The Foxed Page

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If you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. With these deep dives into the best books, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything better. Choose from long-form lectures, quick recommendations, talks on old favorites and plenty of episodes from the archives. Listen to The Foxed Page--with Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor and Ph.D.

Kimberly Ford


    • May 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 55m AVG DURATION
    • 141 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Foxed Page podcast, hosted by Kimberly Ford, is a must-listen for both avid readers and those aspiring to become readers. Kimberly has a knack for making reading accessible and fun, which is why her podcast is such a delight. She doesn't just focus on heavy or classic literature; she explores a wide range of books, including beloved tween titles like "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." This diverse selection of books ensures that there is something for everyone on this podcast. Whether you are a seasoned reader looking for new insights or someone who wants to start exploring the world of literature, The Foxed Page is definitely worth adding to your list.

    One of the best aspects of The Foxed Page podcast is Kimberly's ability to make the exploration of books feel approachable and enlightening. Her sharp wit and engaging storytelling style create an atmosphere that feels like attending a college course led by the most captivating professor on campus. Kimberly's passion for literature shines through in every episode, and she effortlessly transforms the act of reading into an enjoyable experience. She not only provides insightful commentary and analysis but also offers educational content and practical tips for becoming a more thoughtful reader. Additionally, Kimberly's humor and occasional appearances by her dogs add an extra layer of entertainment to each episode.

    While there are many strengths to The Foxed Page podcast, one could argue that it may not appeal to everyone. Some listeners might prefer podcasts that focus on topics other than literature or find Kimberly's style too irreverent or lighthearted for their taste. However, even if you're not an avid reader, this podcast still has something to offer. Kimberly's ability to reveal multiple perspectives, literary nuances, and connections within the text can help listeners gain new insights into books they have read or plan to read in the future.

    In conclusion, The Foxed Page podcast with Kimberly Ford is an absolute gem for book lovers. It not only provides a delightful and engaging exploration of literature but also offers practical tips, educational content, and plenty of laughs along the way. Kimberly's passion for books is infectious, and her ability to make reading accessible and enjoyable is truly remarkable. Whether you are an avid reader looking for new insights or someone who wants to rediscover their love for books, The Foxed Page is a must-listen podcast that will leave you eagerly awaiting each new episode.



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    Latest episodes from The Foxed Page

    Lecture 91: THE HUSBANDS by Holly Gramazio >> You've heard Kimberly talk about how hard it is to write humor. Gramazio shows us how it's done!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 54:20


    NO SPOILERS! With humor as a lens, Kimberly dives in to all the ways this bestseller functions so well. You'll learn how to think about humor more generally, while seeing all the ways that the best humor can really shape a novel. Join Kimberly for an exploration of one of the strongest elements of this smart, engaging surprisingly philosophical book!

    Lecture 90: THE AWAKENING by Kate Chopin >> Remember this absolute CORNERSTONE of feminist literature?? Turns out this classic is just as important and juicy as when it was published IN 1899!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 53:07


    Kimberly was honestly kind of shocked by how iconoclastic, gorgeous and important this novel feels. Whether it's a women's-studies-seminar favorite or new to you, indulge in this exploration of one woman's fascinating experience of society, domesticity, maternity and PASSION in late-1800s New Orleans.

    Enriched read 9: the GENIUS of CORMAC McCARTHY (specifically: No Country for Old Men) >> Love McCarthy? Never read him? Tune in to see why he's just so incredibly good.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 81:27


    NO READING REQUIRED! As soon as Kimberly dove back in to No Country for Old Men, she knew she needed to parse what makes McCarthy SO GOOD. This exploration hits on all the ways that reading McCarthy is a master class in all elements of fiction:  textured narrative voices, description of violence, sympathy for complex characters, dark humor, and others--not to mention gorgeous prose.

    Episode 89: ANNA KARENINA >> Intimidated??? DON'T be! Just let Kimberly tell you all the reasons these 1,000 pages are great.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 39:43


    NO READING REQUIRED! Whether this doorstop is an old favorite--or something you NEVER plan to read--treat yourself to Kimberly's take on why this classic of all classics is worth your next 40 minutes!

