The Brook Reading Podcast

This week on Brook Reading, I do a deep dive into the short story (and Netflix adaptation) of Stephen King's novella, Mr. Harrigan's Phone. Thank you so much for all the love and support these past few weeks as I navigate these unfamiliar podcasting waters! Tonight's promo is Designs by Paula J (find her on Instagram and Facebook for all your decorating and gift needs!)Warning for tonight's episode: discussions of death, grief, and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4346944/advertisement

After a very long hiatus, Brook Reading is back. Come join me for a cup of coffee while I regale you with tales of my adventures over the past year. Thank you for listening, and as always, Happy Reading!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4346944/advertisement

Tonight, I am reintroducing a very special episode. The first novel that I covered on Brook Reading over four years ago was George Orwell's politically dystopian classic, 1984. In the spirit of my recent episodes featuring banned books and discussing censorship, I am closing out with a two-parter revisiting Orwell's masterpiece. In classic Brook Reading fashion, I discuss several movie adaptations, include multiple 5 minute rants within the book discussion, and even return to my original intro and outro songs! While I LOVE the remixes done by Sean and Vic, I thought it'd be fun to take this episode old school. Thank you to Ali for your email regarding the connection between David Bowie and 1984, and please visit the website this week for some extra 1984 fun! The promo tonight is for Livestream for the Cure, and you can also find all the information about that upcoming event at https://allmylinks.com/livestreamforthecure Happy Reading!

Tonight, I am reintroducing a very special episode. The first novel that I covered on Brook Reading over four years ago was George Orwell's politically dystopian classic, 1984. In the spirit of my recent episodes featuring banned books and discussing censorship, I am closing out with a two-parter revisiting Orwell's masterpiece. In classic Brook Reading fashion, I discuss several movie adaptations, include multiple 5 minute rants within the book discussion, and even return to my original intro and outro songs! While I LOVE the remixes done by Sean and Vic, I thought it'd be fun to take this episode old school. Thank you to Ali for your email regarding the connection between David Bowie and 1984, and please visit the website this week for some extra 1984 fun! The promo tonight is for Livestream for the Cure, and you can also find all the information about that upcoming event at https://allmylinks.com/livestreamforthecure Happy Reading!

This week's episode of Brook Reading reviews a novel that I have been waiting to do since I started the podcast. I am reviewing “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, which is not only such a well-written novel, one of the best, in my opinion, but also a novel that has introduced society to so many concepts. Bradbury's classic novel takes the idea of censorship and flips it on its head, creating a universe where not only book burning is normal, but expected, and reading, intellect, debate, and independent thinking are against the law. A small, hidden population, however, still fights for the right to think freely, and will sacrifice anything, even their lives, to do so. The promo tonight is for Livestream for the Cure, and you can also find all the information about that upcoming event at https://allmylinks.com/livestreamforthecure Happy Reading!Intro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, I am joined by my hysterically funny pal, comedian and podcaster Kendra Crump! Our conversations are always so fun, usually raunchy, and this one is no exception! Ken ALSO finally reveals to me that she is now a PUBLISHED AUTHOR! I can't wait to have her on the show again and talk about her book. We also touch upon some serious content, and I implore you to not only listen, but to have these conversations as well. We have such an open and intelligent conversation on censorship, race, language, education, the Joe Rogan/COVID controversy, and it felt so good to be able to do so. We need to continue the conversation, be open-minded, and share our differences in a safe space. Thank you, as always, Ken, for joining me, and please go find her on Instagram @thekyndracrump show and check out her podcast on Anchor. Also, please go follow the Party Time Excellent Podcast on Instagram as well, and give them a listen! The promo tonight is for Livestream for the Cure, and you can also find all the information about that upcoming event at https://allmylinks.com/livestreamforthecure Happy Reading!Link for "Diamond in the Rough" by Kendra Crumphttps://amzn.to/3KqKMiw Intro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week's episode is a look back on Banned Books Week, created by the American Library Association. As this episode was originally recorded in September of 2020, some of the references may be outdated, but the phenomenon of Banned Books Week still exists, and is incredibly necessary still today. The promo for Livestream for the Cure, however, IS current, and you can find all the information about that upcoming event at https://allmylinks.com/livestreamforthecure Happy Reading!Promo: Livestream for the CureIntro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, I bring you another Encyclopedic episode - Volume 6! This focus is on William Wordsworth, Anne Lamott, the history of “People” magazine, and one of the most important poets and authors of our time, Maya Angelou. Happy Poetry Month, and of course, Happy Reading! Promo: Livestream for the CureIntro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight's episode, while a week late, is a Housekeeping episode! I feel like we haven't talked in forever! :)I have so much to update you on, future episodes, my personal musings, and of course a promo for LIVESTREAM FOR THE CURE! It is that time of year again where my friend, Nick, of Nikoli's kitchen, raises money for the Cancer Research Institute. You can find out more about that during tonight's promo break, and I will talk to you next week. Happy Reading! Intro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight on Brook Reading, I conclude my review of the complete series, Maus, as I cover Part 2 - A Survivor's Tale - And Here My Troubles Began, by Art Spiegelman. These episodes have been a whirlwind, fraught with emotions, as I haven't been able to put the book down. I hope you go out there and get yourself a copy somehow, buy it, borrow it, read the PDF (which will AGAIN be posted on the website this week), share amongst friends, and if you ARE a parent or educator, share it with your children. Have the difficult conversations, not about swear words and “mild nudity”, but about the importance of studying our history so we DO NOT REPEAT IT! Please visit the website, www.brookreadingpodcast.com, to find the PDF of Maus, Pt. 2 and, as always, Happy Reading.Stop Censorship. Read Banned Books. Educate yourselves and your children. We all must do our part.

