Podcasts about literary analysis

this episode we once again morph into the literary agony aunts of your dreams to dish out sweeping advice with little to no authority. we discuss the perks of joining a library (see: ways to cure shopping addiction and support your community). we talk about the it-girl books of the year, Yesteryear by Clare Caro Burke and Strangers by Belle Burden as well as their film adaptations starring Anne Hathaway and Gwyneth Paltrow alike. talk lit get hit merch rears its head as the big question of the episode – where does it come from, how does it get made, who wants it? and we find ourselves once again discussing our ongoing battle against screen time and our bid to lead a deeply Ed Sheeran life. please note: this episode was recorded before Gwenyth Paltrow's endorsement of luxury Israeli apartments was revealed.send us your voice messages here

Justin A. Jackson, Edrie Seward Kennedy chair in English and chairman and professor of English at Hillsdale College, delivers a lecture on the discipline of literary analysis and his new book The Elements of Analysis: An Introduction to Careful Reading. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Literature” in October 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Academia Unlocked, our literary deep-dive series on Book Talk for BookTok! In this episode, we kick off our three-part series discussing Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice With over 13 years of combined academic training in literature and creative writing, we walk listeners through the foundational tools of reading beyond the surface. The book community talks about the "decline of literacy" constantly, but almost no one stops to define what literary literacy actually is or how to build it. This series exists to change that. One of the most common ways readers come to Interview with the Vampire is as a horror story. A man becomes a monster and spends eternity regretting it. But Anne Rice was doing something far more precise on the page: writing a confession that doubles as an elegy, for grief that couldn't be named, for love that couldn't be spoken, for a community already disappearing before the world had a word for what was taking it. This series is about making space for both of those readings at once. Whether you fell in love with Lestat on your screen, couldn't put the novel down at 2am, or only know Louis de Pointe du Lac as Brad Pitt looking beautiful and tragic, this series will give you the critical lens to engage with Anne Rice's world with more depth, more confidence, and a lot more to say. Sponsor: Go to ⁠LumiGummies.com⁠ and use code BOOKTALK for 30% off your order. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

sing me a song of a podcast that is travelling back in time, to the year 1743 for a tale of passion, adventure, clan politics and trout fishing. this month, we're reading the epic romance Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and talking all things Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall Beauchamp.this episode also features a special guest appearance from the ever-lovely Wren (aka @superb.wren on TikTok). Wren is here to offer us an alternative viewpoint on a book we truly cannot make our minds up about and share her love and wisdom for the outlander series.synopsis music by Horror Streaming.recommendations:Lonely Mouth by Jacqueline MaleyDominion by Addie E. CitchensDominicana by Angie CruzCannon by Lee LaiModeration by Elaine CastilloCatalina by Carla Cornejo VillavicencioThe Idiot by Elif BatumanI Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie SueThe God of Small Things by Arundhati RoyCloudstreet by Tim WintonYesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeStrangers by Belle BurdenGo-To Skincare Glow ExfoliatorGo-To Skincare Much Plumper Skin Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream CleanserQV Ceramides CleanserMixa Panthenol Comfort Anti-Scratching CreamHamilton SPF 50 Everyday Face CreamOn the Calculation of Volume 1 by Solvej Ballesee also:https://www.reddit.com/r/Outlander/s/Mba1Loa6eRhttps://www.reddit.com/r/Outlander/s/fzfhhP07SOsend us your voice messages here

it is a truth universally acknowledged that there is no such thing as too many Jane Austen adaptations. it seems truly impossible to ever fully know the scope of how many literary adaptations of Pride and Prejudice have been made. there are the ever-predictable steamy retellings that ask the ever-present question “but what if they f*cked???”, retellings exploring the key themes but set in different cultures or countries and of course, novels that amplify the voices of Pride and Prejudices' many rich but silent characters.this month on the show, we're reading eligible by curtis sittenfeld to find out where her adaptation of one of the world's most famous classics lands on the sliding scale of literary retellings and reimaginings.send us your voice messages here

