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.
info_outline
154. Moody & Atmospheric Fall 2024 Book Releases with Backlist Pairings
09/17/2024
154. Moody & Atmospheric Fall 2024 Book Releases with Backlist Pairings
We’re excited to be back in your podcast feeds to pair highly anticipated fall book releases with beloved backlist favorites. Prepare to overload your TBR pile as we dive into an exciting fall publishing season filled with moody, atmospheric titles. In today’s episode, we’ll share our carefully curated lists of outstanding upcoming fiction from both renowned authors and indie presses, along with a selection of diverse fiction and nonfiction we think you’ll enjoy, all paired with a backlist book to explore while you await your library holds and pre-orders. Before diving into the books, we want to remind our community that Chelsey will be on maternity leave this fall. As a small (very small!) business, this requires significant planning and adjustments. To best manage our schedules while preserving the community we've created, we will take a short break from the main feed while focusing on providing fun, nerdy new content on Patreon at . We aim to return to the main feed in December or January with a special episode featuring the best books of 2024, along with a thrilling spring season. In the meantime, we will continue to offer bonus episodes, discussion-based classes, and book club events through our Patreon community. You can join us at either the $5 or $10 level, depending on your desired level of participation. We are incredibly thankful for your support. Thank you for being with us! Books Mentioned Also Mentioned
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/33078812
info_outline
153. Dishing our opinions on the hottest summer books of 2023
09/03/2024
153. Dishing our opinions on the hottest summer books of 2023
As the summer reading season comes to a close, we’re turning our eyes to fall. With Chelsey on maternity leave, we’ve made some thoughtful adjustments to our plans and structure here at Novel Pairings. Our goal is to ensure that we stay connected and continue to foster the amazing community we’ve built together. The best way to stay connected this fall is through our community; we’re excited about the bonus episodes, discussion based classes and book club events we have planned! On today’s episode, we revisit last summer's buzzy book reviews from our Patreon archives. Each summer, we sit down for a conversation where we share our thoughts on the latest buzzworthy books we've read. Today, we're re-airing last summer's discussion on popular titles, which features some unconventional opinions on well-known works. Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter at . Books Mentioned Also Mentioned
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/32812162
info_outline
152. The Custom of the Country Book One Recap
06/11/2024
152. The Custom of the Country Book One Recap
In today's recap episode, we discuss Book One of The Custom of the Country (that's chapters 1-10 if your book is not divided into books). This episode includes detailed discussion of the plot and characters introduced in this first section of the novel, so spoilers abound. We discuss our initial impressions of the unforgettable character that is Undine Spragg, how well this book would translate to the screen, a close read of a mythology reference, and what we've learned about parenting from this portion of the novel because we desperately want to avoid raising Undines! Some more background on this episode: twice a year, we choose a big bucket list classic to read together as a community. For every book we read, we dust off our English teacher skills to break down plot, themes, style, and more in recurring recap podcast episodes. We have our Big Book Summer Read Along of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables on the horizon and we’d love for you to join us! We do know that it can be hard to sign up for a subscription community if you don’t know what you’re getting so we wanted to give you a taste for what we do in our Patreon Classics Club by putting two of our recent recap episodes here on the main feed. Over the winter months, we read Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the Country and we think it would make for a great summer read if you haven’t read it yet. If you love these two episodes, head over to our Patreon at patreon.com/novelpairings. Enrolling at the $10 Literature Scholar level will get you access to the rest of our Custom of the Country recap series, the corresponding classes, our entire Odyssey recap series from last summer, and all of our previous bonus episodes and class recordings. Plus, you'll get access to our current summer recap series of Les Misérables. Books Mentioned: Also Mentioned:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/31634357
info_outline
151. Introduction to The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
06/11/2024
151. Introduction to The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
Today’s episode is a special one! Twice a year, we choose a big bucket list classic to read together as a community. For every big book we read, Chelsey and Sara dust off their English teacher skills to break down plot, themes, style, and more in recurring recap podcast episodes. We have our Big Book Summer Read Along of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables on the horizon and we’d love for you to join us! We do know that it can be hard to sign up for a subscription community if you don’t know what you’re getting so we wanted to give you a taste for what we do in our Patreon Classics Club by putting two of our recent recap episodes here on the main feed. Over the winter months, we read Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the Country and we think it would make for a great summer read if you haven’t read it yet. If you love these two episodes, head over to our Patreon at patreon.com/novelpairings. Enrolling at the $10 Literature Scholar level will get you access to the rest of our Custom of the Country recap series, the corresponding classes, our entire Odyssey recap series from last summer, and all of our previous bonus episodes and class recordings. Plus, you'll get access to our current summer recap series of Les Misérables. In today's first recap episode, we discuss the introduction materials from the (Sofia Coppola & Sarah Blackwood) and (Brandon Taylor) versions of the text. You do not need to read the intros in order to listen to this episode. Future recaps will include plot spoilers, of course, but this introduction episode is completely spoiler-free! We discuss initial impressions of the introductions, lenses and questions for guided reading, literary relevance and contemporary comparisons, and three big things to look for as you read. Books Mentioned: Also Mentioned:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/31634262