Tonight's episode is a reading of the open letter to the McMinn County Board of Education by Gregory Paul Silber regarding the banning of “Maus” by Art Spiegelman. The link to read this letter is included here: https://www.comicsbeat.com/an-open-letter-to-the-mcminn-county-board-of-education-regarding-maus/ Stop Censorship. Read Banned Books. Educate yourselves and your children. We all must do our part.

This week, I have provided with you a classic Brook Reading episode, full of 5 minute rants, an author biography, and a review of a text that is as integral to our society as Shakespeare and as censored as Salinger. Art Spiegelman's graphic novel, Maus, is the historically accurate tale of the author's parents' horrific capture and imprisonment at Auschwitz during World War II. The novel has recently been banned by a school district in Tennessee, and due to this, is nearly impossible to find in libraries and booksellers. As I have previously discussed in episodes dealing with banned and censored works, the message of the text is always more important and necessary to our society than the reasons behind the censorship. This novel outlining the horrors inflicted upon the Jewish population should not be forgotten by, or banned from, our students. Continue the conversation. Find yourself a copy of “Maus”. Share with others. Stop the Censorship. “When books are run out of school classrooms and libraries, I'm never much disturbed. Not as a citizen, not as a writer, not even as a schoolteacher…which I used to be. What I tell kids is, don't get mad, get even. Don't spend time waving signs or carrying petitions around the neighborhood. Instead, RUN, don't walk, to the nearest non-school library or the local bookstore and get whatever it was that they banned. Read whatever they're trying to keep out of your eyes and your brain, because that's exactly what you need to know.” - Stephen KingPromo: Book Sweet Shop in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and online at https://www.shopbooksweet.com/ Go visit them on Instagram @shopbooksweet Visit https://www.brookreadingpodcast.com for all the links mentioned in the episode.Intro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

Welcome back, Brookworms! I am SO happy to welcome back my friend, comedian and podcaster Kyndra Crump! We always have such fun conversations, and this one is no different! We discuss salons and upselling, our own personal angels, and Ken's eternal quest to find Mr. or Ms. Right! Come along for the ride, and join me next week as I review the graphic novel, Maus, and the controversy surrounding its banning. As always, Happy Reading! Promo: @thekyndracrumpshow on Instagram, and find the Kyndra Crump Show on Anchor!Intro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week's episode is such a special one for me! I had the distinct honor and pleasure to interview Emme Lund, the author of “The Boy With a Bird in His Chest”. Emme and I had such an amazing conversation, and the novel was such a joyous, emotional roller coaster of a read. I hope you enjoy our conversation, the review, AND go out there and pick yourself up a copy! “The Boy With a Bird in His Chest” releases in TWO days, on Feb. 15th, and it is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and wherever you buy books. Visit https://emmelund.net/ for more information. Author Information: Emme Lund is an author living and writing in Portland, Oregon. She has an MFA from Mills College. Her work has appeared in Electric Literature, Time, The Rumpus, Paper Darts, and many more. In 2019, she was awarded an Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship in Fiction. “The Boy With a Bird in His Chest” is her first novel. You can find Emme online on Instagram @_emmelund, on Twitter @emme_lund and on Facebook @LundeEmme As always, Happy Reading! Promo: Emme LundIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

