Novel Pairings
Welcome to Novel Pairings, a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun. As two nerdy bookworms, we appreciate the role of classic lit, but we but we won’t get too academic about it. We’ll talk about the books we love and the books we loath, and help stock your TBR pile with old and new reads for every literary taste.
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146. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
04/30/2024
146. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
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 have a hunch that you would also love participating in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Books Mentioned: Also Mentioned:
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145. Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare with Traci Thomas
04/16/2024
145. Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare with Traci Thomas
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 for Traci’s book recommendations, including Shakespeare pairings and a soon-to-be-released title. Connect with Traci: Instagram: Join our community! Instagram: Books Mentioned: Also Mentioned:
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144. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
03/26/2024
144. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
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 great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Books Mentioned: Also Mentioned:
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143. Seasonal book pairings for new releases in spring 2024
03/05/2024
143. Seasonal book pairings for new releases in spring 2024
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 and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on . Thank you for supporting public scholarship! Books Mentioned: by William J. Broad Also Mentioned:
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142. The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
02/27/2024
142. The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
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 on the podcast today, we have even more content to enjoy over in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Shows Mentioned: Mad Men Breaking Bad Selling Sunset Downton Abbey Books Mentioned: Italo Calvino by William Thackeray by F.Scott Fitzgerald by Evelyn Waugh by Jessie Redmon Fauset by Jane Austen by Min Jun Lee by Jill Lepore by Stephanie Coontz by Christine Coulson by Nikki May by Hernan Diaz
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141. Bookish pairings for our favorite period dramas
02/13/2024
141. Bookish pairings for our favorite period dramas
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 background noises in this episode, just imagine little toddler feet stomping above Chelsey's head! For more pairings, classes, and nerdy conversation join our Patreon community! Go to patreon.com/novelpairings to sign up today. Don’t miss our FREE weekly newsletter at novelpairings.substack.com. Shows Mentioned: Downton Abbey Poldark Miss Scarlet and the Duke Gentleman Jack The Gilded Age Bridgerton Queen Charlotte The Crown Outlander The Empress The Great The Good Lord Bird The Underground Railroad Reign Books Mentioned: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin Longbourn by Jo Baker Poldark series by Winston Graham Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn Knockout by Sarah Maclean Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas Sarah Waters The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan The Davenports by Krystal Marquis Fiona Davis Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin Jane Austen The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan The Countess by Sophie Jordan Victoria by Daisy Godwin Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan Shakespeare’s history plays Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett The Lost Queen by Signe Pike Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton James McBride John Brown by W.E.B. DuBois The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead Beloved by Toni Morrison Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward The Water Dancer by Ta Nehisi Coates Royal Diaries series My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, et al Alison Weir Philippa Gregory Margaret George
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140. Five tips for reading television and movies with a critical lens
01/30/2024
140. Five tips for reading television and movies with a critical lens
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, and book recommendations to pair with The Buccaneers show. We’ve included a bunch of resources in our free weekly newsletter, so be sure to visit novelpairings.substack.com to supplement today’s listening. For more public scholarship and continued literary learning, sign up for our community at patreon.com/novelpairings. We would love to see you in our classes and book club meetings! Books mentioned: by Edith Wharton by Jenny Lee by Kevin Kwan by Farah Karim-Cooper series by Joanna Shupe Also mentioned:
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139. The best, the backlist, and the buzziest books of 2023
01/09/2024
139. The best, the backlist, and the buzziest books of 2023
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. Shop for your 2024 TBR through our Bookshop.org storefront: 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
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138. The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges
12/19/2023
138. The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges
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 destiny. We also share background on Jorge Luis Borges’ life as well as discuss the Argentinian writer’s contribution to the literary canon. And as always, we can’t help but talk about what texts we’ve read that use tropes and elements developed in Borges Ficciones. If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have even more content to enjoy over in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on . Thank you for supporting public scholarship!
