Classics You Slept Through

Do you wish you'd actually *read* all of your English assignments in High School? Think you're too old to read and understand the literary classics of yesteryear? Fear not! Join Kyle and Meredith as they help you demystify those classics you slept through.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Chapters 1 - 4) 05/02/2024

The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Chapters 1 - 4) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 122 - The Mysterious Affair at Styles (Chapters 1 - 4) It's always exciting to begin a new book, and this time we're diving in with the grand dame of mystery herself, Agatha Christie! This is her first book, published in 1920, and the first mystery that we've covered on the podcast. It also introduces her iconic detective, Hercule Poirot, which is going to give us pronounciation fits throughout. Here we read the first four chapters, which waste no time introducing us to the the suspects and kicking off the adventure with a murder most foul! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/31093778

Men Without Women Wrap-up 04/09/2024

Men Without Women Wrap-up Classics You Slept Through: Episode 121 - Men Without Women - Wrap-up We're bringing our time with Papa Hemingway to a close. It's been a different experience, covering a collection of short stories, and we've only just scratched the surface of the depth of these stories. We'll wrap up our thoughts, and hopefully you're inspired to keep reading and discussing. Later in the episode, we announce our next book, which we'll start by reading through chapter 4 for next time. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/30672763

Men Without Women (Part 3) - Discussion 3 04/03/2024

Men Without Women (Part 3) - Discussion 3 Classics You Slept Through: Episode 120 - Men Without Women (Part 3) - Discussion 3 We're on a tight schedule as we try to get through a whopping six short stories and give each of them their due. They're all good! Thankfully, we still have one more episode, so we can cover anything that we missed in this one. Next episode we'll wrap up the Hemingway experience and revel our next read! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/30672308

Men Without Women (Part 3) 03/08/2024

Men Without Women (Part 3) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 119 - Men Without Women (Part 3) We've reached the end of this short story collection, and we've got six very brief stories to share with you all today! A Canary for One: A couple travels with an eccentric American woman in France. An Alpine Idyll: Skiers learn of the habits of German peasants. A Pursuit Race: A man tries to outrun his demons. To-Day is Friday: A play centered around the Crucifixion. Banal Story: Ruminations at the end of life. Now I Lay Me: A soldier deals with PTSD. We'll talk about these next episode. Join us, won't you? Another solid section of stories, and lots to talk about in our next episode! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/30284543

Men Without Women (Part 2) - Discussion 2 02/29/2024

Men Without Women (Part 2) - Discussion 2 Classics You Slept Through: Episode 118 - Men Without Women (Part 2) - Discussion 2 Another batch of fantastic short stories today! We're tackling fascism, the mafia, homosexuality, and racism! Wow, when you put it like that, it puts into perspective that even a hundred years ago, people were dealing with much of the same things that we do today. The human condition doesn't really change all that much, no matter how advanced and progressive we tell ourselves that we are. We're finishing the book for next episode! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/30160808

Men Without Women (Part 2) 02/20/2024

Men Without Women (Part 2) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 117 - Men Without Women (Part 2) Continuing this short story collection by Ernest Hemingway, this episode contains the next four stories in the book. Che ti dice la patria (What does the homeland tell you?): The Narrator and a friend traverse the Italian countryside. This story is broken down into three sections: 1. The eponymous opening 2. A Meal in Spezia 3. After the Rain Fifty Grand: The story of Jack, a boxer. A Simple Enquiry: An Italian Officer deals with loneliness in war. Ten Indians: A boy deals with affairs of the heart. Another solid section of stories, and lots to talk about in our next episode! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/30028228

Men Without Women (Part 1) - Discussion 1 02/06/2024

Men Without Women (Part 1) - Discussion 1 Classics You Slept Through: Episode 116 - Men Without Women (Part 1) - Discussion 1 These were some really great short stories to read through, and we try to give each of them their due this episode. If you're reading along at home, next episode will cover through the story Ten Indians. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/29785603

Men Without Women (Part 1) 01/30/2024

Men Without Women (Part 1) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 115 - Men Without Women (Part 1) Our next book is a bit different. Authored by Ernest Hemingway, it's the first collection of short stories that we've tackled on the pod. This episode will cover the first four stories in the book. The Undefeated: An aging bullfighter tries to get back in the ring. In Another Country: An American wounded in WWI recovers in an Italian hospital. Hills Like White Elephants: Two lovers contemplate their future together. The Killers: A diner worker gets caught up in an assassination attempt. We hope you enjoy these stories, as well as the upgraded AI visuals on our YouTube channel. Let us know what you think! We're also now on Bluesky, so give us a follow there! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/28561040

Wieland Wrap-up 11/14/2023

Wieland Wrap-up Classics You Slept Through: Episode 114 - Wieland Wrap-up Whew... what a long trip Wieland has been. We published the first chapters of this book back in January, which I suppose qualifies it as our "Book of the Year" for 2023? Thank you to all the listeners who've hung with us and not given up on us. It's been a year of transitions and new beginnings, and despite all the challenges, we're still here, reading and discussing classic books with you all. We'll pull together our thoughts on this one, as well as reveal our next book, which will be the 14th one that we've brought to you all. And on that, for next time, read through the story titled The Killers Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/28538507

Wieland Discussion 6 (Ch. 25 - 27) 11/06/2023

Wieland Discussion 6 (Ch. 25 - 27) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 113 - Wieland Discussion 6 (Chap. 25 - 27) This is it! We've reached the end! The fates of Clara, her brother, and Carwin are revealed - as are some other characters whom you might have forgotten about? Next episode, we wrap up this whole book! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/28538192

Wieland (Chapters 25 - 27) 07/25/2023

Wieland (Chapters 25 - 27) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 112 - Wieland (Chapters 25 - 27) The conclusion! It's been a long and winding road to reach the end of the tale for Clara and her brother, the titular Wieland. We'll discover their final fates, and if they are able to bring Carwin to justice! Won't you listen along with these chapters, so that we can talk about them next week? Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/27561945

Wieland Discussion 5 (Ch. 21 - 24) 05/31/2023

Wieland Discussion 5 (Ch. 21 - 24) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 111 - Wieland Discussion 5 (Chap. 21 - 24) Clara's uncle wants to get her away from America and the tragedy of her brother's murders. But first, she wants to see him one final time ... unless, of course, he still wants to kill her! Also, Carwin arrives to reveal his power and confess (sort of). We try to untangle this confusing mess the best we can this week. Next time: we're finishing the book! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/27003078

Wieland (Chapters 21 - 24) 05/23/2023

Wieland (Chapters 21 - 24) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 110 - Wieland (Chapters 21 - 24) More revelations! Clara desires to see her brother one last time before leaving America to take up residence with her uncle in Europe, but she's talked out of it. Rather, she returns to her home one final time, only to be surprise by Carwin, who relates his side of the story, revealing his mysterious power and the part that he has played in this sad tale. How will Clara take this confession? Is Carwin being honest? And what of Wieland, who has a supernatural strength and penchant for escape? Listen along with these chapters, and we'll talk about them in the next episode! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/26917401

Wieland Discussion 4 (Ch. 15 - 20) 05/06/2023

Wieland Discussion 4 (Ch. 15 - 20) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 109 - Wieland Discussion 4 (Chap. 15 - 20) What a stunning discovery! Clara, after being spurned by Pleyel, returns home to MURDER! Her sister-in-law: dead. Her nieces and nephews: dead. The murderer? Her brother, Theodore Wieland, who claims he was acting on orders from God himself. If you're watching on YouTube, can you name all of the books depicted in our _brand new_ opening video? Next time: read through chapter 24 Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/26761038

Wieland (Chapters 15 - 20) 04/25/2023

Wieland (Chapters 15 - 20) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 108 - Wieland (Chapters 15 - 20) Broken hearted at Pleyel's desertion of her, Clara receives a shocking note from Carwin. He wishes to explain himself in secret, yet Clara is wary. Should she meet alone with the fiend who has ruined her reputation? Determined to reason with him, and discover his designs against her, Clara returns home to shocking revelations which will forever alter her life. Join us for excitement, intrigue, and MURDER! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/26647254