TONIGHT'S episode is a crazy ride! For the first time in the history of Brook Reading, I'm LIVE! I have released this episode right after I recorded, mainly due to the timely content of the conversation. I wanted to touch upon the current conversation regarding Spotify, and I also included some housekeeping and schedule information for upcoming shows, so I hope you enjoy the show! As always, Happy Reading! Promo: Pitney and Amelia's Bitchen' BoutiqueIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week's episode is a blast from the past, an oldie but a goodie, and another love letter to my favorite author, Stephen King. Listen along as I review the novella and film, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption”, GUSH over all of it, and even have a chance to interview my parents! They both loved that film, and it was such fun watching it with them and reviewing it. I am gearing up for a very exciting episode in a couple of weeks, so thank you for your patience. I hope you enjoy this reboot, and as always, Happy Reading! Promo: Gareth's Random RamblingsIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week was a landmark for the Brook Reading Podcast - my first interview with a comedian! I had the opportunity to chat with the hysterical, fantastically funny Kyndra Crump! Ken hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and has been performing in clubs in and around her area. She has also been featured on a YouTube show on the Rise Up Worldwide channel called “Laugh at Home” and hosts her own podcast, The Kyndra Crump Show. You can find her on Instagram @thekyndracrumpshow and check out her virtual show at the link below! Come have a laugh with us, and as always, Happy Reading!Link: https://bit.ly/3GWKyOz Promo: Mouse and WeensIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight's episode of Encyclopedia Brooktanica has been brought to you by the Church of England! I bring you the fascinating histories of such literary powerhouses as A.A. Milne, Edgar Allen Poe, Patricia Highsmith, George Orwell, and Marcus Parks! I also provide you with the origin story of “The New Yorker” magazine, as well as shoutout some of my pals! Thank you for listening, and Happy Reading! Promo: Invasion of the RemakeIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro(Comedy clip from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVH0gZO5lq0 - “Dress to Kill” by Eddie Izzard, 1999)

Welcome back to the Brook and Happy 2022! My first episode back from holiday break is the fourth in my Encyclopedia Brooktanica series! This week, I cover Lucille Ball's involvement in “Star Trek”, the life of James Joyce, Ernest J. Gaines, Susan Sontag, and many others, and the origin of “National Geographic” magazine! I have also included a promo for you for Nikoli's Kitchen, a truly inspiring podcast that I would love for you to check out. Thank you so much, and Happy Reading! Promo: Nikoli's KitchenIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This episode of Brook Reading is the last episode of the year and my special Holiday episode! I want to dedicate this episode to ALL of you! Thank you for listening and supporting Brook Reading throughout the course of this year, and I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season! I look forward to seeing you in 2022 and, as always, Happy Reading!Promos: 2 Girls on a BenchCinematically CorrectInvasion of the RemakeReel FeelsSuper Movie BrosPitney and Amelia's Bitchin Boutique3 Spooked GirlsNot Your Little LadyNerdy BitchesFeminists without MystiqueHappily Ever AftermathDrinking and ScreamingMouse and WeensMake it ModernMovie Geek and ProudBrunch with the HalliwellsNikoli's KitchenSt. Paul FilmcastThe Rant with Herman JamesWe Watched a ThingThe Blume SaloonDig on AmericaBS3 Sports and MusicThe Forgotten News PodcastAssorted Goods PodcastThe Fuckin' Eh PodcastBats and Balls PodcastThe Deuce PodcastGareth's Random RamblingsIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, I continue my new series, Encyclopedia Brooktanica! Join me as I share fun and interesting tidbits about major players in the literary world, and feature a brief history of the nationally acclaimed magazine, Variety.Promo: Forgotten News PodcastIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, I continue my new series, Encyclopedia Brooktanica! Join me as I share fun and interesting tidbits about major players in the literary world, and feature a brief history of the nationally acclaimed magazine, Inked. Promo: Brunch with the HalliwellsIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, I am SO PROUD to introduce a new series, Encyclopedia Brooktanica! Join me as I share fun and interesting tidbits about major players in the literary world, and feature a brief history of the nationally acclaimed magazine, Ebony. I also relish in the fact that our move is OVER, and read comments from some of my favorite people!Shoutouts: The Deuce Podcast, Always Up Network, Ali, Vic, and NJ's own Tiger Movers. Promo: Assorted Goods Podcast, the Deuce PodcastIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week's episode will be my last recorded by the namesake of the show, the infamous Brook! Next week, we are moving, but I will be back with plenty more episodes and content once we get started! You can always find me on social media or at www.brookreadingpodcast.com for more information. As always, Happy Reading!

This week's episode of Brook Reading is a long time coming! I present to you an extra special, chock full episode celebrating one of the most revered creations in literary history, and one of the most terrifying monsters in film history, Mary Shelley's gothic masterpiece, “Frankenstein”!! Not only is this episode long-awaited and special to me, as “Frankenstein” is one of my favorite novels of all time, but this episode also caps off the month-long, annual podcasting extravaganza, All the Horror! Stick around as I review the novel, discuss Shelley's incredible life, however peppered with tragedy, and cover as many film adaptations as I can. Thank you so much to my #allthehorror community, I dedicate this episode to ALL my spooky friends, and I look forward to next year! Tonight's promo will be one of the featured podcasts within All the Horror, the Invasion of the Remake Podcast! A special thank you to Sam, one of the hosts of IOTR, for leading us through another spooky season! To find other special All the Horror episodes, you can follow @allthehorror18 on Twitter or the #allthehorror. To find more about Invasion of the Remake, you can find them on all the things @invasionremake Intro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week on Brook Reading, I had the distinct pleasure to interview author Alicia Dill and discuss her new novel, Beyond Sacrifice. Alicia talks about the bonds amongst veterans, the importance of knowing facts from fiction, and the feeling of meeting a “unicorn in the wild”. Afterwards, I highlight and review her most recent venture, Beyond Sacrifice, SPOILER - FREE! Don't forget to visit Alicia's website, www.aliciadill.com, to find out more about this incredibly talented and influential author, and pick up your own copy of Beyond Sacrifice!Alicia Dill is an Army veteran, journalist, public speaker, and award-winning author. Originally from Missouri, she joined the Iowa Army National Guard at the age of seventeen. She received a degree in journalism and international studies at the University of Iowa, and has a masters from the University of Dubuque. Her first book, Squared Away, was a 2020 International Next Generation Indie Book Award winner and a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award. Her newest book, Beyond Sacrifice, published September 7, 2021. Both focus on the close bonds of sisters-in-uniform and draw from Dill's experiences. See more at www.aliciadill.com.Intro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

To celebrate Spooky Season, tonight's episode of Brook Reading reviews the beautifully written, yet incredibly morose short story, “There Will Come Soft Rains” by Ray Bradbury. Not only do I take a deep dive into one of my favorite short stories, but I plug one of my new favorite podcasts, the Party Time Excellent Podcast! Don't forget, go check out - ESPECIALLY DURING SPOOK-TOBER - The Horror Academic on YouTube, and 2 Girls on a Bench on your favorite podcatcher! Happy Halloween, and Happy Reading! PROMOS: Party Time Excellent Podcast, The Horror Academic, 2 Girls on a BenchParty Time Excellent on Spotify https://spoti.fi/3BSs52SThe Horror Academic on YouTube https://bit.ly/2Z1eqsg2 Girls on a Bench https://www.benchpodcasts.com/Intro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This weekend is the THIRD episode in another series focusing on the Bard's work, particularly “The Taming of the Shrew”! Aside from my summary and review of the play, you learn all about the British phenomenon, Talking Pages, and my lack of financial knowledge regarding the UK! Enjoy the show, and Happy Reading! Promo: Talking Codswallop, 2 Girls on a Bench@codswalloppod on Twitter @2girlsonabench on all the things Intro and Outro music: Victoria Timpanaro