    Episode 88: Sex Writing, Age-Gap Relationships and Annie Ernaux's THE YOUNG MAN >> Leave it to a NOBEL PRIZE WINNER to dish up some seriously inspiring prose!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 29:15


    NO READING REQUIRED! Tune in to hear Kimberly unpack the many ways that Ernaux celebrates the age gap relationship. The French master offers up philosophical explanations for why older people get with younger ones, incisive analysis of social norms and all the ways in which these liaisons can be empowering--all, of course, while treating us to her stark, arresting, unique prose. Treat yourself to this dip into one woman's world and all the ways we might rethink age difference.

    Episode 87: SEX WRITING, AGE-GAP RELATIONSHIPS and PLAYWORLD by Adam Ross

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 45:07


    Tune in for Kimberly's breakdown of how PLAYWORLD really succeeds--and the ways she sees it falling short. With its marketing materials really pushing its 36-year-old-woman/14-year-old-boy sexualized relationship, the novel provides a fascinating look at sex writing and how the Mrs.-Robinson trope manifests itself in 2025. Join Kimberly for this second of four lectures--the only novel of the four written by a man--which maybe shouldn't matter?? But also really might.

    Episode 86: SEX WRITING, AGE-GAP RELATIONSHIPS and INTERMEZZO by Sally Rooney (1 of 4 upcoming lectures!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 69:36


    With good sex writing, and TWO age-gap relationships, INTERMEZZO offers Kimberly all sorts of ways to think about female sexual desire. Listen in to hear what Kimberly LOVES about this latest Rooney, and where she thinks the novel fell SHORT. The first of a series of four lectures that will explore Adam Ross's PLAYWORLD, Annie Ernaux's THE YOUNG MAN and Kate Chopin's THE AWAKENING, Kimberly's deep dives will elucidate not only the novel at hand, but larger, timely questions about (older) women and sex.

    Lecture 84: THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING by T. H. White >> NO READING REQUIRED! Lose yourself as Kimberly walks you through the genius of this CAMELOT CLASSIC. Need an escape? One that's smart, inventive and funny? Listen in!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 76:39


    White published the four-part volume in 1938 and 1958--all in the shadow of WWII. If he only knew how well the chaos of that historical moment would mirror 2025! This 700-page novel is haunting, intelligent, absorbing and charming. NO NEED TO READ the book. Just treat yourself to Kimberly's wander through it now!

    Lecture 84: Lucia Berlin's "Carpe Diem" from A MANUAL FOR CLEANING WOMEN >> Join Kimberly for a SPECIAL look at one story by the master of the form!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 54:45


    In this special lecture honoring a story from one of the BEST BOOKS OF THE CENTURY (according to the New York Times), Kimberly proves that it's FASCINATING to parse a five-and-a-half page story for almost an hour. In fact, there was a lot MORE she wanted to discuss. This deep dive, though, will give you an even better sense of just WHY Berlin's work is so so good.

    Lecture 83: Jodi Picoult's BY ANY OTHER NAME >> Miss a few of those Shakespeare references? Want to be sure you appreciated all the reasons why this novel is so effective?? Listen in now!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 75:39


    Join Kimberly as she discusses historical fiction as a genre--before digging in to how the structure, the pacing, the figurative language and the prose make this work so well. (Plus: a few quibbles.)

    Lecture 82: I COULD READ THE SKY by Timothy O'Grady and Steve Pike >> Do you STILL need a literary escape?? This gorgeous, elegiac novel-with-photos will transport you to Ireland and the experience of emigration. Listen in now!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 65:05


    NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly's deep dive works well before or after reading this gem. The novel's unique reading experience derives in part from the incredible photographs throughout--combined, of course, with insanely great prose. Make sure you're getting as much as possible out of this unusual, beautiful, haunting novel. Listen in now!