Wieland Discussion 3 (Ch. 10 - 14) 03/28/2023

Wieland Discussion 3 (Ch. 10 - 14) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 107 - Wieland Discussion 3 (Chap. 10 - 14) We've learned that Carwin has been hiding in Clara's closet, certainly contemplating violence against her, and possibly even murder. Now, though, she has to process this shocking discovery without the aid of her friends. Her love, Pleyel, thinks that she is a wanton woman who is having midnight trysts with Carwin. As if this weren't bad enough, Pleyel has discovered that Carwin is a wanted man, guilty of murder and larceny in Ireland. Clara attempts to clear her name, but it's to no avail. Pleyel is unmoved. Episode references: Today's episode art is an AI generated imagining of Clara and Pleyel arguing. Next time: through chapter 20! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/26369880

Wieland (Chapters 10 - 14) 03/17/2023

Wieland (Chapters 10 - 14) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 106 - Wieland (Chapters 10 - 14) The accusations are flying! Plyel has made up his mind in regards to Clara's conduct, and with a broken heart, he decides to go on a journey and get far away from her. Can she reason with him and defend her honor? Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/26262033

Wieland Discussion 2 (Ch. 6 - 9) 02/28/2023

Wieland Discussion 2 (Ch. 6 - 9) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 105 - Wieland Discussion 2 (Chap. 6 - 9) CW: discussion of a threat of sexual violence against women Things are beginning to happen in Wieland! In this section we're introduced to a mysterious new character who seems like they're going to play a pivotal role going forward. The eloquent, yet unassuming looking Carwin captures the attention and imagination of the group, but becomes a bit of an obsession for Clara. She also begins hearing voices, but these threaten harm and unsettle our narrator. Let us know where you think this adventure is going, and for next week we'll be reading up through chapter 14! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/26059158

Wieland (Chapters 6 - 9) 02/20/2023

Wieland (Chapters 6 - 9) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 104 - Wieland (Chapters 6 - 9) Some semblance of a plot begins to develop! Clara does a lot of deep thinking, and even more strange voices are heard around our friends. Next episode, we'll get to breaking down some of these revelations. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/25990338

Wieland Discussion 1 (Chap. 1 - 5) 01/24/2023

Wieland Discussion 1 (Chap. 1 - 5) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 103 - Wieland Discussion 1 (Chap. 1 - 5) Okay, you've all been dying to talk about Wieland since we dropped the first chapters last November. You've held all your thoughts in and now ... you're ready to explode! Well, wait no longer, as our discussion on the first section of the book is here! We get into all the Wieland family history, especially Dad's apprenticeship and religious awakening, which leads to his eventual combustion. Or does it? Is there a spiritual element to this all? Or do the strange occurrences around the Temple have a more scientific and rational explanation? Let us know what you think, and next episode we'll be reading up through chapter 9! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/25665030

Return from Hiatus 01/16/2023

Return from Hiatus Classics You Slept Through: Episode 102.5 - We're Still Here! New Year, new episode! (Sort of) This is just a short episode to get back on track. We lost some Wieland steam over the fall, what with holidays, extra curricular activities, and multiple sicknesses. All that aside (no excuses, right?), we are back and ready to get into our supernatural tale of spontaneous combustion and bring you another year of public domain goodness that you may not have read before. Thanks for sticking with us and being such a great audience! Re-read or re-listen to chapters 1-5 of Wieland, and we'll discuss it next week. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/25626336

Wieland (Chapters 1 - 5) 11/06/2022

Wieland (Chapters 1 - 5) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 102 - Wieland (Chapters 1 - 5) It's always a thrill to dive into a new book, especially one which neither of us have read, or know anything about. Coming into a book fresh, with no preconceived notions makes reading it a journey of discovery. This is the situation we're in with Wieland, or The Transformation: An American Tale, by Charles Brockton Brown. It takes place just before the Revolutionary war, around Philadelphia, making it a "local interest" story for us. Listen along these opening chapters, and we'll get to discussing it next week. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/24922890

Frankenstein Wrap-up 10/04/2022

Frankenstein Wrap-up Classics You Slept Through: Episode 101 - Frankenstein Final Wrap The tale of the scientist and his creation has come to an end - but is it a satisfying one? We'll discuss the book in its entirety and what we thought about the reading experience of a horror classic, that's really more about the human condition. If you don't want to wait for the reveal at the end of the episode, Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/24511758