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137. Entering Edith Wharton's Gilded Age
12/12/2023
137. Entering Edith Wharton's Gilded Age
Ever wonder what it’s like to attend a class at Novel Pairings University? We have a special treat for our listeners as we prepare for #WhartonInWinter and our readalong of Edith Wharton’s Custom of the Country. Today on the main feed, we’re releasing the audio from our Patreon Class Gilded Age Literature: Entering Edith Wharton's World for everyone to enjoy. In today’s class we talk about key literary figures of the Gilded Age, historical events and social movements that shaped this period, and how they connect to today. Plus, we share details about the grandiose drama, architecture, and wealth that give this period its weighty name. This episode is just one example of the public scholarship we’re creating on Patreon, where we teach classes on author and historical context, literary movements, critical lenses and more. We are working hard to convert past classes into exclusive Patreon episodes so you can catch up and listen on-the-go! If you’d like to access more classes like the one you heard in today’s episode, to join our monthly book club, to get handouts, to listen to weekly bonus episodes, and to join our engaging Discord community, you can sign up for our Classics Club over at for just $10 a month. We’d love to see you in book club, class, or on social media this winter! Follow us on . Subscribe to our FREE .
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136. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
11/28/2023
136. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Today, Chelsey and Sara explore TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf, investigating Woolf’s intention to put “real life” on the page, analyzing her prose and structure, discussing themes and characters, and contextualizing historical references. For a deeper reading and listening experience, check out our and our bonus episode on Patreon all about . We can’t wait to hear your thoughts about Woolf’s masterpiece. ! Our shop closes on 11/30. Follow us on , subscribe to our , and join our . Books mentioned: by Virginia Woolf (Norton Critical Edition) by Kate Briggs by Nathan Hill by Michael Cunningham by Kate Baer by Samantha Harvey by Marjorie Garber by Natasha Brown Also mentioned:
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135. A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
11/14/2023
135. A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
We’re kicking off our month of Virigina Woolf with an episode exploring Woolf’s dense and sprawling extended essay, “A Room of Own’s Own.” At just over one hundred pages, Woolf gives herself ample space on the page to explore and consider the issues that keep women from the forefront of the literature and what might be done to give them the creative freedom to write unencumbered. In today’s episode, we’re following along closely with the text while helping our fellow readers pull out key takeaways from Woolf’s work. We share our own experiences reading and teaching this seminal piece of feminist critique, Woolf's use of figurative and practical language to provide compelling arguements, and limitations of the essay, including who was included in Woolf’s critique and who was left out. If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have even more content to enjoy over in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on . Thank you for supporting public scholarship! Books Mentioned: by Julie Phillips by Audre Lorde by Regan Penaluna by Jasmina Barrara by Claire Carlilse
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134. Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat
10/24/2023
134. Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat
If a dark and twisty stream of consciousness narrative in translation sounds like an intriguing read, Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat is perfect for you. Penned by the forefather of the Modernist movement in Iranian literature, this surrealist story blends Western influences, Iranian folklore, and psychology. In today’s episode, we discuss key themes and questions raised by Hedayat’s text (so. many. questions). Today’s pairings include a contemporary Iranian work in translation, a Persian fairy tale retelling, and a polarizing love-it-or-hate-it novel that is perfect for group discussions. 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 great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on . Thank you for supporting public scholarship! Books Mentioned: by Melissa Bashardoust by Sayaka Murata by Ottessa Moshfegh by Negar Djavadi by Basma Abdel Aziz by Marjane Satrapi
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133. The modern reader's guide to historical fiction
10/17/2023
133. The modern reader's guide to historical fiction
