We Speak Volumes: A Bards Alley Bookshop Podcast

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Every other Monday we'll release a brand new episode where you'll hear us talk about some of our favorite classics, what they mean to us, and how they've impacted our own personal story. To find out more about Bards Alley Bookshop visit us at bardsalley.c

Bards Alley Bookshop


    • Feb 10, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 41 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from We Speak Volumes: A Bards Alley Bookshop Podcast

    Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 52:47


    Welcome back listeners! Join Jen and Lane once again in diving deep into an absolute favorite of classic literature, Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. In this twisted romance (or, should we even call it that?), dark themes provide the foundation for one of the most complex characters in the English canon: Heathcliff. Throughout the novel, Heathcliff's obsession, need for revenge, and constant plots lead to regular success, but at the devastating expense of those around him.And yet, perhaps his actions could be heroic romanticism? Could his obsession be more of a youthful passion, and his machinations born out of necessity, created by his surroundings? Are his actions towards those who took his love from him justified? Grab a cup of tea and decide for yourself!Episode Links:Referred to in the episode: • ⁠Céline Dion - It's All Coming Back to Me Now (YouTube.com link) • Emily Brontë: "I Am the Only Being Whose Doom" (Poetry Foundation) • Withering Heights is a Virgin's Story, and Other Opinions of Brontë's Classic (Lit Hub article)Buy the book:  • ⁠Wuthering Heights (Bookshop.org paperback) • ⁠Wuthering Heights (libro.fm audiobook)Show Links: • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠

    E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 34:01


    Welcome back and happy holidays, listeners! In today's festive episode, dive into the enchanting world of E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker, the beloved holiday tale with a dar, whimsical twist. Jen and Lane explore the story's origins, its evolution from a fairy tale to the iconic ballet, and the complex characters came to be. Along the way, they discuss Hoffmann's unique style, blending fantasy with psychological depth, and how The Nutcracker reflects themes of childhood innocence, transformation, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality. Whether you're a mega fan of the ballet or just now learning of the original story, tune in for a festive discussion, even if there are no sugar plum fairies. Episode Links: Buy the book: • Nutcracker and Mouse King and the Tale of the Nutcracker (⁠Bookshop.org paperback) • The Nutcracker and The Mouse King (⁠Libro.fm audiobook⁠) Show Links: • ⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠⁠

    Thornton Wilder's Our Town

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 36:49


    Welcome back listeners! In this episode, Jen and Lane dive deep into Thornton Wilder's timeless play Our Town. Together, they explore its themes of life, death, and the beauty of everyday moments. Tune in for an engaging conversation about this classic piece of American theater, its lasting impact, and the lessons it offers for modern audiences. Episode Links: Referred to in the episode: Our Town (2003) (IMDb Link) “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett (Bookshop.org paperback) A Psalm for the Wild-Built: A Monk and Robot Book (Bookshop.org hardcover) Buy the book: Our Town: A Play in Three Acts (Bookshop.org paperback) Thornton Wilder: Our Town, The Bridge of San Luis Rey & More (Libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠

    Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 40:42


    Welcome back, listeners! In today's episode, join Jen and Lane in discussing the beloved Little House series. Although written as children's books, the captivating relationships, struggles, and triumphs of the lives of the pioneers have appealed to audiences universally. The story of the Ingalls has been loved by many, including through the incredibly popular TV series. Whether a returning fan of the series, or a first time reader, enjoy deep insights into the world of Little House. Referred to in the episode: ⁠ Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder (bookshop.org paperback) Episode Links: ⁠Little House on the Prairie ([Link description]) Little House on the Prairie (libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠⁠

    tv prairie little house referred laura ingalls wilder ingalls prairie fires the american dreams little house series
    Edgar Allan Poe

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 51:55


    Welcome back, listeners! After a short break, join Jen and Lane once again to dive into the life and story of the Master of the Macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. In celebrating the culmination of the spoooky~ season, this week we look at two of Poe's most famous short stories, The Tell Tale Heart and The Raven. Discover that despite the caricature of a dark, brooding man, there is much more to this genius than we may give him credit for. Episode Links: Referred to in the episode: ⁠ A Mystery of Mysteries: The Death and Life of Edgar Allan Poe (Bookshop.org paperback) Buy the book:  ⁠The Portable Edgar Allan Poe (Bookshop.org paperback) ⁠Edgar Allan Poe: The Complete Collection (libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠⁠

    John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 48:48


    Welcome back, listeners! Join Jen and Lane in discussing another great American novella, John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. This tragedy involves George and Lennie, the latter of which has a form of disability that leads him to be unable to control his strength, and their struggles with keeping on with their life in the face of the Great Depression and Lennie's history. Through their sometimes friendly and sometimes ill-intentioned interactions with those around them, learn how powerlessness and loneliness can manifest itself, even when surrounded by others. Episode Links: Referred to in the episode: ⁠Lithub (Lithub article on the Sing Sing production of Of Mice and Men) Buy the book:  Of Mice and Men (Bookshop.org paperback) Of Mice and Men (libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠

    Shakespeare's Macbeth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 58:22


    Welcome back, listeners! Join us today for a tragedy of tragedies, Shakespeare's Macbeth. In this Scottish-based legend, there's war, betrayal, and weird witchly things! Learn with us the origin of the story, what real-life legends inspired it, and how prideful ambition can twist and corrupt even a great noble. Episode Links: Referred to in the episode: ⁠Norton Shakespeare: Tragedies (Bookshop.org paperback) The Tragedy of Macbeth (IMDb link) Buy the book:  Macbeth (Bookshop.org paperback) ⁠Macbeth (libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠

    Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2024 47:04


    Welcome back listeners! In today's episode, join Jen and Lane in exploring the dark, twisted side that hides within all of us... Or at least, within the ultra-notorious Dr. Jekyll. Behind the story, discover the incredible, adventurous, and tragically short life of Robert Louis Stevenson's (R.L.S.).: ⁠Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Bookshop.org paperback) ⁠Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠

    Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 54:32


    Welcome back listeners! And Deinophobes, look away! In today's episode, join Jen and Lane in discussing Michael Crichton's modern classic Jurassic Park. Delve into the differences between the novel and the hyper-popular Spielberg movie adaptation, and ponder about the affects of the story on current films and events. Episode Links: Referred to in the episode:⁠ Radiolab (Podcast) The Movies That Made Us S2 E3 - Jurassic Park (IMDb link) Buy the book:  Jurassic Park (Bookshop.org paperback) Jurassic Park (libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Holmes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 57:34


    Welcome back, my dear listeners! Join Jen and Lane today discussing one of the most popular characters ever, the ultra-genius consulting detective Sherlock Holmes. Put on your deerstalker caps, grab your magnifying glass, and discover with us how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created Sherlock's world, and how his stories have resonated around ours. Episode Links: Referred to in the episode: Young Sherlock Holmes (IMDb link) Without a Clue (IMDb link) Sherlock (BBC) (IMDb link) Elementary (IMDb link) House M.D. (IMDb link) Enola Holmes (IMDb link) Sherlock Holmes: The Complete BBC Collection (Audible.com link) Buy the books:  The Sign of the Four (Bookshop.org paperback) The Sign of the Four (libro.fm audiobook) The Hound of Baskervilles (Bookshop.org paperback) The Hound of Baskervilles (libro.fm paperback) The Complete Sherlock Collection (Bookshop.org hardcover) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠

    Children's Classics

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 41:12


    Welcome back, listeners! In honor of World Read Aloud Day, Jen and Lane talk about the beautiful world of children's classics, one of the genres that has come to be closest to our hearts. We couldn't decide on a particular story, since there are just too many favorites to nail it down to a particular one! Join us in discussing how children's books have evolved over time, how they affected us when we were kids versus now as adults, and in contemplating what "current classics" have already made their mark in the children's books canon.Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠⁠⁠

    S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 59:06


    Welcome back listeners! In today's episode, join Jen and Lane in discussing the great American classic The Outsiders. A standard in many states' English curricula and banned in others, the story of Ponyboy, his family, and the rivalry between the Greasers and Socs has remained a timeless staple of the American story. A must-read, The Outsiders has a message for everyone. Take a listen, and as always, stay golden! Episode Links: Referred to in the episode: The Outsiders: Complete Novel (Amazon Prime Movie) Buy the book:  The Outsiders (Bookshop.org paperback) The Outsiders (libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website⁠

    Louisa May Alcott's Little Women

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2024 61:12


    Welcome to the new year, listeners! In today's episode, Jen and Lane discuss Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, a coming-of-age story detailing the transition to womanhood for four sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Dive in deep with us and learn the origins of the story, how they were personally reflective of Alcott's own life, and how this book influenced American literature. Episode Links: Referred to in the episode: Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters (Bookshop.org paperback) Hospital Sketches (Bookshop.org paperback) March by Geraldine Brooks (Bookshop.org paperback) Buy the book:  Little Women (Penguin Classics paperback) Little Women (libro.fm audiobook) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website

    Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 53:46


    Welcome back listeners! In today's episode of We Speak Volumes, put on your deerstalkers and whip out your magnifying glasses for this classic murder mystery by Agatha Christie, the G.O.A.T.! The Queen of Crime's genre-defining writing has long been regarded as best-in-class, and in this episode Jen and Lane discuss how she broke literary barriers, smashed reader expectations, and earned her spot as the best-selling author of all time. Episode Links: Referred to in the episode: The Science of Murder: The Forensics of Agatha Christie by Carla Valentine Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Greatest Detective in the World by Mark Aldridge Who Killed Roger Ackeroyd? by Pierre Bayard Buy the book:  The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Warbler Classics paperback) The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (libro.fm Audiobook) Show Links: ⁠⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website

    Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2023 35:31


    Welcome back listeners! On this episode of We Speak Volumes, join Jen and Lane and take a step back into nature with Annie Dillard's nonfiction classic, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Allow yourself to reconnect with the outdoors by means of Dillard's flowing, intimate descriptions of the life surrounding her inside the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Ruminate on the place of oneself within one's surroundings, and experience the exhilarating tales of one stalking nature itself. Listen in listeners, because Jen even has a surprise correspondence from Ms. Dillard herself, a WSV scoop! Episode Links: Buy the book:  Pilgrim at Tinker Creek (bookshop.org) ⁠⁠Pilgrim at Tinker Creek (audiobooksnow.com) Show Links: ⁠⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website

    Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 53:43


    Welcome back, listeners! Continuing our theme of spooky tales leading up to Halloween, Jen and Lane dive into the classic short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Discover how the lanky schoolteacher Ichabod learns of the ghastly tale of the Headless Horseman, and finds himself in a terrifying encounter with the pumpkin wielding specter. Also, learn with us about the centuries-lasting impact of Washington Irving and other Knickerbockers throughout American literature and culture. (and seriously, what is a Whim-wham?) Episode Links: Mentioned: Three Men in a Boat (bookshop.org) Buy the book:  ⁠The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories (bookshop.org) ⁠The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (audible.com reading by Anthony Heald) Show Links: ⁠Bards Alley Bookshop Website

    Bram Stoker's Dracula

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2023 82:59


    Welcome back, listeners! In today's spooky episode, Jen and Lane get into the October spirit by diving into a classic: Bram Stoker's Dracula. Rediscover the horror of the terrifying blood-sucker that has become a staple in our culture, and how the cliches of vampires are not enough to define this incredible story. Join us, and share your thoughts! Episode Links: Mentioned: Elizabeth Costova's The Historian (Amazon.com link) Buy the book:  Dracula (Penguin Classics Hardcover) Dracula (Audiobook) Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2023 49:15


    Welcome back, listeners! In this exciting relaunch of the We Speak Volumes podcast, join hosts Jen and Lane as they discuss Jane Austen's beloved classic Pride and Prejudice. They delve into the depth of Austen's characters and the timeless appeal of the story. They also explore various adaptations and retellings of the novel, both classical and modernized. Join us on this journey and share your thoughts. Episode Links: Pride and Prejudice poster: Pride and Prejudice Buy the book:  Pride and Prejudice (Hardcover Copy) Pride and Prejudice (Audiobook) Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 38:09


    Jen and Lane delve into the world of Raymond Chandler's classic novel, The Big Sleep. They explore Chandler's unique writing style and how it impacted the mystery genre. Fascinatingly, the mystery begins with a bookstore! The hosts also discuss other important mystery authors from the local Bards Alley community, including Angie Kim, Harper Kincaid, Ellen Crosby, and David Baldacci. Episode Links: Buy the book:  The Big Sleep (Physical Copy) The Big Sleep (Audiobook) Recommended Mystery Authors: Angie Kim  Harper Kincaid  Ellen Crosby David Baldacci Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 44:52


    Join hosts Jen and Lane in this week's episode as they delve into Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre. They'll examine how the author's perspective on feminist values continue to resonate with readers today. In addition, Jen discovers some surprising connections between Jane Eyre and The Walking Dead. Don't miss this insightful discussion of more classic literature!Episode Links: Buy the book:  Jane Eyre (Physical Copy) Jane Eyre (Audiobook) Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Willa Cather's O Pioneers!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2023 44:38