Frankenstein Discussion 5 (Chap. 21 - 24) 09/28/2022

Frankenstein Discussion 5 (Chap. 21 - 24) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 100 - Frankenstein Discussion 5 (Chap. 21 - 24) We've reached the end of Frankenstein, and now we'll find out the final fates of the Doctor, his creature, and his family (as well as Captain Walton!) Victor is forced to face another tragedy after Clerval's murder, and he languishes as he navigates the English legal system. There is happiness around the corner, though, as his marriage to Elizabeth is just around the corner. Will he finally get the rest and bliss that he has been seeking? Next episode we'll wrap up our thoughts on the entire book, as well as reveal our next read! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/24510969

Frankenstein (Chapters 21 - 24) 09/20/2022

Frankenstein (Chapters 21 - 24) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 99 - Frankenstein (Chapters 21 - 24) We've come to the end of Frankenstein, the culmination of the cat-and-mouse game that the doctor has been playing with his creation. More heartbreak and horror awaits Victor as he returns from his ill-fated decision to create, then destroy a companion for the creature. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/24432372

Frankenstein Discussion 4 (Chap. 16 - 20) 09/05/2022

Frankenstein Discussion 4 (Chap. 16 - 20) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 98 - Frankenstein Discussion 4 (Chap. 16 - 20) After a bit of a summer hiatus, we're getting this episode out, and getting tantalizingly close to the end of Frankenstein. This week, we're talking about the conclusion of the creature's tale and his bargain with Frankenstein, which sets us off on a journey back to England. There's shades of procrastination and travelogue all mixed together. For next week, we're (finally!) finishing the book! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/24280209

Frankenstein (Chapters 16 - 20) 07/11/2022

Frankenstein (Chapters 16 - 20) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 97 - Frankenstein (Chapters 16 - 20) Our pitiable creature, having spent his days observing a family who now shuns him, finds himself led back to his creator, relaying a terrible truth, and forcing Frankenstein into an unholy bargain. Apologies for the long summer hiatus. We should be back on track for the foreseeable future! Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/23712770

Frankenstein Discussion 3 (Chap. 10 - 15) 05/24/2022

Frankenstein Discussion 3 (Chap. 10 - 15) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 96 - Frankenstein Discussion 3 (Chap. 10 - 15) This week, Dr. Frankenstein comes face to face with his creation and we finally learn what the creature has been up to during the past year and half or so when Victor was convalescing from his breakdown. Lots of interesting themes to pull out this week: the nature of man, religion, civilizations, social justice, foreign opinions on American atrocities, gender inequality, and air conditioning. For next week, we're reading through chapter 20. * Apologies to YouTube subscribers. I had a technical error on the audio for the video podcast, so there's no discussion video this week. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/23217035

Classics You Slept Through: Episode 95 - Frankenstein (Chapters 10 -15) 05/12/2022

Classics You Slept Through: Episode 95 - Frankenstein (Chapters 10 -15) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 95 - Frankenstein (Chapters 10 - 15) Pursuing his creation, who he believes responsible for the murder of his brother and, indirectly, the death of Justine, Victor comes face to face with his creation. Unable to best it in combat, he is instead convinced to listen to what the creature has been up to over the past year. Turns out, he's been the most innocent voyeur to ever observe an unsuspecting family. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/23084501

Classics You Slept Through: Episode 94 - Frankenstein Discussion 2 (Chap. 5 - 9) 05/02/2022

Classics You Slept Through: Episode 94 - Frankenstein Discussion 2 (Chap. 5 - 9) Classics You Slept Through: Episode 94 - Frankenstein Discussion 2 (Chap. 5 - 9) Now we get to the crux of the story - the creature is created. Will Frankenstein welcome this new life into the world, nurturing it, as a responsible creator would? Or will he freak out, immediately lose the monster, and then not worry about it for the next year (!) or so? Yeah, it's the latter. Things don't really work out so well for our dear Doctor. But, we'll talk about it. For next time, we're reading through Chapter 15. Email: /episode/index/show/cystpod/id/22882847

Classics You Slept Through

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