What is the difference between literary historical fiction and “woman with her back turned on the cover” historical fiction? In today’s episode of Modern Readers, we’re discussing the literary landscape and rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre. We explore the definition of historical fiction, significant time periods, craft vs. plot, and “literariness” to understand whether a historical book is literary or a really entertaining read—or both! Plus, we share Novel Pairings episodes and book recommendations to pair with our nuanced conversation. If you enjoyed today’s episode and want more conversations similar to this nerdy genre deep dive, you should check out our Patreon community where for just $5 a month, you can access weekly bonus episodes just like this one. At our $10 Literature Scholar level, patrons have access to classes and our virtual book club, where we’ll be discussing The Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat this month. To join, visit . For more updates from Novel Pairings, make sure to follow us over on our or subscribe to our free weekly newsletter. Timestamps Recent Reads - 2:13 What is Historical Fiction? - 10:23 What makes a text Literary Historical Fiction? - 23:19 Novel Pairings Historical Fiction Episodes The Remains of the Day (Episode 6) Beloved by Toni Morrison (Episode 9) Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (Episode 98) Books Mentioned by Rachel Ingalls by Laura Sims by Kevin Wilson by Zadie Smith by Hillary Mantel Phillipa Gregory (try ) by Chinua Achebe by Yaa Gyasi by Kate Atkinson by Ian McEwan by Maggie O’Farrell
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132. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
10/10/2023
132. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery”, first published in The New Yorker in 1948, feels relevant in every decade. Whether it’s discussed in the high school classroom or revisited in adulthood, this shocking story leaves a mark. We're back with another Short Story Club episode on Novel Pairings in which we take a closer look at Jackson’s haunting text, considering its wider themes, and touch on how one of the most widely known short stories by an American writer continues to live on as a quintessential classic. Read today's short story club selection . Special thanks to our executive producers: Emma, Dilma, Cathy, Amy, and Jodie for making Short Story Club possible! 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 great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on . Thank you for supporting public scholarship!
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131. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
09/26/2023
131. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Let’s discuss one of our most requested classics! Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is an eerie gothic novel with elements of mystery, fairy tale, and domestic suspense–and you’ve been asking for us to cover it on the show for years. In today’s episode, we speculate on why this classic remains so popular today, discuss the magic of reading a classic just for fun (and then returning to it with literary lenses), and analyze our unnamed narrator. This is the kind of book that you can’t discuss without spoilers, so we included fair warning and a timestamp if you wish to avoid them. To access our deep dive on unreliable narrators, go to patreon.com/novelpairings and join our community for just $5. Spoiler alert timestamp: [37:27] Pairings timestamp: [53:19] Books mentioned: by Gillian Flynn by Alix E. Harrow (out 10/3) by Isabel Cañas by Jess Armstrong (out 12/5) by C. Pam Zhang by Catherynne M. Valente by Naomi Klein Also mentioned:
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130. Backlist book pairings for an abundant Autumn reading season
09/12/2023
130. Backlist book pairings for an abundant Autumn reading season
Get ready for your TBR pile to actually topple over as we discuss a truly abundant season of publishing and books. The fall publishing calendar has a lot of hype-worthy titles, and in today’s episode you’ll hear our pared down lists (it was a struggle!) of excellent fall fiction due to hit shelves soon. This includes big books from BIG authors, intriguing titles from small indie presses, and a smattering of assorted fiction and non-fiction we think you’ll love. Plus, each title we preview in today’s episode is perfectly paired with a backlist book for your consideration, giving us the option to explore additional titles while we wait for our library holds and pre-orders to come in. If you love the work of public scholarship and the mission of Novel Pairings, we’d love for you to take a moment and share a review of the show over on Apple Podcasts. These reviews greatly help our shows visibility, and mean that other readers and lifelong learners have the opportunity to join our community. Novel Pairings also offers bonus content, classes, and a virtual book club through Patreon and we’d love to have you join. Tiers start at just $5 a month, and a 10% discount on annual subscriptions is available. Head over to to sign up today! Books Mentioned: , American captivity narratives and
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129. What is public scholarship?