    Episode 81: The most important book YOU DO NOT NEED TO READ: Don Quijote de La Mancha

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 65:18


    Kimberly LOVES this classic of all classics--largely held as the first modern novel. Cervantes's 1605 masterpiece is not only colorful, hilarious, smart and unique but it includes all the elements that would go on to shape the modern novel. Let Kimberly tell you all about these crucial elements while giving you a good taste of the Spaniard's amazing prose. She also argues why this hour-long lecture might be all the Quijote you need! Listen in now!

    Lecture 80: Aysegul Savas's THE ANTHROPOLOGISTS >> Need an escape?? Immerse yourself in an hour of Kimberly parsing all the ways that this meditative, warm, escapist book--with its wholly unique premise--offers so much.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 78:08


    Good books provide inspiration, compassion, consolation, edification...and ESCAPE. If you're a little weary of the world right now, dig into the very smart pages of THE ANTHROPOLOGISTS. This slim novel's unique, destabilizing premise could feel gimmicky in lesser hands, but Savas manages to intrigue, all while throwing into relief the basic desires of every reader. Kimberly found SO MUCH depth to explore. Join us now! NO PRE-READING NECESSARY!

    Lecture 79: GOOD MATERIAL by DOLLY ALDERTON >> Witness Kimberly's HOTTEST TAKE since starting the podcast. She loved Alderton's book so much she couldn't help but add some out-there conjecture to her usual astute, entertaining analysis.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 64:11


    When The NY Times named Alderton's GOOD MATERIAL one of the best 10 books of 2024, Kimberly knew it was time to dig in. Listen as she deepens your understanding of the male narrative voice, the excellent figurative language, the supposed "double ending" and Alderton's CRUCIAL SUBVERSION of the marriage plot. Tune in to Kimberly's argument for why this (anti)-rom-com (?!) BELONGS in the company of literary heavyweights like Miranda July's ALL FOURS, Percival Everett's JAMES and Álvaro Enrigue's YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES. Finally, DO NOT MISS Kimberly's hottest of hot takes!

    LECTURE 78: YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES by Álvaro Enrigue >> Want an even deeper understanding of this complex, hilarious, dark, unique novel?? Tune in!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 64:15


    As soon as she opened it, Kimberly knew she needed a deep dive into YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES. Listen in for a deeper understanding of the title, the unique narrative stance, why the book feels so dreamy, the humor and whether or not we can read this as a FEMINIST novel.

    Lecture 77: THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS and ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE >> Ever thought about these two classics in dialogue with one another? Want to know more about magic realism? Tune in!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 64:20


    Isabel Allende's THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS didn't just build upon the magic realism established by García Márquez's ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. Allende's 1982 novel (published in Spain, not her native Chile for political reasons) was immensely popular with Americans when it was published in English in 1985. Indulge in a reminder of these absolute masterpieces while learning more about how they relate to one another, more about magic realism in general, and how the historical-political situations in Colombia and Chile influenced both works. Kimberly had SO much fun with this. Join in now.

    Lecture 76: Phillipe Besson's LIE WITH ME >> translated by the one and only MOLLY RINGWALD!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 58:48


    Kimberly had never read Besson--and didn't know Ringwald was translating!--but she loved this brief, beautiful novel. Listen in as she touches on the very un-american phenomenon of autofiction, before diving into the fascinating structural choices, the beauty of the spare prose and why Besson is SO GOOD AT SEX WRITING. She'll even offer up interesting translation differences and the novel's details that Ringwald (mostly judiciously) chose to leave out.

    Lecture 75: James Baldwin's GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN >> This masterpiece deserves the deepest of dives. Join Kimberly to sink in to its genius!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 76:34


    Often considered Baldwin's masterpiece, this slim, somewhat autobiographical novel is SO GOOD. Listen in now to hear how the structure, the narrative voice and the final chapter make this an incredible, important read.

    Lecture 74: Gabriel García Márquez's ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE >> If you're one of the millions who love this book--or if you didn't quite get all the hype--listen in to Kimberly's take on why it's massively important.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 53:44


    Garcia Marquez changed literature with the 1967 publication of this surreal, ultra-popular, deeply engaging novel. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the context in which it was written, the way it fits into literary movements and why it's so groundbreaking. And if you're one of the people who couldn't keep all the generations of José Arcadios and Aurelianos straight, Kimberly will reveal a grad-school level secret that will help with this novel--and every challenging book you read.

    Old Favorite 5: NANCY DREW as Intriguing Cultural Phenomenon! >> Did you know that the Nancy Drew books were radically rewritten 20 years after publication? Listen in to this fascinating indication of cultural differences!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 35:02


    NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Kimberly had no idea that the Nancy Drew we all read as kids was seriously different from the 1930 original. This kind of re-writing is always a fascinating window into American culture--but the real fun here is how GOOD these books are. Whether you're a fan or not, listen in to hear what most of us missed about these iconic bestsellers!

    Lecture 73: Robin Wall Kimmerer's BRAIDING SWEETGRASS >> Did you love this when it came out? Did you mean to read it but didn't quite? Allow Kimberly to remind you of the CRUCIAL WISDOM Wall Kimmerer imparts!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 32:42


    Braiding Sweetgrass is one of those books we should be going back to again and again. If you don't quite have the time to do that, Kimberly will give you a hand. Want to feel like you could maybe help make the world a slightly better place in some small way?? Want to feel better about the environment?? Want to feel inspired and informed--with sometimes RADICAL new ways to conceptualize the world? Listen in!

    Enriched Read 8: Ann Patchett's TOM LAKE--and OUR TOWN! >> Whether you loved TOM LAKE or were underwhelmed, just wait till you see it in the light of Our Town!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 70:15


    At the end of TOM LAKE, Ann Patchett exhorts readers to return to the work of Thornton Wilder--so Kimberly did! She LOVED her deep dive into the hugely influential 1938 classic, OUR TOWN. You'll hear analysis of the novel, with a whole section devoted to how the incredibly affecting OUR TOWN inflects Patchett's novel. Lastly? You'll then be treated to some seriously inspiring quotations by Wilder himself.

    Lecture 72: Rachel Cusk's OUTLINE >> Maybe you have lingering questions about the insanely great, entirely original aspects of OUTLINE? Listen up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 58:41


    Cusk's radical approach to the novel makes OUTLINE the perfect text for serious exploration. Its innovative approach to narrative, structure and even basic description meant plenty of grist for Kimberly's mill. Whether you loved OUTLINE or were left wondering what the hell just happened--prepare for some serious edification.

    Lecture 71: THE PERFECT COUPLE!! The novel AND TV adaptation! >> On Sept 5, Netflix will air what looks like an AMAZING, star-studded, taut, darkly comic HIT! Listen in to why the NOVEL will translate so well to the small screen!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 63:07


    Listen in to Kimberly explaining the myriad reasons why Hilderbrand's smart dialogue, structuring, subplots and sense of place will make this show SO GOOD. With juicy details gleaned from lots of sleuthing, Kimberly will get you ready to watch on SEPTEMBER 5!

    Lecture 70: Gregoire Bouillier's THE MYSTERY GUEST >> You asked for more international books! This short French riff on Mrs. Dalloway is a REALLY GOOD ONE!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 48:40


    NO SPOILERS! NO READING NECESSARY! Kimberly comes to you from a wine cellar with a nervous dog to discuss autofiction and how the French are more relaxed about TRUTH than Americans. The Mystery Guest is intriguing, darkly funny and SO SHORT! If you're casting about for something to read and want something different--listen in!

    Lecture 69: Liz Moore's THE GOD OF THE WOODS >> Feel like you fully appreciated what makes this thriller so good? Kimberly wants to point out a few points when you might've been too engrossed to notice!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 68:25


    NO SPOILERS! (Obviously. It's s thriller.) This novel was so well done that Kimberly couldn't wait to analyze all the reasons it works so well. The most fun, though, might have been picking out the exceptions that prove the rule: Liz Moore is so good!

    Enriched Read 6: SATIRE in LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE (also feat. Lorrie Moore, Paul Beatty and Andrew Sean Greer!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 60:33


    Have you got a pretty good sense of what satire's all about? But could maybe use a breakdown about WHY it works well? And WHEN it works well? Join Kimberly for a close look at Taffy Brodessor-Akner's LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE to understand this delicious literary mode. We'll take a close look at LONG ISLAND, while also getting a bit broader with Andrew Sean Greer's LESS, Lorrie Moore's SELF HELP and Paul Beatty's THE SELLOUT. Enrich yourself now!

    Episode 68: James Baldwin's GIOVANNI'S ROOM >> It's a crime that Kimberly JUST read this novel for the first time. She was shocked at the crazy abundance of figurative language. Take a listen to more fully COMPREHEND this slim book!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 57:21


    There are SO many reasons to read (or REREAD) this slim, gorgeous, Paris-based novel. Kimberly argues that an amazing way to more fully understand the book is to view it through Baldwin's genius use of figurative language. Listen in now!

    Lecture 67: Kimberly's TOP TEN books of the 21st century! >> The New York Times did NOT ask Kimberly for her top ten when they made their list, but here they are! Tune in to see how your favorites compare!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 49:05


    It was VERY hard for Kimberly to decide on a top ten. So there are five runners-up. She assumed it would be impossible to RANK the top ten, but in a spur-of-the-moment decision, she attempts it. Tune in to see how your list compares!

    Episode 66: Lucia Berlin's A MANUAL FOR CLEANING WOMEN >> Kimberly would almost give this an ELEVEN. Listen in as she explains why this collection deserves to be read over and over and over again!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 49:15


    People. This collection is SO FUNNY and SO DARK. It's unlike any other writing. Whether you've read it or are considering diving in after the book was selected as one of the best of the century, listen in as Kimberly helps understand how this woman pulls it OFF.

    Episode 65: FORTY-SIX of the New York Times's 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE CENTURY >> Have you read the same titles as Kimberly? Is she about to deeply offend you by panning your favorite?? Listen in to see!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 49:05


    Kimberly zips through the 46 books she's read, giving a rating to every one. Check it OUT!

    Lecture 64c: Salinger's FRANNY AND ZOOEY (but mostly "Zooey") >> Ever wondered why Salinger is SO ENDURING? And what's actually going on with Franny?? Kimberly's about to offer up some answers.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 57:45


    We wrap up SALINGER WEEK with a deep dive into "Zooey" (the story) along with a good hard look at FRANNY AND ZOOEY as a whole. This third and final lecture offers up all sorts of gems--from the source of Franny's crisis to a wider look at why Salinger's prose is so incredibly ENDURING.

    Lecture 64b: J. D. Salinger's "A PERFECT DAY FOR BANANAFISH" >> If you love FRANNY AND ZOOEY but don't REALLY know this story, you must listen in!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 60:34


    "Franny" and "Zooey" (and Franny and Zooey) depend on many important (but subtle) ways upon Seymour Glass. Published in the New Yorker in 1948, "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" introduces us to Seymour--in the moments before his death. Even in his absence, Seymour is foundational for the entire Glass Family. He might be MOST crucial to the youngest Glasses, Franny and Zooey. If you love the book FRANNY AND ZOOEY, a deep dive into "Bananafish" will make you love it even more!

    Lecture 64a: J. D. Salinger's FRANNY AND ZOOEY (but really just "Franny") >> Even if you haven't read this GEM of a book, tune in to see what makes Salinger's prose SO GOOD.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 96:38


    This deep dive is SO deep that Kimberly needs a whole lecture just to discuss "Franny." The first 40 pages of FRANNY AND ZOOEY is not only amazing, but the perfect way to look at what makes all of Salinger's prose so unmistakably SALINGER. (A second Salinger lecture will tackle "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," then we'll dive all the way in to the hugely popular FRANNY AND ZOOEY.)

    Lecture 63b: Akbar's MARTYR! (the ENDING) >> If you think you fully understood the nuance of Kaveh Akbar's (possible double) ending, you might be crazy.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 54:21


    Allow Kimberly to point out the intricacies, the nuance, the FACTS of what Akbar is really saying at the end of his insanely great novel. Tune in to hear Kimberly argue a few sides of this coin. She follows Daniel Mendelsohn's advice to treat literature like a social science: look carefully at the DATA. If you're like all the folks on the internet who have real questions about this novel's close, you're in the right place.

    Lecture 63: Kaveh Akbar's MARTYR! >> Anyone who thinks they've comprehended this masterpiece in one read is insane. Allow Kimberly to help you appreciate why it deserves extensive further thought!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 82:54


    People. This is one of the most intense reading experiences Kimberly has had in ages. The book is so smart, so warm and funny and complicated, that Kimberly realized it deserves two lectures! This first one focuses on the narrative stance, the inventiveness, the humor and complicated compendium-like structure (and a possible small debt to David Foster Wallace). The SECOND lecture (coming soon) tackles the novel's insanely great, ambiguous, enigmatic ENDING.

    Lecture 62: Elin Hilderbrand's SWAN SONG >> Have an extra good time with the queen os the beach read's LAST NANTUCKET NOVEL.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 70:47


    NO SPOILERS! What's summer without a good beach read? By the QUEEN of the beach read?? Kimberly was somewhat alarmed that Hilderbrand is "hanging up her bikini" but thank god we have 26 other Nantucket novels to choose from. People, Hilderbrand is SO GOOD at this stuff. Listen in to find out why her narrative stance, atmospheric elements and structure make these books so solid. (Also: Kimberly has just a few teeny quibbles). There's no such thing as "guilty pleasure" where Hilderbrand is concerned--she's just so good at this stuff!

    Lecture 61: F. Scott Fitzgerald's THE GREAT GATSBY >> Did you love this classic in sophomore English? Allow Kimberly to lead you down literary memory lane with this 4th-of-July meditation on the AMERICAN DREAM!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 70:16


    Fitzgerald's genius might very well be wasted on the youth. Even if you haven't re-read this classic since you were 16, delving into for an hour is a revelation. Kimberly breaks down the innovative narrative stance, the plot-heavy structure and some master-class motif building--all while reveling in (and also subtly criticizing) this modernist MASTERPIECE.

    Lecture 60: Miranda July's ALL FOURS >> Have you heard? ALL FOURS is creating a revolution!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 87:01


    ALL FOURS is changing how we think about sex, maternity, marriage--and towels. Touted by the New York Times as "the first great peri-menopause novel," it's July's most accessible, most hilarious and most "filthy" (in the best of ways) work. Listen in while Kimberly uses the lens of humor to appreciate the pathos, the sex, the iconoclasm and the tension in this IMPORTANT BOOK.

    Enriched Read 6: LORD BYRON and BILLY (collins)! >> Explore POETRY with a close reading of Byron to more appreciate our uber-popular former-poet-laureate, Billy Collins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 45:17


    Who knew that Collins wrote his doctoral dissertation on the romantic poets?? Tune in to hear Kimberly break down the Romantic Movement and Byron's "She Walks in Beauty"--all in preparation to more fully appreciate our nation's "most popular poet"!

    Lecture 59: Nicholson Baker's THE ANTHOLOGIST >> Do you love poetry? Do you WISH you loved poetry?? This hilarious, inspirational novel will hook you up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 65:54


    Kimberly does not love poetry. Which she considers a personal failure. But it turns out that she LOVES hearing Paul Chowder, narrator of this novel, teach her all about poetry. If you need a lift, and love hilarious, smart books--listen in!

    Episode 58: Alice Munro's LIVES OF GIRLS AND WOMEN >> Allow Kimberly to deepen your appreciation of this NOBEL-WINNER's only novel!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 78:39


    LIVES OF GIRLS AND WOMEN is Munro's only novel AND it's the ideal way to really dig in to her genius. Listen in now!

    Lecture 57: Hernán Díaz's TRUST >> Is it possible you missed some of the genius nuance in this four-books-in-one novel?? Whether you've read it or are gearing up to--Kimberly will make sure you get the MOST out of it.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 58:50


    Díaz's Pulitzer-prize-winning, Booker-nominated TRUST has the kind of complex structure Kimberly LOVES to dig into. With vastly differing narrative voices, each of the four texts informs the others, making for an insanely rich read. Also: this exploration of the American dream could not be more timely!