before monsters learned their names, before heroes thought themselves immortal, there was a voice learning to speak. it's time for herstory, not history as we turn to Circe by Madeline Miller - a retelling and reimaging of Circe, the witch of The Odyssey - a story that promises to be absorbing, luminous and spellbinding – a feminist novel, ripe for the #metoo generation. we talk all about Greek mythology, our newly uncovered adoration for Madeline Miller, our previous podcast episode on the highs and lows (but mainly lows) of The Song of Achilles and ask ourselves the question, can the works of Madeline Miller be redeemed by Circe or are we fated to eternal literary woe?  send us your voice messages here

this episode we wanted to give back by sharing our book recommendations for all your specific tastes - the good, the bad and the incredibly niche and freaky. we put out a question box and scoured the internet high and low to find book recommendations that will suit even the most specific of moods.tastes explored: a book that feels like the first days of soft autumn sunlight kissing your facea book that feels like the period between grade 12 graduation and the beginning of the rest of your life the best book you'll never read againbegging and pleading for more female led horror with cannabilismbooks like sky daddy. freaky but like... kinda deep and beautiful??a fictional story that will help with burn out – the self help books aren't self helpingpeople learning to be lonely or being okay with not meeting expectations books mentioned:Body Friend by Katherine BrabonBlue Sisters by Coco MellorsLead Us Not by Abbey LayLove and Virtue by Diana ReidThe Idiot by Elif BatumanWhat I Loved by Siri HustvedtBodies of Light by Jennifer DownThe God of Small Things by Arundhati RoyThey're Going to Love You by Meg HowryWoman Eating by Claire Khoda A Certain Hunger by Chelsea SummersThe Eyes are the Best Part by Monica KimThe Lamb by Lucy RoseNatural Beauty by Ling Ling HuangMonstrilio by Gerado Samona CordovaOpen Throat by Henry HokeBunny by Mona AwadI Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie SueNothing Bad Ever Happens Here by Heather RoseOlive Kitteridge by Elizabeth StroutMaame by Jessica GeorgeSorrow and Bliss by Meg MasonSunset by Jessie CaveNotes on Heartbreak by Annie Lordsend us your voice messages here

Get ready to dive back into the neon-soaked streets of L.A. and beyond! In this episode of Elton Reads A Book A Week, Elton takes on the ambitious crime epic Heat 2—the novel that somehow manages to be both a prequel and a sequel to Michael Mann's legendary 1995 film.Ever wondered what made Neil McCauley so cold or how Vincent Hanna became a "hyper-caffeinated" detective with a failing personal life? This episode breaks down the twelve-year arc that takes these iconic characters from the shadows of Chicago to the heat of Paraguay and Mexico. Elton also digs into the fascinating true story that inspired the original film, involving a real-life high-stakes meeting in a Chicago deli between a meticulous detective and a professional thief who lived by a 30-second rule.Expect plenty of Elton's signature "cinephile" rants, some very questionable theories about whether Chicago actually exists, and a recurring battle with his producer, [BLEEP], over whether the show needs more machine-gun sound effects. It's a deep dive into world-traveling heists, burning wreckage, and the "urban opera" of Michael Mann's universe.Listen in for:The Real Heat: The gritty 1960s true crime origins of the McCauley/Hanna rivalry.A Master at Work: A look at director Michael Mann's journey from driving cabs to "engineering" cinematic masterpieces.Behind the Pages: How a film director and a thriller novelist teamed up to expand a world millions already loved.Just... maybe don't take any actual life advice from the heist parts.GET THE BOOK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠From Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠From an Indie Book Seller⁠⁠⁠BECOME AN Elton Reads A Book A Week CONTRIBUTOR HERE:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elton Reads A Book A Week Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tips!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SOCIAL MEDIA!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠This is the LINK TREE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord server!⁠⁠EMAIL: eltonreadsabookaweek@gmail.comThe following section is reserved for the people, places, things, and more that Elton probably offended in this episode--THE APOLOGIES SECTION: Clowns...again, flatulence, New York...again, those that get easily tricked, Penthouse Forum, and much, much more.A special thanks to Diedrich Bader and Jenna Fischer for all their inspiration."Expanding on the lives of characters like Vincent Hanna, Neil McCauley, and Chris Shiherlis before and after the movie's events. The book follows the formative years of the main characters and continues the story with new heists and characters, exploring their lives in the years leading up to and following the film's iconic bank robbery. It's known for its cinematic action, rich characterization, and fast-paced, hard-boiled style, becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller. "Heat 2, Michael Mann, Meg Gardiner, Heat Movie Sequel, Vincent Hanna, Neil McCauley, Chris Shiherlis, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Crime Fiction, Heist Novel, North Hollywood Shootout, Chuck Adamson, Chicago Crime History, Belden's Deli, Urban Opera, Heat 1995, Movie Trivia, Literary Analysis, Book Review, Comedy Podcast, Elton Reads A Book A Week, Pop Culture Commentary, GTA V Inspiration, The Dark Knight Influence, Miami Vice, Crime Thriller Books, Cinema History, Hard-Boiled Fiction.#Heat2 #MichaelMann #Heist #BookReview #ComedyPodcast #Podcast #Cinema #TrueCrime #NeilMcCauley #VincentHanna #Literature #CrimeFiction #ActionMovies #EltonReadsABookAWeek #MovieHistory #Sequel Review #books #reading #booktok #comedy #Heat #movie