09/05/2023
129. What is public scholarship?
You may have heard us mention the term “public scholarship” when talking about the mission of our podcast and our community of readers here at Novel Pairings. But what exactly is public scholarship, and how does it apply to us as lifelong learners? Today in our first Modern Readers episode, we’re sitting down to define public scholarship, share how our backgrounds in academia and the classroom help us on our mission of public scholarship, and discuss how we hope this framework will open up conversations and allow our fellow readers to think of themselves as public scholars, too. You’ll also hear about our recent reads that surprisingly fit the theme of today’s discussion, and we’ll share some additional titles and resources readers can check out to keep learning about this topic. Episode Timestamps Recent Reads - 2:42 What is Public Scholarship? - 11:15 Further Reading for Public Literature Scholars - 38:39 Books Mentioned (and the whole very short introduction series) Substack Recommendations
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128. Hot takes on the buzzy books of last summer
08/22/2023
128. Hot takes on the buzzy books of last summer
Today we're sharing our (sometimes controversial) opinions about some of the buzziest books of LAST summer. We love it when our reading overlaps off the podcast and gives us a chance to come together for some off-the-cuff book conversation. Of the slew of buzzy books that released in Summer 2022, there were a handful both of us somehow made time to read. We're deep diving into five of those books, sharing what worked for us, what didn't, and why we can love a reading experience even when we don't love a book. This episode originally aired on our Patreon bonus feed. To hear all about the buzzy books we read THIS summer, sign up to join Classics Club at . We would love to see you in our community this semester! Books Mentioned
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127. 1920s classics to challenge and delight your To Be Read list
08/08/2023
127. 1920s classics to challenge and delight your To Be Read list
Today, we’re sharing six classic titles from the 1920s that make excellent additions to your late summer or early fall reading stack, whether you’re reading them for the first time or returning with fresh eyes. The 1920s is a time period we both love to read and explore. In this mini TBR-toppler episode, you’ll have your picks from dense and delightfully nerdy tomes, a slim spiritual journey in translation, a children’s series that sparked one thousand fantasies about running away from home, and a work of nonfiction that shaped the way women thought about the spatial and financial freedom to create. This episode previously aired on our exclusive bonus Patreon feed. If you'd like to hear more episodes like this one, go to patreon.com/novelpairings to support the show for just $5 and access out backlog of bonus episodes. Thank you for keeping our show running! Books mentioned: by James Joyce by Herman Hesse by William Faulkner by Gertrude Chandler Warner by Virginia Woolf by Noel Coward
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126. Leaving a Legacy: The Odyssey in modern literature
07/25/2023
126. Leaving a Legacy: The Odyssey in modern literature
It’s the last stretch of our Slow Down Summer with The Odyssey, and for this week’s discussion, we’re sharing final thoughts on The Odyssey’s staying power and impact on modern literature. We dive into talking about what we noticed in our full read-though of Emily Wilson’s translation. We also share themes to consider when reading, thoughts on reading a text symbolically, and guesses for why the story of a complicated man like Odysseus has staying power—in scholarship, public discussion, and as an inspiration of countless retellings and allusions. Finally, if you need some more #MythologyGirl energy in your reading life, we share additional titles for discovery. If you enjoyed today’s episode and would love to get even nerdier with us, we have a wealth of extra content for all our listeners. Our Patreon is the place to be for our listeners who want to feel like they're back in English class without the homework. Head on over to and sign up for instant access to all our recorded classes, webinars, and bonus episodes. In addition to all our recorded content, we host monthly book discussions and for August we’ll be discussing by Claire Dederer. We’d love to have you join the discussion. Further Reading: Claire North ( and ) Madeline Miller ( and ) Stephen Fry (, , and ) by Stacy Swan by Jasmine Sealy by Natalie Haynes
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125. How to find literary allusions
07/11/2023
125. How to find literary allusions
Do you love the feeling of happening upon a subtle reference to a great literary work in the midst of your current read? Or do you feel like you’re on the outside when books allude to works you haven’t read? In today’s episode, we’re getting extra nerdy and breaking down all things literary allusions. For our discussion, we share what a literary allusion is and what kinds of allusions are referenced most widely. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to access these oft-referenced stories to illuminate your reading experience, and we’ll share book recommendations to build your TBR with classic and contemporary literature. If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would love our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship, get a little more academic, and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit . Classic Books for Allusions: by Homer () by John Milton by Mary Shelley () by Lewis Carroll () by Leo Tolstoy by Charlotte Bronte ( + ) by Daphne Du Mauier by Toni Morrison () by Zora Neale Hurston () by Jane Austen ( + ) by F. Scott Fitzgerald () Other Books Mentioned: by Zadie Smith by Gabrielle Zevin by Percival Everett by Eleanor Catton by Isabella Hammad by Alice Elliott Dark by Victor LaValle by Anne Brontë
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124. Diving into The Odyssey with Emily Wilson
06/27/2023
124. Diving into The Odyssey with Emily Wilson
This summer , our Classics Club has been voyaging across the Aegean Sea with Odysseus, reading Emily Wilson’s brilliant translation of Homer’s epic poem. To deepen our experience with this ancient text, we’re offering ongoing opportunities for public scholarship and reading in community. Today we’re sharing one of these Patreon exclusive episodes with all of you and inviting you to come set sail with us this summer because it’s not too late! to access all of our Odyssey bonus material plus our back catalog of classes and episodes to go deeper into whatever books you’re picking up this summer. Enrollment is always open and we’d love to see you there! If you would like you stay connected to what’s happening at Novel Pairings, make sure to sign up for our and follow us over on . You can make sure you never miss an episode of the podcast by subscribing to the show wherever you get your podcasts. And if you love the work we’re doing, make sure to leave us a review on !
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123. The Odyssey: Return to the Aegean
06/06/2023
123. The Odyssey: Return to the Aegean
Today 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: What is a “mythology girl?” [13:08] Analyzing Odysseus: a larger-than-life character [20:10] 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 by Margaret Atwood by Carol Ann Duffy by Carol Ann Duffy Madeline Miller: and Gareth Hinds graphic novel by David Elliot Pairings: by Audrey Niffeneger [40:35] by Andy Weir [46:06] by Brene Brown [53:05] by Margaret Atwood [37:10] by Barry Unsworth [42:55] by Yuri Herrera [48:35] Also mentioned: Chelsey: by Bethany C. Morrow recommended by Bezi Sara:
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122. The Wild Book by Juan Villoro
05/30/2023
122. The Wild Book by Juan Villoro
We’re closing out our spring semester of children’s classics with one final book about a book—and another richly imagined story in translation, The Wild Book by Juan Villoro. This modern story reached great acclaim in Mexico, with an English translation finally reaching America in 2017. We found this work a compelling companion to our first children’s work in translation, Inkheart, and we share our thoughts on the book’s proposed relationship between books and reading, how this modern work stacks up besides tried-and-true classics, and the supernatural elements that feel grounded in the magical realism traditions of incredible Lantix authors. We love reading and discussing books with our listeners, and we hope you’ll join our group of nerdy readers for a summer of EPIC reading over on our Patreon at . Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price. Pairings Timestamp: 25:50 . . . Books Mentioned:
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121. Sensational summer book releases paired with satisfying backlist reads
05/16/2023
121. Sensational summer book releases paired with satisfying backlist reads
Get ready to load your summer totes (ahem…your summer Novel Pairings totes, more to come on that) with lots of good reads; we’re talking about our most anticipated summer reads on today’s episode! We’ve carefully culled our long lists of interesting books coming out this summer to provide some high-interest titles that are sure to topple your TBR while also providing backlist books that will pair perfectly and are available right now. Today we talk about forthcoming humorous memoirs (including one woven with lots of 90s nostalgia), a searing, fictional critique of contemporary publishing, and plenty of engrossing tales you’ll want to curl up with poolside. And if that’s not enough, we take a shot at solving the mystery surrounding the unnamed Flatiron title prior to it being settled by the New York Times (and Chelsey will add amateur sleuth to her list of alternate career options should occasion arise). We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you’ll join our group of nerdy readers at . Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price! Books Mentioned
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120. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
05/09/2023
120. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