    Lecture 56: Anita Brookner's HOTEL DU LAC >> Kimberly's pretty sure this will be her GO TO RECOMMENDATION for the summer. Hotel is THAT GOOD.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 66:35


    NO SPOILERS! NO RE-READING REQUIRED! Listen in to hear how Brookner's use of narrative voice, tons of figurative language and other plot elements make this novel--set in Switzerland--a must read.

    Lecture 55: Alice Munro part 1: the PROSE >> Have you heard of the Canadian legend and never read her? Or maybe she's your favorite writer? Listen in to hear what makes her hilarious, incisive, mold-breaking stories deserve a NOBEL.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2024 63:41


    This lecture--the first in a three-part exploration of Munro--gets nitty gritty in all the best ways. Delve with Kimberly into the elements that make her prose feel like nothing else on the planet. Whether you've read everything she wrote, or you're new to her work, you'll come away with a much richer appreciation of this absolute genius.

    Lecture 54: Joan Didion's DEMOCRACY >> Want to save democracy?? Just kidding. You'd have to do more than listen to this. But this Didion is incredibly timely--and RIVETING.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2024 92:32


    If you love DIdion's inimitable prose and you're interested in any kind of history or intrigue or scandal--listen in. NO SPOILERS!

    Lecture 53: Curtis Sittenfeld's ROMANTIC COMEDY >> Could you use a super-smart, hilarious, uplifting novel right about now? This is it!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 58:35


    Sittenfeld is soooo good. Her latest delivers a fascinating, intimate look at life as a comedy writer on the world's foremost live, nighttime, sketch comedy show--all while promising that she'll work within the conventions of ROMANTIC comedy. Or will she?? Listen to Kimberly extol Sittenfeld's structure, the use of all five senses, the deft character development, excellent sex writing and, of course, the use of HUMOR. Get the most out of this novel whether you've finished it or want to see how to best approach the work. (NO SPOILERS!)

    Lecture 52: André Aciman's CALL ME BY YOUR NAME and ENIGMA VARIATIONS >> Did you love the movie? Do you want to more fully comprehend the idea of the atmospheric novel before summer's upon us?? Listen in!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 65:45


    NO RE-READING NECESSARY! Kimberly only sought out Aciman because she loved the movie Call Me by Your Name--but she loved the fiction enough to seek out more. Tune in to hear about the use of figurative language, the structure, the pacing and the choice of details that make this work so ATMOSPHERIC.

    Lecture 51: Nicholson Baker's FINDING A LIKENESS: HOW I GOT SOMEWHAT BETTER AT ART >> Are you an intelligent, creative person,--maybe contemplating a next chapter or new endeavor? Baker's about the provide ALL THE INSPIRATION YOU NEED

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 44:03


    Baker's hilarious, inventive prose melds with incredibly well curated images to produce something only Baker could produce. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the many ways in which the guy is creating literary (and visual) magic.

    Lecture 50: John Steinbeck's EAST OF EDEN >> Want to see Kimberly conjure John Steinbeck from the dead?? Ever wondered why so many people LOVE EAST OF EDEN? Allow Kimberly to explain why it deserves to be such a perennial favorite. NO RE-READING RE

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 62:50


    NO RE-READING REQUIRED! PLUS!! SPECIAL GUEST STAR: JOHN STEINBECK!! Tune in to hear all the ways in which this 1952 classic surprised Kimberly. Its insanely great sense of place, its lessons in history, its denigration/elevation of women, its biblical underpinnings...Kimberly's list of its attributes could go on and on. Whether EAST OF EDEN is your favorite of all time, or whether you have only hazy ninth-grade memories of Lenny squeezing that bunny in OF MICE AND MEN--tune in to hear why Steinbeck really deserved that Nobel Prize.

    Lecture 49: Stephen King's CARRIE >> Find out why King is worth serious literary respect, especially on the FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY of this iconic novel.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2024 80:34


    If you can't remember what's ingenious about CARRIE's narrative stance, its sophisticated structure, its use of motif and of "scientific evidence"--you MUST TUNE IN to fully appreciate the genius King's first novel.

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