Clare and Hannah discuss themes of isolation, greed, and old age in Cormac McCarthy's 2005 Western Gothic novel, "No Country for Old Men."We'd love to hear your thoughts! Click here to send us a text message!Support the showWe provide links and other resources to help you find and enjoy the things we talked about on this episode! Note that some of these may include “affiliate” links to books and other products. When you click through and purchase, the price of the item is the same for you. In fact, most of the time you'll get a discount! But the company gives us a little somethin' somethin' to say “thanks” for sending you their way! This helps you enjoy the website and the podcast EVEN MORE by eliminating intrusive advertisements. Thanks for clicking!Theme music: “Splanchnics Riff” composed and performed by Clare T. WalkerClare is an independent author who would love it if you checked out her books! If you like exciting thrillers featuring an “everyman” hero who rises to his or her full potential in the face of peril—-you  might enjoy The Keys of Death. It's a veterinary medical thriller about a small-town animal doctor who gets tangled up in a whistle-blowing scheme against a big biotech company. Or, if you prefer shorter fiction, try Startling Figures, a collection of three paranormal urban fantasy stories. 

Season 5 kicks off with Men in Black. Valerie is studying plot structure, and Melanie is studying resonance. Now, admittedly, plot structure doesn't sound very sexy but it's one of the first decisions a writer must make. If you haven't chosen a structure for your novel, how will you know if what you've written is working? Do you know what the structure options are? Resonance is the ability to evoke or suggest images, emotions, and memories, and all successful writers use it to draw on their readers' experiences. So, how are you putting it to use in your own WIP? - V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

phonies, crooks and big bastards beware! this episode we're discussing a book often cited as an all-time classic in coming-of-age literature - an elegy to teenage alienation, capturing the deeply human need for connection and a book held in the tote bags of ex boyfriends and would be assassins alike. this month, we're exploring a seminal work of softboi fiction and spending time with one of history's most divisive protagonists, Holden Caulfield. we're reading about loss of innocence and life on the cusp of adulthood in the Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.synopsis music by Johnny Hoevesend us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.join talk lit, get hit podcast for deep dives into the hottest BookTok recommendations, trending contemporary fiction, and literary favourites! each episode features book discussions, spoiler-filled chats, and thoughtful literary analysis of novels everyone is talking about - from viral romance and fantasy to modern classics. whether you're looking for BookTok book reviews, author interviews, or a virtual book club experience, out podcast is your go-to space for readers who love stories and want to explore them in depth.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.  