On this weekend's episode of Brook Reading, we FINALLY cover the plot of the film, “10 Things I Hate About You”! My special guest hosts, Gemma and James of the Talking Codswallop Podcast, and I break down the movie, gush about the hair, the clothes, the drama, and get lost in our collective love and knowledge of “Not Another Teen Movie”! We also fell down a bit of a rabbit hole about “Mean Girls” and other teen movies, talked about the possibility of revamping paintball, and questioned these character's choices (including not obtaining medical help when you MIGHT have a concussion!). Thank you again so much, Gemma and James, for joining me at the Brook to talk about this fantastic movie, and thank YOU all so much for listening! Join me next week where I review William Shakespeare's “The Taming of the Shrew”, on which “10 Things” is based, and as always, Happy Reading!PROMO BREAK: Talking Codswallop PodcastFind them on Twitter/Instagram: @codswalloppod and on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3u72wZ0Intro and Outro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This weekend's episode is the first of a THREE part series on William Shakespeare's “The Taming of the Shrew”, but FIRST we will be discussing the modern adaptation, the 1999 feature film, “10 Things I Hate About You”! My pals, Gemma and James, from the Talking Codswallop podcast, join me in our review where we cover Heath Ledger's hotness, the concept of Britain's Talking Pages, and yes, a LITTLE bit of the actual film! Part Two of “10 Things” will be coming to you next weekend, so stay tuned and happy reading!PROMO BREAK: Talking Codswallop PodcastFind them on Twitter/Instagram: @codswalloppod and on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3u72wZ0 Intro and Outro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week's episode of Brook Reading celebrates a personal favorite of mine - yup, you guessed it, Brookworms, ANOTHER STEPHEN KING EPISODE! I have reviewed for you one of his newer works, “Elevation”, as well as discussed some of his movie adaptations, all in time for his 74th birthday! Thank you for joining me on this episode, Happy reading, and please don't forget to share (and possibly donate, if you can) to the links below. Love you all! Sarah's Go Fund Me (https://gofund.me/4920e071)Project Hope - Hurricane Ida Relief (https://bit.ly/3lERzu3)Red Cross - Hurricane Ida Relief (https://rdcrss.org/3k7BfCn)PROMO BREAK: Bats & Balls Podcast, Reel Feels PodcastIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight's episode of the Brook Reading Podcast highlights the lives of three maverick women who have paved the way for the modern woman, Edith Clarke, Emma Willard, and Marie Severin. I also implore you to help in any way you can to the victims of Hurricane Ida in Louisiana and New Jersey. In the show notes this evening, I have included links for the Red Cross, Project Hope, as well as my cousin Sarah's GoFundMe (she and her family lost their home due to the storm). If you can share the links, donate, or help in any way, that would be amazing. Thank you so much. Happy Reading! https://gofund.me/4920e071 (Sarah's Go Fund Me)https://bit.ly/2XlpbEO (Project HOPE - Hurricane Ida Relief)https://rdcrss.org/3z5HOtt (Red Cross - Hurricane Ida Relief)SHOUTOUTS: Talking Codswallop & Assorted Goods PROMO BREAK: Dig on AmericaIntro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight is a very special episode of the Brook Reading Podcast! I cover a book by an author I've never read, along with a guest who I've never met AND who's never been on the show! Dan from the Assorted Goods Podcast joins me to discuss Kurt Vonnegut's classic novel, “Slaughterhouse Five”. We get into time jumping, Vonnegut's tragic life, and the origins of reading and education in a myriad of ways. I was also successfully able to pronounce “Tralfamadorian”! Dan was such a wonderful guest, so eloquent and knowledgeable on the topic, and we also had so much fun! It was such a privilege to have him on the show, and I hope he returns to the Brook soon! You can find Dan's podcasts, Assorted Goods and Fuckin' Eh, on all the podcatchers, as well as on Twitter and Instagram (included below). Dan is also a fellow brother in arms within the No Phony Podcast Network. Fuckin' Eh Twitter & Instagram: @fuckinehpodcastAssorted Goods Twitter: @assortedgoodspc Assorted Goods Instagram: @assortedgoodspod Go to www.assortedgoods.com for everything else you need! Intro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This weekend's episode is a special one, as I have the opportunity to speak to one of my favorite authors AGAIN! Sophie Queen is back to talk about her newest release, “Book Two: Krino's Blade” in the Riley Series. Our conversation was so much fun, running the gamut from the horror genre, to character development, to the positive aspects of online communities. We even laugh about our shared fascination with true crime! You can find Sophie Queen on Instagram @sophie.ann.queen and @sophie.queen.author or visit her site at linktr.ee/Sophie.ann.queen for all of the links you need. You can also follow @collectivedarkness for more information regarding the Horror anthology. Happy Reading!Intro music: Sean FaustOutro music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight's episode of Brook Reading is a REBOOT! I've made it to 145 episodes, and this week, I take a look back at Episode 6 of the podcast, where I review Octavia Butler's “Kindred”. I revamped the episode and made it special, just for you, to introduce this author to new listeners, as well as a thank-you to all of the people who have been listening since episode 1. I will be off next weekend, so enjoy the episode, and Happy Reading!Promo: Pitney and Amelia's Bitchen' BoutiqueIntro Music: RiotOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight's episode is the culmination of my month-long journey into the history, biology, and experiences of women. My survey responses are modified from the book, “The Women Who Broke All the Rules” By Susan B. Evans, Ed. D., and Joan P. Avis, Ph. D., and I made lots of discoveries hearing about different women's perspectives. Included in tonight's episode is my review of two chapters of “Our Bodies, Ourselves” by the Boston Women's Health Book Collective, and my rant about the unconscionable invasion of property that I suffered at the beginning of the week. Lastly, my cohorts and I share with you some words of wisdom that, hopefully, you can incorporate into your life. Thank you so much for taking this journey with me. Don't forget to check out Leslie M. Jasper's blog at www.constructiontales.com and Vic's YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/zera77Promo: The Horror AcademicIntro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight, I continue our journey through the stories of amazing women, and this episode is no exception. I provide a brief review and highlights of “Construction Tales”, a blog and short story series, by Leslie M. Jasper. You can find Leslie's blog at www.constructiontales.com, and her short story collection on Amazon. I also include more information on “Our Bodies, Ourselves”, tell you how you can get involved in the Reproductive Rights Conference at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, and shout out my friend, Gemma, at the Talking Codswallop Podcast! Please don't forget to visit the website this week, www.brookreadingpodcast.com, to learn more, and join me next week for Volume 4 of Women! Happy Reading! Promo: Talking Codswallop Podcast (@codswalloppod on Twitter, https://talkingcodswalloppod.podbean.com, https://www.facebook.com/CodswallopPod/)www.nophonynetwork.comIntro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

