147. The limits of satire & A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
Novel Pairings
On today’s Modern Readers episode, we’re placing “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift in context with pieces of contemporary political satire. We'll explore how satire is being used today to comment on politics and social issues, and the power, or limits, of its influence. Throughout our discussion, we discuss the lasting legacy of Swift’s essay, the rise of satirical media, and how satire is used as a rhetorical tool. Listen to the end for contemporary satirical examples in TV, online media, and comedy. We’re also excited to announce our Summer Big Book Read Along: Les...
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146. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Novel Pairings
In today’s episode, we’re discussing The Importance of Being Earnest by the ever-delightful Oscar Wilde. A classic example of British theater, this play is known for its biting social satire and brilliant comedic dialogue. Throughout our conversation, we dive into the play’s themes, discuss Wilde’s mastery of wordplay, and his ability to write characters that satirize Victorian society in the cleverest ways. As always, we share our complementary pairings, and we hope this episode adds a few books to your TBR pile! If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we...
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145. Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare with Traci Thomas
Novel Pairings
We're thrilled to welcome back Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks Podcast, for a thought-provoking discussion on one of Shakespeare's darkest comedies, Measure for Measure. In this conversation, we'll dive deep into the play's timeless themes including punishment, gender, power, and politics. We discuss how these themes continue to resonate with modern audiences, revealing the parallels between the play and our contemporary world. We also talk about how Shakespeare masterfully uses this satire in this work, even when satire doesn't necessarily equate to laugh-out-loud humor. Listen to the end...
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144. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
Novel Pairings
If aesthetics, British aristocracy and nostalgia sounds like an appealing combination, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is the book for you. In today's episode, we talk through the key themes, relationships, Waugh's stated purpose for writing Brideshead, and we ask: is Brideshead Revisited a satire or a novel with satirical elements? Plus, today’s pairings include a fantasy novel, historical fiction and a psychological thriller. If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would also love our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a...
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143. Seasonal book pairings for new releases in spring 2024
Novel Pairings
Today, Chelsey and Sara share their most anticipated spring book releases paired with backlist selections. After listening today, your TBR will be filled with delightful fiction, thrilling mysteries, historical romance and literary books from favorite writers, all releasing between late February and May. As always, our go-to pairings will keep your spring both entertaining and engaging. If you love our recommendations on the podcast, we have even more books to share over in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship...
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142. The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
Novel Pairings
In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up Wharton in Winter with a conversation about The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. We focus on Undine and question whether she’s a signature unlikable heroine or an anti-hero. Our conversation also digs into the other dynamic characters, themes of motherhood, greed, marriage, business, and Edith’s incredible writing. Every plot point builds to a bigger narrative in this timely classic. At the end of the episode, we share our complementary pairings , and we hope you add one to your TBR pile! If you loved our extra nerdy discussion...
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141. Bookish pairings for our favorite period dramas
Novel Pairings
Reading The Custom of the Country this winter has felt like stepping into the most lush, dramatic, and marathon-worthy period piece–so today we’re sharing some of our favorite period dramas and pairing them with excellent books for cozy winter reading. We discuss the appeal of watching historical fiction versus reading it, the throughline from reading Dear America books to watching Downton Abbey as a comfort show, and the complex nature of colorblind casting. We hope you find a new, or old, TV series or novel to enjoy after listening to today’s episode. PS: if you hear some odd...
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140. Five tips for reading television and movies with a critical lens
Novel Pairings
Today we’re sharing five tips for “reading” your favorite (or least favorite) TV shows and movies. These close reading tricks will help you get more critical while you watch television, which we hope prompts more engaging discussions with your friends and family. We’re using The Buccaneers (Apple TV) as our main example in this episode, but you don’t need to watch the show in order to listen. In fact, if you like episodes in which we get a little sassy, well, this one’s for you. We also share questions to make you a more critical viewer, what we’re reading with a literary lens,...
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139. The best, the backlist, and the buzziest books of 2023
Novel Pairings
It's time for our annual Superlative Soirée! (Okay, so we've never called it that before, but it fits, right?!) Today Chelsey and Sara share their favorite and least favorite books of 2023, plus everything in between. YOU helped us come up with some creative categories to cover in this official wrap-up episode, and we can't wait to hear what you think of the titles we discuss. To get your very own superlative printable, subscribe to our newsletter at --and to join us for Wharton in Winter, go to to sign up. We're so excited for the year ahead! Find us on Instagram @novelpairingspod....
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138. The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges
Novel Pairings
We’re wrapping up the 2023 season with a final Short Story Club, this time exploring a prime example of Postmodern fiction with Jorge Luis Borges’ “The Garden of Forking Paths.” Borges is often considered one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century and credited as an early writer of magical realism, lo real maravilloso. In today’s discussion, we take a close work at Borges’ popular story and share our interpretations on this text that begs us to stretch our concept of time and causality and consider the infinite possibilities and choices that shape history and...
info_outlineToday we are re-airing one of our very first episodes of Novel Pairings: Episode 18 on Homer’s Odyssey, in which Sara reveals her nerdy middle school obsession, Chelsey has strong opinions on defining “the classics,” and we have a LOT of fun discussing the complicated character of Odysseus. You don’t need to have any knowledge of mythology or The Odyssey in order to enjoy this episode. This episode is mostly spoiler-free, except for a brief discussion of the ending. We’ll warn you in advance before we get into it, and timestamps are listed below.
If, after listening to today’s rerelease, you’re interested in joining us for a Slow Down Summer Odyssey, head over to the Novel Pairings Patreon page and join us at the $8 literature scholar tier. In addition to weekly podcast recaps of each section of The Odyssey, you’ll also get invitations to monthly book club discussions and classes to help you get more out of this epic poem, along with our regular Friday bonus episodes and access to our entire back catalog of bonus episodes and class recordings. Perhaps most exciting of all, Patreon supporters will get first access to our limited edition merch shop opening this month! We’d love to explore The Odyssey and beyond with you this summer so head to patreon.com/novelpairings to join our classics crew.
Our discussion includes:
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What is a “mythology girl?” [13:08]
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Analyzing Odysseus: a larger-than-life character [20:10]
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More on Odysseus as a complex, flawed and nuanced hero [29:30]
Plus, as always, we’re recommending six contemporary books to pair with our classic, including a business book and a book in translation.
Notes:
Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
“Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood
“ Penelope” by Carol Ann Duffy
The World’s Wife by Carol Ann Duffy
Madeline Miller: Circe and The Song of Achilles
Gareth Hinds graphic novel The Odyssey
Bull by David Elliot
Pairings:
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffeneger [40:35]
The Martian by Andy Weir [46:06]
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown [53:05]
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood [37:10]
The Songs of the Kings by Barry Unsworth [42:55]
Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera [48:35]
Also mentioned:
Chelsey: A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow recommended by Bezi @beingabookwyrm
Sara: Rick Riordan Presents