In this episode, Jude and Stef welcome Dr. Kristine Larsen as our guest host in this special lesser-trod paths episode. Kristine talks to us about Tolkien's use of caves throughout his legendarium, such as the Glittering Caves of Aglarond and Gollum's cave, while drawing parallels to real-world inspirations like Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole Caves. We chat about the significance of intention in Tolkien's writing, the impact of commercialism on the natural world, and the ongoing exploration of Tolkien's legacy in contemporary scholarship.    Citations Thank you to our guest, Dr. Kristine Larsen! Contact Kristine: larsen@ccsu.edu References:  Larsen, Kristine. “Immeasurable Halls and Dreamlike Forms: Tracing the Caves of Cheddar Gorge Throughout Tolkien's Legendarium (and Beyond).” Journal of Tolkien Research 22(2): article 15, 2025. https://scholar.valpo.edu/journaloftolkienresearch/vol22/iss2/15/ (Accessed Feb 15, 2026) Soon to be published: Larsen, Kristine. “‘Deep Down Here By the Dark Water Lived Old Gollum': The 1927 Public Opening Of the Wookey Hole Show Caves And The Hobbit”. A list of Dr. Larsen's publications can be found here: https://www.ccsu.edu/person/kristine-larsen (Accessed March 2, 2026) Tolkien Reading Day 2026 https://www.tolkiensociety.org/events/tolkien-reading-day-2026/ (Accessed March 2, 2026)

this month, we're taking on a TikTok favourite, new adult romance complete with steam, suspense and darker themes. heavy on the tropes and easy on the cover design, this month's pick alleges to include Grumpy/Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Brother's Best Friend, Morally Grey Heroes and of course, Billionaire Romance. this month, we're reading Twisted Love by Ana Huang. synopsis music by Lillibensend us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.join talk lit, get hit podcast for deep dives into the hottest BookTok recommendations, trending contemporary fiction, and literary favourites! each episode features book discussions, spoiler-filled chats, and thoughtful literary analysis of novels everyone is talking about - from viral romance and fantasy to modern classics. whether you're looking for BookTok book reviews, author interviews, or a virtual book club experience, out podcast is your go-to space for readers who love stories and want to explore them in depth.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

this episode, we are once again opening our inboxes and hearts to our favourite people in the world, our listeners. we asked for your 2026 goals and aspirations (bookish or otherwise), the things you wanted to leave behind in 2025 and and anything else you wanted to get off your chest. we discuss goals to finish lengthy TBRs, how to read more in 2026, getting and staying off our phones, sapphic fiction (where is it and do we have any recommendations?), the modern classic (a marketing ploy or enduring praise?), DNF-ing books, describing our ideal book and so much more.  send us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.join talk lit, get hit podcast for deep dives into the hottest BookTok recommendations, trending contemporary fiction, and literary favourites! each episode features book discussions, spoiler-filled chats, and thoughtful literary analysis of novels everyone is talking about - from viral romance and fantasy to modern classics. whether you're looking for BookTok book reviews, author interviews, or a virtual book club experience, out podcast is your go-to space for readers who love stories and want to explore them in depth.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

We're wrapping up Season 16 with our best advice, lessons learned and a-ha moments about The Shadow and The Hero's Monologue. If you didn't get a chance to listen to all the episodes this season, you'll definitely want to tune in and maybe even bookmark this episode! - V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

You control the shadows in your characters. This week we reveal how a negative shadow looms large despite being dead. Daphne du Maurier's ‘Rebecca' crushed everyone she came into contact with, even her allies. With our study of The Shadow drawing to a close, it's time to look at how suppressed emotions break free and cause chaos. The Hero's monologue is also treated differently in this film. See if you can pick where it is!"The shadow isn't always bad character traits." - Melanie HillRelated Story Nerd EpisodesThe IncrediblesThe Holdovers Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

synopsis music by Tunetankthis episode we are taking you on a journey to discover the self professed life changing tool that millions of people can't stop talking about. it's a book that promises to deliver the fastest way to take control of your life and stop trying to control other people and focus on what you can control; yourself. in case it wasn't obvious, we're reading The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.we discuss the never-ending loop that the let them theory sent us on, Mel Robbins' career, “those” plagiarism allegations and weigh in on a newspaper profile that has, somehow, never been scrubbed from the internet. we also chat about our 2026 ins and outs, goals and dreams and all the things we want to achieve with our reading both on and off the podcast. 39:05 - The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins discussing beginssend us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.join talk lit, get hit podcast for deep dives into the hottest BookTok recommendations, trending contemporary fiction, and literary favourites! each episode features book discussions, spoiler-filled chats, and thoughtful literary analysis of novels everyone is talking about - from viral romance and fantasy to modern classics. whether you're looking for BookTok book reviews, author interviews, or a virtual book club experience, out podcast is your go-to space for readers who love stories and want to explore them in depth.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

Genre is enigmatic (at best). Writers, agents, readers, and editors, all have different perspectives, and sometimes they lead to heated debates. In this episode, which originally aired in Season 2, Melanie and I totally disagree on the genre. She thinks it's a horror, I think it's a thriller. Which of us is right? Tune in to find out. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode. Until then, Happy New Year! - V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

In this special flash-analysis episode, we turn our attention to Brimstone, breaking the story down through focused literary discussion rather than a full chapter-by-chapter deep dive. We examine the novel's central character arcs, with particular attention to Kingfisher, Saeris, and Carrion— how power, control, and vulnerability shape their choices and relationships. We unpack what each character believes they're doing versus what the narrative is actually revealing beneath the surface, and how those internal contradictions fuel tension throughout the book. From there, we analyze the key plot devices at work: narrative withholding, moral ambiguity, and the deliberate use of uncertainty to keep readers off-balance. Finally, we step into theory territory, exploring unresolved questions, foreshadowing, and what Brimstone may be setting up for future installments. This episode is designed for readers who want to move past vibes and into structure—understanding not just what happens in Brimstone, but why it works. Sponsor: Vionic Use code BOOKTALK at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holy smokes! Now THIS is how you write a murder mystery. If you're a mystery writer, or simply want to watch an absolutely fantastic film during the holiday season, be sure to check out THE LAST OF SHEILA. This episode originally aired in Season 9 and it's one of our favourites. So sit back and enjoy, and we'll be back with a brand new show on January 14, 2026. -V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

it's time to say merry christmas, happy new year and wrap up the podcast year that was 2025! this means it's also time for a few beverages, a little singing and an intense and critical analysis of the highs and lows of our podcast for the year gone by. we'll discuss our favourite and least favourite episodes, rank our podcast books and circle back and check in on our 2025 goals and aspirations, ins and outs. it's not all serious though, we play a few exhilarating and inventive party games (quote bingo!!!), discuss an extra special Christmas novella (tessa bailey, we're looking at you) and sing the intro to rudolph the red nosed reindeer at least seventeen times (all in the name of science). pour yourself an ice cold baileys and get that present wrapping out of the way as we celebrate the holidays the only way we know how. books discussed: atomic habits, the spanish love deception, the housemaid, bridget jones's diary, yellowface, magnolia parks, babel, credence, eat pray love, interview with the vampire, looking for alaska, the favourites. synopsis music by u_fqkekalnfbsend us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.join talk lit, get hit podcast for deep dives into the hottest BookTok recommendations, trending contemporary fiction, and literary favourites! each episode features book discussions, spoiler-filled chats, and thoughtful literary analysis of novels everyone is talking about - from viral romance and fantasy to modern classics. whether you're looking for BookTok book reviews, author interviews, or a virtual book club experience, out podcast is your go-to space for readers who love stories and want to explore them in depth.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

to wrap up another fantastic year of talk lit, get hit podcast, we wanted read the book that everyone was calling "the book of the year" and 'the favourites' by layne fargo fit the bill. one of many in a long line of ice-skating adjacent media that has shaped our personalities (think: icebreaker, ice princess and blades of glory) 'the favourites' is touted to be taut, sexy and compulsively readable. part wuthering heights, part daisy jones and the six - will this ice-dancing romance stick the landing or will it fall through the thin ice and into our bad books like so many others before it?synopsis music by Tomomi Katosend us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.join talk lit, get hit podcast for deep dives into the hottest BookTok recommendations, trending contemporary fiction, and literary favourites! each episode features book discussions, spoiler-filled chats, and thoughtful literary analysis of novels everyone is talking about - from viral romance and fantasy to modern classics. whether you're looking for BookTok book reviews, author interviews, or a virtual book club experience, out podcast is your go-to space for readers who love stories and want to explore them in depth.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

what's better than being forced into adventure and a quest to find the great perhaps by a manic, pixie, dream girl? BEING the manic pixie dream girl, of course (sort of)! this episode we're reading the summer I turned pretty by jenny han in a bid to chase those long forgotten emotions of teenage whimsy and dating three guys in the span of a summer. we debate team conrad or team jeremiah, ask if we should expect more of teenagers and the dissect the urge to juuuuust keep swimming.  send us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.join talk lit, get hit podcast for deep dives into the hottest BookTok recommendations, trending contemporary fiction, and literary favourites! each episode features book discussions, spoiler-filled chats, and thoughtful literary analysis of novels everyone is talking about - from viral romance and fantasy to modern classics. whether you're looking for BookTok book reviews, author interviews, or a virtual book club experience, out podcast is your go-to space for readers who love stories and want to explore them in depth.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

This episode, Clare and Hannah talk about Flannery O'Connor's first novel, "Wise Blood." O'Connor's stories are rich with symbolism, from a beat-up jalopy of a car to a stolen gorilla suit, and from a preacher's blindness to a shrunken mummified body in a museum. It's a darkly comic and often grotesque ride.We'd love to hear your thoughts! Click here to send us a text message!Support the showWe provide links and other resources to help you find and enjoy the things we talked about on this episode! Note that some of these may include “affiliate” links to books and other products. When you click through and purchase, the price of the item is the same for you. In fact, most of the time you'll get a discount! But the company gives us a little somethin' somethin' to say “thanks” for sending you their way! This helps you enjoy the website and the podcast EVEN MORE by eliminating intrusive advertisements. Thanks for clicking! Theme music: “Splanchnics Riff” composed and performed by Clare T. Walker Clare is an independent author who would love it if you checked out her books! If you like exciting thrillers featuring an “everyman” hero who rises to his or her full potential in the face of peril—-you might enjoy The Keys of Death. It's a veterinary medical thriller about a small-town animal doctor who gets tangled up in a whistle-blowing scheme against a big biotech company. Or, if you prefer shorter fiction, try Startling Figures, a collection of three paranormal urban fantasy stories.

this episode we are putting it all on the line and delving into familiar, nostalgic territory. for our november episode, we're exploring the theme “manic pixie dream girl” and reading one of the classic, ancient texts - looking for alaska by john green. in this episode we break down the manic pixie dream girl trope (from daisy buchanan to ramona flowers), plumb the depths of our adolescent tumblrs for john green-esque quotes, rap a little bit, and as usual, cry as we recite quotes to one another. will miles, alaska, the colonel and takumi win us over or will we be left frustrated by another young man's hollow quest for self-discovery?synopsis music by BreakzStudiossend us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

this episode we enjoyed a potent snapshot of Hollywood circa 1994 and watching the film adaptation of interview with the vampire, directed by neil jordan and staring tom cruise, brad pitt and kirsten dunst. this rendition of anne rice's classic novel offers of plenty of fodder for discussion, from brad pitt's personal hygiene, to anne rice's passion for film casting and the whs on candles and set design - no stone is left unturned, no coffin unopened! send us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

How does your reader know why your protagonist does what she does? This seemingly minor detail is one of the most important parts of your story and the way you let the reader know about it is through the hero's monologue. What aspect of your protagonist is hidden from her, from your reader, or both? If you want to create a main character with dimension and an arc, then understanding her shadow is key. The hero's monologue and the shadow are our study topics in this brand new season of the podcast. Enjoy! - V. Acquire the power to write a bestselling story at storynerd.ca/courses For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

if we can't have another twilight saga novel, we can at least have the next best thing (as voted by our listeners). this episode we're reading and discussing interview with the vampire by the mother of gothic, erotic fiction, anne rice. we discuss our vampires louis and lestat, who are surely the blueprint for all modern vampires to follow thereafter (edward cullen, we're looking at you). we also chat about the gay of it all, the novels at times questionable undertones and try to answer the question “why the hell was sting so obsessed with this book”?synopsis musicsend us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

