the family. Lady Russell, once indifferent to him, now views him as a highly suitable match for Anne. Anne, however, remains cautious. Though she acknowledges Mr. Elliot's attentiveness and refinement, she is not fully at ease with his motives. His flattery feels calculated, and she senses a lack of emotional sincerity. She compares his composed charm with the deeper, more genuine feeling she once shared with Captain Wentworth. As Mr. Elliot's admiration grows more obvious, Anne is left feeling both flattered and wary of his true intentions. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, for our Snoozecast+ Deluxe bonus episode, we'll read from "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam" translated poetically into English by Edward Fitzgerald. This first edition, inspired by Persian rhymed quatrains, together known as a “rubaiyat”, were rooted in the 11th to 12th century. They reflect the philosophical musings of the original author Khayyam who was not only a poet, but an accomplished mathematician and astronomer. As a seminal piece of Persian literature, the collection delves into themes related to the transience of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness amidst the inevitability of death. The content of the "Rubaiyat" encapsulates a dialogue between the speaker and the cosmos, often expressed through the metaphor of wine and revelry. The Rubáiyát also made its way into American pop culture, perhaps most charmingly in the classic 1957 musical The Music Man. In one scene, it's cited as one of the books the mayor's wife wants banned from the town library. The book's verses are condemned for their supposed licentiousness—proof, perhaps, of just how intoxicating these quatrains have always been. Though in truth, the work is more meditative than scandalous, filled with musings on time, nature, and the fleeting sweetness of life. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ Deluxe to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read “The Mirror of Matsuyama,” a story found in Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki in 1908. This tale explores the quiet strength of familial love and the power of memory, all seen through the lens—literally—of a small hand mirror. It begins with a mother who gives her daughter the mirror as a keepsake, and unfolds into a story that blends gentle superstition with emotional resilience. The mirror itself becomes a symbolic object, reflecting not only appearances but also devotion and loss. Yei Theodora Ozaki was born in England to a Japanese father and an English mother, and she devoted much of her life to retelling Japanese folktales in English with great care and lyricism. Her collection introduced many readers in the West to the stories and moral traditions of Japan. “The Mirror of Matsuyama” is one of the more intimate tales in the collection—less about mythical creatures or grand adventures, and more about the enduring connection between a mother and her child. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the complete story of “East of the Sun, West of the Moon”, a Norwegian fairy tale, collected by Asbjørnsen and Moe. In this story, a talking bear approaches a poor peasant and asks if he will give him his daughter as a wife in return for making the family rich. The tale belongs to a broader class of folktales known as “Animal Bridegroom” stories, where a maiden is betrothed to a mysterious creature whose true identity is hidden. It shares roots with stories like Cupid and Psyche and Beauty and the Beast, though its northern setting and surreal imagery give it a distinct, dreamlike quality. The journey “east of the sun and west of the moon” evokes a place that lies just beyond the edges of the known world—a poetic way of describing an impossible quest. In the second half of the story, a “gold carding-comb” is mentioned several times. Not well-known nowadays, but in the past readers were more likely to know that a carding-comb is a tool used to brush and untangle wool before it's spun into thread. The one in this story, made of gold, is more symbolic than practical—a glittering gift meant to dazzle, rather than do chores. Asbjørnsen and Moe, sometimes called the “Grimms of Norway,” gathered this story during the 19th century as part of a national effort to preserve the country's oral traditions. Their collections helped shape the image of Norwegian folklore: filled with towering mountains, icy winds, trolls, talking animals, and brave heroines who outwit enchantments. This story in particular has captivated readers for generations with its eerie beginning, evocative landscapes, and a heroine whose strength lies not in spells or swords, but in her persistence. --read by 'V'-- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Tonight, we'll read the opening to “Middlemarch, A Study of Provincial Life” written by English author George Eliot, and originally published in 1871. George Eliot is the pen name of Mary Ann Evans. The novel is set in a fictional English Midlands town in the early 1800s, following many separate characters whose lives intersect at times. Issues include the status of women, the nature of marriage, idealism, self-interest, religion, hypocrisy, political reform, and education. Initial reviews were mixed, but it is now seen widely as her best work and one of the great English novels. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read selections about baking breads and cakes from “The Charlotte Sunshine Cook Book” published in 1906. This episode begins with a long-form poem that sings the praises of homemade bread, followed by a collection of recipes for classic loaves—many with ingredients familiar to the early 20th-century Southern kitchen. In the latter half, we turn to cakes, including several that call for hickory nuts, lending a rustic and deeply flavorful character to the confections. Hickory nuts, closely related to walnuts and pecans, grow on various species of hickory trees native to North America. While some varieties like the bitternut are too bitter to enjoy, others—such as the shagbark—have a sweet, buttery flavor prized by foragers. Though their thick shells can be a challenge to crack, the reward is a nut considered by some to be the most delicious of all. In early American kitchens, especially before widespread commercial nut distribution, these wild-harvested treasures were a special ingredient in baked goods, adding richness and texture to cakes, cookies, and breads. Cookbooks like The Charlotte Sunshine Cook Book were often compiled by women's clubs, church groups, or civic organizations, reflecting the everyday wisdom and resourcefulness of their communities. They serve as snapshots of a particular time and place—capturing regional tastes, available ingredients, and even local customs. In this case, the cookbook comes from Charlotte, North Carolina. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll continue the 1928 children's book by A. A. Milne “The house at Pooh Corner”. In the last episode of Winnie-the-Pooh Tigger told Roo that Tiggers can do everything–even climb trees. So Tigger and Roo did and until Tigger realized he couldn't get down. Eventually Pooh, Piglet, Christopher Robin and even Eeyore came along to rescue the pair. -read by N- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the second half to “The Little Mermaid” written by Hans Christian Andersen and adapted by Snoozecast. In the first half, we learn about the little mermaid and her family. The little mermaid saves a handsome prince from drowning at sea and falls in love with him from afar. Andersen's original tale shifts in tone during its second half, moving from wonder and curiosity to longing and sacrifice. The young mermaid, desperate to be near the prince, makes a pact with a sea witch—exchanging her voice for a pair of human legs. But her transformation comes at a great cost. This portion of the story is rich with emotion and filled with themes of devotion, heartbreak, and spiritual transformation. Andersen's writing doesn't offer the tidy happy endings we often expect from fairy tales—instead, it lingers in the gray spaces of love unreturned and the power of selflessness. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the first half to “The Little Mermaid” written by Hans Christian Andersen and adapted by Snoozecast. The second half will air in our next episode. This story follows the journey of a young mermaid who is willing to give up her life in the sea as a mermaid in order to marry a prince and become human. Originally published in 1837, The Little Mermaid was part of a collection simply titled Fairy Tales Told for Children. Andersen, a Danish author known for his poetic and sometimes melancholy storytelling, wrote many tales that have become classics, including The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes, and The Snow Queen. Unlike the cheerful retellings most children grow up with today, Andersen's original mermaid tale is more bittersweet, filled with longing, sacrifice, and questions about the soul. The story is notable for its vivid underwater world, where mermaids live for centuries but do not possess immortal souls, and where the surface world is mysterious and dangerous. The little mermaid, youngest of her sisters, is drawn not just to the handsome prince she saves, but to the idea of a different kind of existence—one filled with love, human emotion, and perhaps, a soul of her own. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, for our one thousandth episode, we're doing something a little different—a bit of meta fun as we take a look back. Toward the end, we share a special joint reading of an original story: The Secret Bakery of Bramble Hollow. Thank you to all of our dear listeners for your continued support over these past six years. With gratitude, N & V Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read a selection of marmalade and sweetmeat recipes from Miss Leslie's New Cookery Book, published in 1857. A type of sugar confectionery, “sweetmeats” is where the term “sweets” comes from nowadays. Despite the name, they have nothing to do with meat—at least, not in the way we think of it today. The word “mete” in Old English simply meant “food” in general, which is why older texts sometimes use it in unexpected ways. In other words, we are talking about candy. Eliza Leslie, the author of this cookbook, was one of the most influential culinary writers of 19th-century America. Known for her precise, detailed instructions, she catered to middle-class households eager to refine their domestic skills. Her recipes reflected the evolving tastes of the time, blending European traditions with distinctly American ingredients and methods. From citrus preserves to candied nuts, the art of making sweet confections was a way to showcase both skill and hospitality. These historical recipes offer a fascinating glimpse into the past—not just in terms of flavors, but also in the way food was prepared and enjoyed in an era before mass-produced candy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the full, Snoozecast-adapted version “A Case of Identity”, a story from “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, written by Arthur Conan Doyle and first published in 1892. Snoozecast has aired this story in two sections previously. In general, the stories in Sherlock Holmes identify, and try to correct, social injustices. In this story, a wealthy woman's fiancé disappears and she hires the detective to help find him. This tale stands out among the Holmes stories for the quiet, almost domestic nature of its mystery. Rather than a murder or theft, the puzzle at hand is one of manipulation and emotional deceit. Holmes must unravel a curious vanishing act that seems, at first glance, too mundane for criminal interest—but which conceals a twisted motive rooted in control and inheritance. Though not as famous as some of Holmes's more sensational cases, this one is a compact study in character and motive, and a fine example of how Doyle could draw drama from even the most seemingly ordinary circumstances. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the 27th chapter of “Anne of Green Gables”, the classic 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This chapter is titled “Vanity and the Vexation of Spirit” In the previous chapter, Anne struggles to adjust to everyday life after the excitement of the concert. She finds ordinary days dull in comparison, lamenting that her experiences have perhaps spoiled her for simpler pleasures. School returns to normal, though minor quarrels persist among classmates stemming from tensions at the concert. Anne and Diana discuss growing older, imagination, and the trials of writing compositions. Anne enthusiastically shares a dramatic story she wrote, prompting the creation of a girls' story-writing club. Although Marilla disapproves of this pastime as foolish, Anne insists they always include morals in their stories. Despite Marilla's skepticism, Anne remains hopeful about her own personal growth, inspired by Mrs. Allan's past imperfections and kindness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read a Snoozecast original, “The Great Kite Caper of Crinkle Creek.” Every March, the sky over the town of Crinkle Creek bursts with color as kites of all shapes and sizes take flight. Winnie Maple has spent all winter preparing her entry, The Sky Fox, determined to outfly the competition. But as the contest begins, Winnie learns just how unpredictable the wind can be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the myth about a love triangle between mortals Idas, Marpessa, and the ancient Greek god Apollo. It is taken from “A Book of Myths” compiled by Jean Lang and published in 1914. Apollo, the radiant god of the sun, poetry, and prophecy, was among the most revered of the Olympian deities. As the favored son of Zeus, king of the gods, he had direct access to his father's wisdom and, at times, shared divine insights with humankind. Yet, despite his celestial nature, Apollo was no stranger to earthly emotions—his heart was often stirred by love, longing, and, when spurned, jealousy. This tale is one of passion and rivalry, of a mortal man daring to challenge a god for the love of a woman. Marpessa, known for her beauty and grace, found herself at the center of this struggle, caught between the affections of a powerful deity and the devotion of a courageous suitor. When Apollo, in all his divine splendor, set his sights on her, he expected to claim her without question. But Idas, bold and resolute, would not relinquish his beloved so easily. Even the might of the gods cannot always dictate the course of the human heart. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read from “Spectacle Secrets” written by George Cox and published in 1844. The real “secret of the spectacle” may be how to remember the difference between the role of an optician, an optometrist, and an ophthalmologist. While all three deal with eyes, and all three start with the letters “op”, their roles are, of course, quite different. Let's have a quick review. An optician, like the author of tonight's fine publication, is like a skilled tailor—but for your vision. They fit and adjust glasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions. Those prescriptions would be written by an optometrist, who you can think of as a primary care physician, but for your eyes specifically. They diagnose and treat common eye conditions. If something more serious comes up, the optometrist will likely refer you to an ophthalmologist, much like how a primary care doctor refers patients to a specialist. And now, it's time to set our sights on getting a good night's sleep. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read the next chapter of “Good Wives” written by Louisa May Alcott titled “The Valley of the Shadow”. This is also known as the second half of the “Little Women” novel and is considered the 40th chapter as part of that work as a whole. In the last episode, Laurie lingered in Nice for a month, growing closer to Amy but sinking in her esteem due to his laziness and aimlessness. Amy, unwilling to coddle him, gives him a blunt but heartfelt lecture on his wasted potential. Stung but stirred, Laurie finally decides to leave for his grandfather, leaving Amy both satisfied and unexpectedly wistful at his absence. In tonight's chapter, the March family draws closer together, cherishing their time with Beth as they prepare for the inevitable. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read from Cat's Tales by Edith Nesbit, a collection of stories centered on the lives and antics of cats. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the other “Cat Tales” episode that aired in September 2021, and also the fairy tale “The White Cat” that aired in July of 2020. Known for her sharp observations and straightforward storytelling, Nesbit presents these tales with a mix of realism and subtle irony, capturing the independence and inscrutability of her feline subjects. The stories reflect her ability to balance light fantasy with practical detail, a hallmark of her work. Edith Nesbit, born 1858, was a British writer and poet best known for her children's fiction, including The Railway Children and Five Children and It. A co-founder of the Fabian Society, she was politically engaged and influenced later fantasy writers with her blend of everyday settings and magical elements. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read about gardening in window boxes, and also planning the arrangement of outdoor flower gardens, from the 1903 book “The Flower Garden” by Ida D. Bennett. Window boxes offer a way to transform an ordinary sill into a miniature garden, filling homes with color, fragrance, and seasonal beauty. Bennett provides timeless advice on selecting the right plants, arranging them for the best effect, and ensuring they thrive in their elevated, confined environment. Her work reflects the Edwardian-era enthusiasm for ornamental gardening while offering insights that remain just as relevant for modern gardeners looking to brighten their windows with living blooms. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we'll read from “Spectacle Secrets” written by George Cox and published in 1844. The real “secret of the spectacle” may be how to remember the difference between the role of an optician, an optometrist, and an ophthalmologist. While all three deal with eyes, and all three start with the letters “op”, their roles are, of course, quite different. Let's have a quick review. An optician, like the author of tonight's fine publication, is like a skilled tailor—but for your vision. They fit and adjust glasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions. Those prescriptions would be written by an optometrist, who you can think of as a primary care physician, but for your eyes specifically. They diagnose and treat common eye conditions. If something more serious comes up, the optometrist will likely refer you to an ophthalmologist, much like how a primary care doctor refers patients to a specialist. And now, it's time to set our sights on getting a good night's sleep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices