Close Reads Podcast - podcast cover

Close Reads Podcast

Goldberry Studiosclosereads.substack.com
Close Reads is a book-club podcast for the incurable reader co-hosted by David Kern, Heidi White, Sean Johnson, and occasionally Tim McIntosh. We read good books and talk about them. This is a show for amateurs in the best sense. This is not an experts show: we’re book lovers, book enthusiasts. Our goal is have empathetic and intelligent conversations about good books. Close Reads is produced by Goldberry Studios, the podcast wing of Goldberry Books, a family-run indie bookshop in Concord, NC.

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Episodes

The Lottery

Join David Kern, Tim McIntosh, and special guest Adam Andrews (of Center for Lit) for an exploration of Shirley Jackson's harrowing short story, "The Lottery." Conversation touches on the crazy initial response the story received, the way Jackson manages to point her critique at contemporary life and not just the ancient pagans, best practices for teaching this story, why Jackson doesn't reveal the reason for the brutal tradition at the heart of the story, and much, much more. Click here to sign...

Aug 03, 20181 hr 17 min

A Rose for Emily

Join David Kern, Heidi White, and guest Jonathan Rogers for an exploration of William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily." Discussion touches on the pedagogy of teaching literature, Faulkner's customary obtuseness, the purity of the narrative of this story, what it says about Southern culture, and much, much more. Click here to sign up for the Close Reads email newsletter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this wi...

Jul 29, 20181 hr 30 min

A Jury of Her Peers

Join David Kern, Angelina Stanford, and Heidi White, for an exploration of Susan Glaspell's short story, "A Jury of Her Peers." Topics include the possible feminist ideas in the story, the question (or non-question) of justice, how the men in the story should be read, the private vs public lives of the women in the story, and much more. Click here to sign up for the Close Reads email newsletter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to...

Jul 24, 20181 hr 2 min

Desiree's Baby

Join David Kern, Angelina Stanford, and Heidi White, for an exploration of Kate Chopin's short story, Desiree's Baby . Topics include the story's fairy tale nature, the way it touches on matters of race and gender, its structural genius, and much, much, much more. Click here to sign up for the Close Reads email newsletter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visi...

Jul 14, 20181 hr 13 min

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge

Join David Kern, Tim McIntosh, and very special guest Jonathan Rogers (author of The Wilderking Trilogy and The Terrible Speed of Mercy: A Spiritual Biography of Flannery O'Connor, among other books), for a deep-dive into Ambrose Bierce's famous short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." Discussion touches on whether Bierce's "gotcha" moment is a flaw in the story, the idea of the unreliable narrator, Bierce's wild biography, where his skill most shows up in the story, and more. Click her...

Jul 07, 20181 hr 14 min

Rip Van Winkle

Join David Kern, Heidi White, and very special guest Jonathan Rogers (author of The Wilderking Trilogy and The Terrible Speed of Mercy: A Spiritual Biography of Flannery O'Connor, among other books), for a deep-dive into Washington Irving's famous short story, "Rip Van Winkle." Topics include the place of this story in the American literary tradition, Irving's craftsmanship, the conceit/framing device Irving employs, and a whole lot more. This episode is brought to you by Augustine College in th...

Jul 01, 20181 hr 15 min

The Glass Menagerie Q&A

Join David, Tim, and Heidi for some more lively discussion as they conclude their conversation about Tennessee Williams' award-winning and much-beloved play, The Glass Menagerie . Topics of conversation include the glass unicorn, the value of tragedies, the challenges of reading a play (vs. seeing it performed), and much, much more. Plus, David explains some exciting new changes for the Close Reads brand - and the short story the show will cover next week. This episode is brought to you by Augus...

Jun 23, 20181 hr 16 min

The Glass Menagerie

Join David, Tim, and Heidi (Angelina is away for work) for a lively discussion about Tennessee Williams' award-winning and much-beloved play, The Glass Menagerie . Topics of conversation include the differences (and unique challenges) between play writing and novel writing, who plays are written for, how to read plays, why this play has been so popular for so long, Williams' creative genius, and much, much more. This episode is brought to you by Augustine College in the US. Click here to sign up...

Jun 16, 20181 hr 24 min

Hannah Coulter Q&A

Join David, Tim, Angelina, and Heidi as they conclude their conversation about Wendell Berry's novel, Hannah Coulter, by answering listener questions. Topics include the Okinawa chapter, whether Berry is preachy, whether his work will be remembered in a few hundred years, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe...

Jun 10, 20181 hr 7 min

Hannah Coulter: Conclusion

Join David, Tim, Angelina, and special guest Heidi White as they continue their discussion of Wendell Berry's 2003 novel, Hannah Coulter . They discuss the ways this book impacts each of them, the character of Hannah, why men love this book, and much, much more. If you enjoy this show, please support it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closer...

Jun 01, 20181 hr 12 min

Hannah Coulter, Chapters 8-15

Join David, Tim, Angelina, and special guest Heidi White as they continue their discussion of Wendell Berry's 2003 novel, Hannah Coulter . Conversation touches on Berry's emphasis on the values of rural life, whether Berry's ideals can be applied anywhere, Nathan Coulter and Burley Coulter as embodiment of those ideals, and much more. If you enjoy this show, please support it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss...

May 25, 20181 hr 24 min

Hannah Coulter, Part 1

Join David, Tim, Angelina, and special guest Heidi White as they begin their discussion of Wendell Berry's 2003 novel, Hannah Coulter . Conversation touches on first impressions, the book's epitaph, Hannah's unique voice, the poetic rhythms of Berry's writing, whether this is a sad book, and much, much more. If you enjoy this show, please support it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscriber...