info_outline
150. Ten classic novels you should read this summer
06/04/2024
150. Ten classic novels you should read this summer
We’re taking it back to the classroom in today’s episode! Chelsey and Sara reflect on their experience with high school summer reading as both students and teachers: the good, the great, and the hot takes. While we aren’t assigning any reading in this episode, we are sharing 10 classics that would make for great summer reads at any age! For an enhanced reading experience, pair a past Novel Pairings episode with each of these classics to listen as you go. Of course, our main summer reading recommendation is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, our BIG summer readalong hosted with classes, bonus episodes, and special recaps to get the most out of this huge novel. Novel Pairings operates on an academic calendar to keep our work sustainable. But like most teachers, just because we have summer “off” doesn’t mean we aren’t hard at work behind the scenes! This summer, we will take off from sharing new episodes on the main feed in July and August to devote more time and energy to planning for the year ahead, restoring our creativity, and strengthening our bond with . If you are missing Novel Pairings in your podcast feed, we would love for you to join our community for extra nerdy summer fun. Books Mentioned: Novel Pairings Episodes Stay Connected with Novel Pairings
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/31573042
info_outline
149. On Beauty by Zadie Smith
05/28/2024
149. On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Today, we’re wrapping up our spring season with Zadie Smith’s On Beauty, a theme-driven novel that recreates the social world of an elite liberal arts college, exploring issues through nuanced satire on race, class, and beauty. We dig into the stories of the Belsey and Kipp families and Smith’s use of the academic setting to discuss identity and social satire. Our pairings for On Beauty include callbacks to previous classic episodes, essays by Zadie Smith, and surprising historical fiction. Our Slow Down Summer Read Along of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo is starting soon! Just like our readalongs for and , you can expect exclusive Patreon content, including book clubs and classes, to guide you through this ginormous classic. We’d love for you to join us! Go to to sign up. Books Mentioned:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/31465002
info_outline
148. We can't wait to read these brand new summer 2024 books and backlist pairings
05/21/2024
148. We can't wait to read these brand new summer 2024 books and backlist pairings
Get ready for your summer TBR to pile high as we share our most anticipated titles releasing this summer! Plus, each new release that we preview in today’s episode is perfectly paired with a backlist book or two, giving us plenty to read while waiting for pre-orders and library holds to come in. If you enjoy our recommendations on today’s episode, we have even more book suggestions to explore in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great place to discuss books with a smart group of readers, and now is the perfect time to join as we're about to start our Slow Down Summer Read Along of Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. Visit patreon.com/novelpairings to learn more. You can also stay up-to-date with all things Novel Pairings by following us on Instagram and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on Substack. Thank you for supporting our book-loving community! Books Mentioned: Also Mentioned:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/31343487
info_outline
147. The limits of satire & A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
05/14/2024
147. The limits of satire & A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
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 Miserables by Victor Hugo. We’re looking forward to digging into this classic with you! This Big Book Read Along includes 5 recaps spread over June, July, and August, 3 book club meet ups to discuss along the way, an active Discord chat for support and motivation, classes and bonus content. The summer is a great time to ! Find more details on our summer plans in our or head to to join our community. Books Mentioned: Also Mentioned:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/31213312
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/30986148
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/30802818
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/30479688
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/30231243
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/30115063
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/29897978
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/29668973
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/29392953
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/29138458
info_outline
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 .
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/29030323
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/28814833
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/28621553
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/28399247
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/28338362
info_outline
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!
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/28261031
info_outline
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:
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/28104566
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/27986403
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/27941427
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/27802809
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/27680949
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/27553068
info_outline
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
/episode/index/show/novelpairings/id/27423744