    In this episode, Jen and Lane dive into the classic novel O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. They discuss the character of Alexandra Bergson and how she defies gender norms and societal expectations to become a successful and respected farmer, even as an immigrant. Whether you're a fan of classic literature or just looking for a thought-provoking conversation, this episode is sure to leave you inspired and engaged. Tune in to hear how Jen draws an exciting comparison between the book and the hit TV show The Walking Dead! Episode Links: Buy the book:  O Pioneers! (Physical Copy) O Pioneers! (Audiobook) Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 44:32


    All for one and one for all! Join Jen and Lane as they delve into the timeless adventure of "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas. They discuss the novel's memorable characters and how a ragtag team has captivated readers for generations. In this episode, the hosts also explore the inspiration behind the original story and shed light on whether the 1948 or 1993 film adaptations followed the original plot. Additionally, they examine a local author's adaptation, "One for All" by Lillie Lainoff, and discuss the gender-bent retelling. Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Buy the book:  The Three Musketeers (Physical Copy) The Three Musketeers (Audiobook) One for All (Physical Copy) Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2023 51:46


    Welcome, old sport! Jen and Lane have an exciting episode for you, where they dive into F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. Lane serves up her thoughts on the book's characters while Jen spills the beans on how Bards Alley, with the masterful help of Phil Charlwood, built a Gatsby-themed float during a 2021 parade in Vienna, Virginia. So, put on your flapper dress and get ready to party like it's the roaring '20s because this episode is going to be the bee's knees! Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Buy the book: The Great Gatsby (Paperback) Gatsby Float - Bards Alley: 2021 Halloween Parade Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    John Ball's In the Heat of the Night

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 40:49


    In celebration of Black History Month, Jen and Lane delve into John Ball's "In the Heat of the Night." This classic mystery novel set in the South during racial tensions is a relevant and impactful work to reflect on this month. Jen and Lane analyze themes of racism and social justice, and compare the book to the Oscar-winning film adaptation. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation about this timeless classic and its significance in our society today. Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Buy the book: In the Heat of the Night (Paperback) Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Octavia E. Butler's Kindred

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 46:54


    Join hosts Jen and Lane as they discuss Octavia Butler's classic novel, Kindred. Explore themes of family, identity, and history as they delve into the story of a young Black woman transported to the antebellum South and forced to confront slavery. In addition, the hosts will also give their thoughts on the recent Hulu adaption of the novel. Tune in for a thought-provoking survey of this Sci-Fi title. Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Buy the book: Kindred by Octavia E. Butler Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Damian Duffy and John Jennings Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 32:15


    Jen and Lane are unwrapping their reflections of a true holiday classic, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The original story, released 179 years ago on December 19th, 1843! How does the timeless classic stack up against your favorite movie adaptation? How long did it take Dickens to write the story? What is a Smoking Bishop? These answers and more can be found in this special episode. Happy Holidays! Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Buy the book: A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings Paperback: A Christmas Carol (Illustrated) Audiobook: A Christmas Carol (Unabridged) Drink Recipe: Smoking Bishop Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 33:45


    Jen and Lane are delighted to share their thoughts on Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist. You'll be pleased to learn about an iconic Thanksgiving scene in this book that involves a not-so-cooked Turkey. Be prepared for a fun episode that may lead you to become and accidental tourist yourself! Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Buy the book: The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Episode Teaser – Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 11:50


    Jen and Lane have been hard at work preparing Bards Alley Bookshop for the holidays! They needed a little extra time to cover their next book, so listen in for a short sneak peak. Don't forget to follow for a special episode release later this week for Thanksgiving travel! Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Buy the book: The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Stephen King's The Stand | Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 51:10


    Continuing this week with Stephen King's The Stand, Jen and Lane finish sharing their thoughts on this post-apocalyptic novel. If you haven't already, listen to the last episode, The Stand: Part I. Tune in to hear how this epic classic novel concludes and if anyone survives! Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Buy the book: The Stand by Stephen King Show Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org Podcast Audiobook List – LibroFM

    Stephen King's The Stand

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 38:00


    Back again with another spooky classic, Jen and Lane discuss another haunted title, Stephen King's The Stand. Plus, you'll hear special guest, Jen's sister Donna, describe her experience with Stephen King's horror novels. Turn on the lights and lock the doors for this frightening classic. Stay tuned, as this book had so much to discuss you'll have to come back for part two! Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: · Buy the book: The Stand by Stephen King Show Links: · Bards Alley Bookshop Website · Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org

    Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 46:19


    During this October, Jen and Lane are bringing you spooky classics, starting this week with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. You may be familiar with the famous bumbling green oaf, but did you know that Shelley's original monster had super human strength and speed with the ability to speak eloquently? Find out more exciting FUN FACTS and you'll be able to pull off the most accurate Frankenstein's monster at your next party! Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: · Buy the book: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Show Links: · Bards Alley Bookshop Website · Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org

    Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 46:46


    How much can a secluded, insular family change throughout several generations? Join Jen and Lane as they discuss, One hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Lane will also explore her new role as an armchair physicist, explaining Block Universe Theory and how it relates to the fabric of time and space in this magical realism book. Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: · Buy the book: One Hundred Years of Solitude · Check out LITHUB.com! Show Links: · Bards Alley Bookshop Website · Podcast Book List - Bookshop.org

    Banned Books Week

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 21:54


    Jen and Amy call attention to Banned Books Week and the importance of the #FReadom to read. They discuss the history of this celebratory week, from its inception by the American Library Association; why fighting censorship is important; and some of the most frequently challenged books. Follow Bards Alley Bookshop @bardsalley and interact with the podcast on social media! Episode Links: Banned Books Week 2022 – Bards Alley's Banned Books List ALA.org – American Library Association FTRF.org – Freedom to Read Foundation BannedBooksWeek.org Other Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Bookshop List

    J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2022 23:46


    Jen and Lane are excited to share some of their favorite fantasy series that scratch that Harry Potter itch. They touch on the recent controversy surrounding J. K. Rowling, as well as, discuss the magic of the Harry Potter series and how it has inspired children and adults across the world. Follow Bards Alley Bookshop and interact with the podcast on social media @bardsalley! Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Bookshop List

    James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 39:59


    If you love cats, step back in time and discover this noir crime thriller from 1934. Learn why James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice was labeled as a banned book after its release. More importantly, uncover the biggest mystery: where is the postman in this story? Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Bookshop List Tag us @bardsalley to share your thoughts on social media!

    What Makes a Book a Classic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2022 22:40


    Ancient conflicts, mythological journeys, and the human condition–what makes a book a classic? Jen and Amy reminisce in Bards Alley Bookshop about their favorite classic books. Tune in to hear if your favorite classic gets an honorable mention! Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Bookshop List Tag us @bardsalley to share your thoughts on social media!

    Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2022 47:24


    This time, Jen and Amy share their favorite passages from the Bard himself in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream! In addition to learning how to insult your friends with the official Shakespeare Insult Generator, Amy shares her intriguing comparison between the Rude Mechanicals and the characters from the show Friends. Jen also shares the story behind the inspiration for the bookstore's name, Bards Alley. Links: Bards Alley Bookshop Website Podcast Bookshop List Tag us @bardsalley to share your thoughts on social media!

    Persuasion - Netflix Adaptation Critique

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 14:27


    Join us for this special bonus episode to hear Jen and Amy's critique of Netflix's Persuasion. Find out what they liked, or strongly disliked, about the latest adaptation of their favorite Jane Austen novel. Reach out to us on social media @bardsalley to let us know your thoughts about the book and/or movie. Follow along for the next episode!

    Jane Austen's Persuasion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 47:09


    In this exciting first episode of We Speak Volumes, Jen and Amy discuss their favorite Jane Austen novel, Persuasion. Wether you are brand new to Jane Austen, or need a refresher before watching the new Netflix adaptation (or preferably, the 1995 BBC version, our favorite), this episode explores kinship and Wentworth's plume to your heart's content.

    Episode 1 PREVIEW - Jane Austen's Persuasion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 6:12


    Hey listeners! We are so excited to share with you the first episode of We Speak Volumes: A Bards Alley Bookshop Podcast. We're going to be talking about Jane Austen's Persuasion in the first episode. So here's a little preview for what to expect. Hope you enjoy!

    Podcast Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 0:46


    This is We Speak Volumes: A Bards Alley Bookshop Podcast, for classic book lovers of all ages. Your hosts, Jen and Amy, owner and book buyer of Bards Alley Bookshop in Vienna, Virginia, will talk about some of their favorite book classics, what they mean to them, and how they've impacted their own personal story. They've got have a lot cover, and their TBR pile isn't getting any smaller, so let's book it!

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