May 18, 20181 hr 17 min

The Code of the Woosters, Q&A

Join David, Tim, and Angelina as they conclude their conversation of P.G. Wodehouse's novel, The Code of the Woosters, by answering listener questions. Topics include Bertie's thickness, Jeeves' genius, the percentage of allusions that the hosts got when reading this book, and much more. I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...

May 12, 201858 min

The Code of the Woosters, Final Chapters

Join David and Angelina as they continue their conversation of P.G. Wodehouse's novel, The Code of the Woosters. This week - sans Tim - discussion touches on, well, the code of the Woosters. Plus, Graeme Pitman makes an appearance and conversation goes far afield. I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episode...

May 04, 20181 hr 13 min

The Code of the Woosters, Chapters 5-9

Join David, Tim, and Angelina as they kick-off their conversation of P.G. Wodehouse's novel, The Code of the Woosters. This week's discussion touches on whether Wodehouse had serious intentions when he wrote this novel and why so many people consider him funny over multiple generations and in various places. Plus, they do a close read of a specific scene, just for the sheer pleasure of it. I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and op...

Apr 28, 20181 hr 18 min

The Code of the Woosters, Chapters 1-4

Join David, Tim, and Angelina as they kick-off their conversation of P.G. Wodehouse's novel, The Code of the Woosters. Focusing on their favorite passages in the first four chapters they discuss what makes Wodehouse so funny, the deeper themes in his work, and the consistent presence of irony in the story. Plus they laugh a ton. I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to ...

Apr 21, 20181 hr 6 min

True Grit, Q&A Episode

Join David, Tim, and Angelina, as they answer listener questions about Charles Portis' novel, True Grit . I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe...

Apr 13, 20181 hr 6 min

True Grit, Conclusion

Join David, Tim, and Angelina for the conclusion of their conversation about Charles Portis' masterpiece, True Grit. Conversation touches on who the book's hero is, whether justice is served in the end, Rooster's tragic ending, and much more. I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.su...

Apr 06, 20181 hr 16 min

True Grit, Part 6

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for the beginning of their conversation about Charles Portis' masterpiece, True Grit. Topics of conversation include the effects of the civil war on the characters in the book, the complicated character of Rooster Cogburn, the differences between Rooster and LeBeouf, and much more. I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with ...

Mar 30, 20181 hr 11 min

True Grit, parts 4-5

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for the beginning of their conversation about Charles Portis' masterpiece, True Grit. Topics of conversation include whether Mattie is worth imitation, the humor in Rooster Cogburn, Mattie's infatuation with LaBeouf, and Charles Portis' light but skilled touch. I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or ...

Mar 24, 20181 hr 17 min

True Grit, Parts 1-3

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for the beginning of their conversation about Charles Portis' masterpiece, True Grit. Topics of conversation include the place of the Western genre in American literature, True Grit's unique approach the Western protagonist, and much more. Plus, they chat about the next few books and the Literary Leading Ladies Bracket. I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episo...

Mar 16, 20181 hr 22 min

Howards End Q&A

Join Angelina, Tim, and David for the conclusion of their conversation about E. M. Forster's Howards End as they answer a plethora of listener questions (and discuss this year's Close Reads' literature bracket). Topics include Tibby's role, Leonard's fate, what Forster means by "connection," and much, much more! I f you enjoy this show, please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with...

Mar 09, 20181 hr 23 min

Howards End, Chapters 37-44

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End . Topics of conversation include whether the ending is satisfying, Forster's preachiness, Margaret's threat to leave Henry, Henry's redemption, and much, much more. If you like this show please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epis...

Mar 03, 20181 hr 14 min

Howards End, Chapters 31-36

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End . Topics of conversation include the ways place = character, whether Margaret was wrong to side with Helen over Henry, Margaret fighting for woman-kind, whether Henry deserves any sympathy, fallen sisters in literature, and much, much more. PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains a brief discussion about Victorian perspectives on sex so please be discerning if your children are listening. If you ...

Feb 24, 20181 hr 19 min

Howards End, Chapters 26-30

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End . Topics of conversation include Margaret's response to Henry's past indiscretions, Helen's protection of the Basts, whether Henry is truly repentant, and much more! If you like this show please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epi...

Feb 16, 20181 hr 7 min

Howards End, Chapters 21-25

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End . Topics of conversation include the differences in liking and appreciating a good book, Romantic (big "R") literature and the Romantic period of art, whether Margaret is a true Romantic, and much more! If you like this show please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other s...

Feb 09, 20181 hr 21 min

Howards End, chapters 16-20

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel, Howards End . Topics of conversation include the differences between Mr. Wilcox and Margaret, capital "R" Romance vs. lower-case "r" romance, Forster's energetic writing, the awkward Wilcox-Shlegel kiss, and much more. If you like this show please consider supporting it on Patreon. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with oth...

Feb 02, 20181 hr 8 min

Howards End, Chapters 11-15

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel Howards End . Topics of conversation include whether this book is about anything, Forster's instance on keeping his characters at arms-length, an Angelina reversal, Margaret's affection for Mr. Wilcox, the Downton Abbey-ness of the story, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access t...

Jan 26, 20181 hr 6 min

Howards End: Chapters 6-10

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they continue their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel Howards End . Topics of conversation include whether Mrs. Wilcox is meant to a type of a mystic character, the odd relationship between Mrs. Wilcox and Margaret, Leonard's strange chapter (and role in the book), and much, much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vis...

Jan 19, 20181 hr 7 min

Howards End, Chapters 1-5

Join Angelina, Tim, and David as they kick off their conversation about E.M. Forster's novel Howards End . Topics of conversation include Angelina's secret sports-life, which Schlegel sister Tim and Angelina see most in themselves, 19th-century European politics, the Bloomsbury group that Forster was a part of, his interesting use of pace and voice, and much more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscri...

Jan 12, 20181 hr 12 min
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