Clare and Hannah struggle to untangle the final book in C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy: That Hideous Strength. Clare declares this book did not require a wizard. Hannah finally discovers a romantic subplot she's invested in. Once again, we mention The Abolition of Man, but only because Lewis mentioned it first. Get your own copy of That Hideous Strength at Clare's Bookshop.org shop. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Click here to send us a text message!Support the showWe provide links and other resources to help you find and enjoy the things we talked about on this episode! Note that some of these may include “affiliate” links to books and other products. When you click through and purchase, the price of the item is the same for you. In fact, most of the time you'll get a discount! But the company gives us a little somethin' somethin' to say “thanks” for sending you their way! This helps you enjoy the website and the podcast EVEN MORE by eliminating intrusive advertisements. Thanks for clicking! Theme music: “Splanchnics Riff” composed and performed by Clare T. Walker Clare is an independent author who would love it if you checked out her books! If you like exciting thrillers featuring an “everyman” hero who rises to his or her full potential in the face of peril—-you might enjoy The Keys of Death. It's a veterinary medical thriller about a small-town animal doctor who gets tangled up in a whistle-blowing scheme against a big biotech company. Or, if you prefer shorter fiction, try Startling Figures, a collection of three paranormal urban fantasy stories.

 seasons change but Goodreads reviews are forever! this episode we dig into the highs and lows of reading rating systems - what makes a five star read a five star read and how low does a rating need to be before we gauge our eyes out? we poll our listeners on their habits around DNFing books and share our own thoughts on when is the right time to make an Irish exit from the pages (or whether it's even possible at all).send us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

Primal Fear is a superb film. The novel, by William Diehl, is even better. This is a story to add to your short list of go-to stories to study for absolutely any aspect of the craft. Enjoy! - V. Get The Fundamentals of Storytelling today! Go to storynerd.ca/courses and use coupon code CANADA50, now through July 7, for 50% off. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

this episode we're journeying deep into the 2000s, to the land of ornamental chillies in bottles, oil-filled bath beads and thursday-evening chai lattes and orange and almond cakes with the girls at book club. For the theme knee's weak, mum's bookclub-etti we're reading the seminal white woman memoir – eat, pray, love by elizabeth gilbert. we'll dive into the ins and outs of elizabeth's escapades, eating in italy, praying in india and loving in indonesia and pose the question – is this a heart-warming and relatable journey of self-discovery, or a self-indulgent, surface-level exploitation of foreign cultures?send us questions, things you want us to speak about or just say hi!choose our next podcast read by going here and voting in the first week of each month!make sure you subscribe to hear our groundbreaking thoughts as soon as they are unleashed. if you want to be on the same page as us, follow us at talklit.gethit on Instagram and TikTok.theme music born from the creative genius of Big Boi B.talk lit, get hit are reading and recording on Giabal, Jagera, Jarowair & Turrbal lands. we acknowledge the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. always was, always will be.

Welcome to the first installment of our Autumn-ish Book Club! In this flash analysis series, we take an academic approach to some of the most talked-about books in Romantasy and fantasy today. With over 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring a critical lens to fandom favorites while keeping the discussion fun, thought-provoking, and accessible. In this episode, we're discussing The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. We explore Katniss Everdeen as a heroine whose personality type makes her both powerful and vulnerable, how Peeta functions as a unique male main character (MMC), and why the series' themes of power, media, and survival feel even more relevant today than when the books were first released. This is part 2 of this week's episode. This season, we'll be covering: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Where the Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell Blood of Hercules by Jasmin Mas Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem And when book club wraps up, get ready! Our next full literary analysis will dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. If you're new here, we also have full seasons analyzing A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight. Go back and check those out to see how we break down metaphors, symbolism, narrative structure, and character arcs through multiple literary lenses. Plus, we're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. If you love Sarah J. Maas, Romantasy, and deep literary analysis, you're in the right place. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠  Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first installment of our Autumn-ish Book Club! In this flash analysis series, we take an academic approach to some of the most talked-about books in Romantasy and fantasy today. With over 13 years of combined academic literary training, we bring a critical lens to fandom favorites while keeping the discussion fun, thought-provoking, and accessible. In this episode, we're discussing The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. We explore Katniss Everdeen as a heroine whose personality type makes her both powerful and vulnerable, how Peeta functions as a unique male main character (MMC), and why the series' themes of power, media, and survival feel even more relevant today than when the books were first released. This is part 1 of this week's episode. Come back Thursday for part 2. This season, we'll be covering: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Where the Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell Blood of Hercules by Jasmin Mas Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem And when book club wraps up, get ready! Our next full literary analysis will dive into Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. If you're new here, we also have full seasons analyzing A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight. Go back and check those out to see how we break down metaphors, symbolism, narrative structure, and character arcs through multiple literary lenses. Plus, we're thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We're publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured. If you love Sarah J. Maas, Romantasy, and deep literary analysis, you're in the right place. Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured! Submit them at ⁠⁠⁠booktalkforbooktok.com⁠⁠⁠ for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion. The Subtext Society Journal: https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/  Support the Show:  Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok⁠⁠⁠  Merch: ⁠⁠⁠Etsy Store⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social: Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Melanie is studying female characters and how women are presented in modern stories (her work in this episode is reeeeally interesting!), and I investigate something I learned from Steven Pressfield, which is that we shouldn't introduce anything new after Act 2. Get The Fundamentals of Storytelling today! Go to storynerd.ca/courses and use coupon code CANADA50, now through July 7, for 50% off. For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.

Join Nicole and Meghan (sans Alley!) as they finish the conversation deep diving into Bryceriel from a literary analysis perspective! And if you haven't already, make sure you're following @marvelousmrsmeghan on Instagram and Tiktok!

Join Alley, Nicole, and special guest Meghan from @marvelousmrsmeghan as they do a deep dive on Brycerial from a purely literary analysis perspective! You don't want to miss this incredible Bryceriel episode!

How literature helps us to understand morality, totalitarian politics, and the life of Jesus Christ.Join the team at the IAI for four articles about great, classic literature, covering world-renowned authors such as George Orwell, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Clarice Lispector, to name but a few.These articles were written by Michael Marder, Emrah Atasoy, John Givens, and Dana Dragunoiu.Michael Marder is Ikerbasque Research Professor of Philosophy at the University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz. Emrah Atasoy is a professor in the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies at the University of Warwick. John Givens is a professor of Russian at the University of Rochester and the author of 'The Image of Christ in Russian Literature: Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, Pasternak'. Dana Dragunoiu the author of 'Vladimir Nabokov and the Art of Moral Acts' and 'Simply Nabokov'. And don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! Best friends Jac and Amy return to break down Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series. In this premiere episode, we dive into chapters 1–5, where Celaena Sardothien is no longer just Adarlan's most feared assassin; she's the King's Champion, but not in the way everyone thinks. This is part 2 of this week's episode. Through our signature academic literary analysis (backed by our 13 years of combined literary training), we explore themes of misinformation, identity, shifting power dynamics, and imaginary lines between people, personas, and political loyalties. Spoilers ahead for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. This season, we're asking: Has Crown of Midnight truly prepared Celaena for her future as Aelin Galathynius? This episode starts with that question and more: – How are Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol navigating their changing relationships? – What role does dissociation play in the early narration? – And why is Celaena's fashion sense so symbolically important? We apply a feminist lens (Jac) and a Marxist lens (Amy) to unpack character arcs, foreshadowing, and major literary breadcrumbs you may have missed. If you love:

Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! Best friends Jac and Amy return to break down Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series. In this premiere episode, we dive into chapters 1–5, where Celaena Sardothien is no longer just Adarlan's most feared assassin; she's the King's Champion, but not in the way everyone thinks. Through our signature academic literary analysis (backed by our 13 years of combined literary training), we explore themes of misinformation, identity, shifting power dynamics, and imaginary lines between people, personas, and political loyalties. Spoilers ahead for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. This season, we're asking: Has Crown of Midnight truly prepared Celaena for her future as Aelin Galathynius? This episode starts with that question and more: – How are Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol navigating their changing relationships? – What role does dissociation play in the early narration? – And why is Celaena's fashion sense so symbolically important? We apply a feminist lens (Jac) and a Marxist lens (Amy) to unpack character arcs, foreshadowing, and major literary breadcrumbs you may have missed. If you love:

Join Michael Knowles as he takes you on a deep dive into Dante Alighieri's masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy.” In this video, Michael unpacks the epic journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, exploring the profound themes, rich symbolism, and timeless lessons woven into Dante's incredible narrative. Michael gave this speech at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. Go check them out at http://isi.org/ and their official YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@educatingforliberty?si=qTp_eaE8vMTr44kY