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...
info_outline 146. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar WildeNovel 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...
info_outline 145. Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare with Traci ThomasNovel 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...
info_outline 144. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn WaughNovel 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...
info_outline 143. Seasonal book pairings for new releases in spring 2024Novel 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...
info_outline 142. The Custom of the Country by Edith WhartonNovel 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...
info_outline 141. Bookish pairings for our favorite period dramasNovel 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...
info_outline 140. Five tips for reading television and movies with a critical lensNovel 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,...
info_outline 139. The best, the backlist, and the buzziest books of 2023Novel 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....
info_outline 138. The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis BorgesNovel 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_outlineIt'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 novelpairings.substack.com--and to join us for Wharton in Winter, go to patreon.com/novelpairings to sign up. We're so excited for the year ahead!
Find us on Instagram @novelpairingspod. Shop for your 2024 TBR through our Bookshop.org storefront: https://bookshop.org/shop/novelpairings
Books Mentioned:
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
Gone Girl & Rebecca
Wellness & To the Lighthouse
Congratulations, the Best is Over! By R. Eric Thomas
Wellness by Nathan Hill
Disoriental by Negar Djavadi
Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park
The Employees by Olga Ravn
One Woman Show by Christine Coulson
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
The Pleasing Hour by Lily King
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill
The Fortnight in September by R.C. Sheriff
Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls
Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat
The Land of Milk and Honey by C. Pam Zhang
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Sense of Wonder by Matthew Salesses
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
Beyond the Door of No Return by David Diop
All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim
Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt
The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Saddiqi
Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Loot by Tania James
North Woods by Daniel Mason