This episode of Brook Reading is an introduction to a very special series, the milestones, experiences, and wonder of women. On tonight's episode, I review the fabulous, funny, and factual book, “Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation” by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim. Don't forget about our special deal provided by Designs by Paula J (10% OFF WHEN YOU MENTION BROOK READING!)! Lastly, I highlight the podcast Feminists Without Mystique, and “Construction Tales”, a blog and short story series, by Leslie M. Jasper. Please don't forget to visit the website this week, www.brookreadingpodcast.com, to learn more, and join me next week for Volume 3 of Women! Happy Reading! Intro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

This episode of Brook Reading is an introduction to a very special series, the milestones, experiences, and wonder of women. On tonight's episode, I cover many notable, trailblazing women and their forgotten places in history. I also fill you in on a wonderful documentary series, and share with you a special deal provided by Designs by Paula J (10% OFF WHEN YOU MENTION BROOK READING!)! Lastly, I highlight my friends, Tricia and Siana, over at 2 Girls on a Bench, and “Construction Tales”, a blog and short story series, by Leslie M. Jasper. Please don't forget to visit the website this week, www.brookreadingpodcast.com, to learn more, and join me next week for Volume 2 of Women! Happy Reading! Intro and Outro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, I finish my series on the history of libraries in America. I review the concept of “Carnegie Libraries”, discover the role of women throughout the entire history of libraries, including the development of library sciences, and go on a walk down memory lane. I also provide my own brief and cursory review of “The Day Lincoln Was Shot”. Enjoy, and happy reading! Intro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