As voracious readers we love to dive into stories about books and reading, whether it’s paying homage to the source of procuring books (think publishing, bookshops, and libraries) or the physical books themselves. In today’s episode, we’re taking you on a dark, mysterious, and twisty adventure in translation with Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart. A plot-packed novel for the not-so-faint-of-heart, we discuss what Funke’s international bestseller has to say about the power stories hold for children, the necessity to engage a child’s imagination, and how the tone of this children’s classic spooked us (just a little bit). If you’re looking for more imaginative fantasies, we’ve paired this sweeping novel with a rich, outlandish romantic historical fantasy and a slim work of non-fiction about the nature of books from one of the most renowned writers and translators of our time. A quick note: we had some technical difficulties, so the audio on this episode may sound slightly different than usual. It'll be back to normal in our next episode! [Pairing Timestamp: 41:33] Books Mentioned: Other Books Mentioned
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119. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
05/02/2023
119. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure. This week, we’re discussing E. L. Konigsburg’s Newbery award-winning novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, a 1960s romp about a pair of siblings who find refuge and mystery at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. From the Mixed-Up Files is a story simple in prose, yet imbued with rich descriptions and detail to leave a lasting impression. In today’s episode, we talk about our own mixed-up, nostalgic memories of reading Mrs. Frankweiler, the alluring nature of Konigsburg’s novel for generations of readers, and the need to have our own private “somethings.” Plus, we help you dive deeper into the world of art and art forgery with a novel in translation and prepare for beach reading with a summer-y story about two teenage misfits, first love, and their creative endeavors. We’re learning to be better, more critical and thorough readers of classic and contemporary literature, and there’s still time to join us for the last month that we’re reading children’s classics! Sign up to join our community of nerdy readers where we host bonus mini-episodes, lectures, seminars, and book clubs. Head on over to to join our Classics Club today. Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price. Pairings Timestamp: 39:22 Books Mentioned:
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118. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
04/25/2023
118. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne-with-an-e Shirley, a hallmark figure in children’s literature, provides a formative childhood reading experience for many readers. An imaginative and loquacious orphan who finds home and community with the Cuthbert siblings at Green Gables of Avonlea, Anne is a feisty, feminine, and dramatically charming protagonist. In today’s episode, we talk about how this sweet and endearing novel worked for us compared to other “warm hug” classics that missed the mark, the aspects of Anne’s character that make her loveable and realistic, our favorite scenes from the book, and whether Montgomery’s work can be considered feminist. Plus—our pairings today include a whimsical fairy story loosely based on the premise of Anne, as well as a novel that features another unforgettable protagonist from a Canadian author. We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you’ll join our group of nerdy readers at patreon.com/novelpairings. Thank you for supporting the show! Pairings Timestamp: 44:16 Books Mentioned by Signe Pike by Heather Fawcett Blue Cedar Falls series by Jeannie Chin: try by Miriam Toews J. Ryan Stradal: try The Lucy Barton series by Elizabeth Strout: try Also Mentioned: by Julia McQuillan and Julie Pheiffer (Critical Study) by Heather Fawcett
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117. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
04/18/2023
117. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a staple in high school classrooms and a foundational piece of American literature. This children’s classic is a boisterous and satirical novel addressing a vast array of social and political issues couched in an episodic coming-of-age tale. In today’s episode, we address some of the teaching baggage that comes along with this book, consider Huck’s moral development, and wrestle with the complexities of encountering this book as a modern reader. As always, we also offer contemporary pairings including a National Book Award winner and a sweet and tender father-and-son story. Together, we’re learning to be better, more critical and thorough readers of classic and contemporary literature. We love discussing books and reading with all of you and hope you’ll join our group of nerdy readers at . Annual subscriptions are now available at a discounted price. Pairings Timestamp: 39:14 Books mentioned: by Jacqueline Woodson by Esi Edugyan by William Kent Krueger by James McBride Also mentioned: by Larry McMurtry
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