On this week's episode of Brook Reading, I tackle the history of libraries in the United States. I also read tons of lovely comments, regarding “A Midsummer Night's Dream”, Stephen King (of course), Alien, and the fact that President Biden is more respectful to the elderly than He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. I also rant about Kevin Costner, and share with you another promo for Designs by Paula J. Happy Listening!Intro Music: Sean FaustOutro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week's episode is the third in the Brook Reading Series, Scenes from William Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream”. Our final scene takes place after the Duke's wedding ceremony. Our young lovers have also been wed, and a celebration is in order. The newly wedded couples take in a play, written and performed by a group of rude mechanicals, workmen of Athens. Upon completion of the program, our fairy court, reunited in love, blesses their homes and bids them happily ever after. Enjoy the show!Tonight's Cast (In Order of Appearance) Theseus, Duke of Athens: Jeff FeightnerDemetrius, a youth of Athens: Bret JordanLysander, Hermia's true love: Josh ButtonHippolyta, an Amazonian warrior and Theseus' bride: Shera BelloPeter Quince, a carpenter, and director of the play: Gemma WilliamsNick Bottom, a weaver, portraying Pyramus: Dan FeltonTom Snout, a tinker, portraying Wall: AmeliaFrancis Flute, a bellows mender, portraying Thisbe: Melissa SakSnug, a joiner, portraying Lion: JayRayRobin Starveling, a tailor, portraying Moonshine: AmeliaRobin Goodfellow, a Puck: Drew HallumOberon, King of the Fairies: Zak EisenbergTitania, Queen of the Fairies: Alison Hope FerraraProducers: Alison Hope Ferrara, Melissa SakSound Designer and Music Composer: Victoria TimpanaroEditing Team: Jeff Feightner, Melissa Sak, Victoria Timpanaro*Intro and outro themes, and all music within are original works composed and performed by Victoria Timpanaro.

This week's episode is the second in a three-part series featuring scenes from William Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream”. Tonight, we perform Act Three, Scene Two, where we revisit our fair lovers as they spend the night in the forest. Their misprised antics are exacerbated by the gleeful, yet mischievous, interventions of our resident Puck, Robin Goodfellow. Enjoy the show!Tonight's Cast (In Order of Appearance) Oberon, King of the Fairies: Zak EisenbergRobin Goodfellow, a Puck: Drew HallumDemetrius, a youth of Athens: Bret JordanHermia, Egeus' daughter: Tricia MarsacHelena, a young woman of Athens: Siana Lea GildardLysander, Hermia's true love: Josh ButtonProducers: Alison Hope Ferrara, Melissa SakSound Designer and Music Composer: Victoria TimpanaroEditing Team: Jeff Feightner, Melissa Sak, Victoria Timpanaro*Intro and outro themes, and all music within are original works composed and performed by Victoria Timpanaro.

This week begins a three-part series featuring scenes from William Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream”. Journey with us to Athens, where magic, mystery, love, and hijinks await you. Our stellar cast brought this classic comedy to life through the wonder of voice acting, and our fantastic crew added the reality, and fantasy, through music and sound. Tonight, we will perform for you, our devoted audience, Act Two, Scene One. In our first scene, we meet our fairy court at night, deep in the wild forests of Athens. Our fairy king and queen, as well as a group of mortal lovers, are estranged. While the broken-hearted youngsters suffer misunderstandings and confusion, the turmoil beset by our fairy lord and lady annihilates the natural progression of our delicate environment. Enjoy the show! Tonight's Cast (In Order of Appearance) Robin Goodfellow, a Puck: Drew HallumFairy: Shera BelloOberon, King of the Fairies: Zak EisenbergTitania, Queen of the Fairies: Alison Hope FerraraDemetrius, a youth of Athens: Bret JordanHelena, a young woman of Athens: Siana Lea GildardProducers: Alison Hope Ferrara, Melissa SakSound Designer and Music Composer: Victoria TimpanaroEditing Team: Jeff Feightner, Melissa Sak, Victoria Timpanaro*Intro and outro themes, and all music within are original works composed and performed by Victoria Timpanaro.**"Thunder, Very Close, Rain, A.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

This week's episode of Brook Reading is chock full of fun! I was turned onto a brand new musical that is quite appropo right now. I share with you an article I found regarding an historically exciting trip for President Biden, and I gear up for my next series, a FIRST in Brook Reading History! Stay tuned next week for the first episode of our radio play of “A Midsummer Night's Dream” by William Shakespeare, performed by the Brook Reading Players! Thank you, everyone, for your support, and Happy Reading! Promo: Two Peas on a PodcastIntro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

On this week's episode of Brook Reading, I introduce you to an author with such an amazing outlook on life, writing, success, and joy! I had the pleasure to read and review Janet-Lynn's debut novel, Forever is Today, and she was kind enough to visit me at the Brook! We talked about her inspiration for this fantastic work, her work creating visibility for liver disease, the notion of a strong, familial support system, and that love can strengthen and heal us all. Promo: Janet-Lynn, Hasmark PublishingIntro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

This weekend is an amalgam of literature, friendship, philanthropy, and general merriment as I finally recover from tooth surgery and chat with you again! Also, the 5 minute rant returns! I discuss the idea of shame surrounding women's bodies and genitalia, my happy surprise to see that this wave of embarrassment may be turning the tides in the media, my SECOND rant about missing solid foods, and my promotion of Designs by Paula J AND Livestream For The Cure! There were so many great comments and shoutouts, especially tons of love to the people that have gifted me books in one form or another. You all have brought more literary joy to my life, and I am so grateful. Thank you, Sean from WDIM, Alison, Heather, Shawn from the Ink and Ash Podcast, Shera, and Vic!Promo: Designs by Paula J, Livestream For the CureIntro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, in honor of Mother's Day, I am releasing an episode reviewing one of my favorite plays of all time - ever. Robert Harling's play, Steel Magnolias, was turned into a feature film in 1989, which has had such a huge influence on me over the past 30+ years. I apologize in advance for my terrible Louisiana accent, but I had SO much fun recording this episode and reading this wonderful play and I hope you enjoy it. Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there, and Happy Reading! Promo: Livestream For the CureIntro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

Episode 131 introduces us to a debut novel, “Compliance”, by the amazingly talented author and podcaster, Sam Hurley. Check out my interview with Sam and my review of “Compliance”. I wax about the idea that Sam's novel may make me smarter, why I have a crush on Ryan (and maybe all New Zealanders), and why we should absolutely support indie authors! Don't forget to check out the website this week to find out more about Sam and buy your copy of “Compliance”! You can also find Sam on HIS podcast, Movie Reviews in 20 Qs!Promo: Livestream For the CureIntro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

On this week's installment of Brook Reading's Month-Long Shakespeare Extravaganza, I am joined by Jay of Politics with Dummies, and one of my brothers in the No Phony Podcast Network, to discuss “Julius Caesar”. We touch upon the rebellious nature of iambic pentameter, the importance of good teachers AND Cliff notes, and our mutual feeling that Charleton Heston can suck it. Jay finds very significant similarities between our play and the past four years, we also talk about “Romeo + Juliet”, “Dead Poets Society”, and we throw our books (very DPS-esque). You can find Jay's talent on such shows as the Politics with Dummies Podcast, Coyote's Bluff, and much more. Promo: Livestream For the CureIntro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro

Welcome, Brookworms, to Part TWO of our coverage of “A Midsummer Night's Dream” where we finally tackle the PLAY! Ali teaches us what a changeling is, there's more sexy Oberon talk, and we share with you the merging of Shakespeare and the Beatles! We also discuss how the cast of “Half Baked” would be perfect to play the rude mechanicals! Thank you so much for checking out this special episode, and stay tuned for next week's review of “Julius Caesar”!Promo: Livestream For the CureIntro Theme Song Provided By: Sean Faust Outro Theme Song Provided By: Victoria Timpanaro