Join David, Tim, and Heidi as they arrive at the end of the Odyssey. Conversation touches on Telemachus' evolution, the way the various themes come together, the stories behind stories, modes of reading, and much more. Don't forget to send in your questions for next episode! 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...
Sep 28, 2019•1 hr 17 min
It's time to discuss the battle and the bloodshed. In this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim chat about whether Odysseus is after justice or revenge (and all the ramifications of that question) . . . and much more, of course. 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...
Sep 23, 2019•1 hr 20 min
And we're back with more conversation about Homer's famous epic poem. This week, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss Penelope's evolving character, the way the poet is comparing Odysseus and Penelope in the text, the building tension, and much more. Remember: if you like this show you can help spread the word by rating and reviewing it. And don't forget you can support the show and get some great show swag on Patron: Patreon.com/closereads . See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. T...
Sep 17, 2019•1 hr 7 min
The saga continues. On this week's episode, David, Heidi, and a very special guest discuss books XVII and XVIII of the Odyssey . Conversation touches on the patience of Odysseus and Telemachus, Athena's role in the story, whether the suitors are worthy adversaries, and Penelope's beauty. 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...
Sep 09, 2019•1 hr 14 min
And we're back with more discussion of Homer's Odyssey! David, Heidi, and Tim explore the fascinating character of Eumaeus the swineherd; Poseidon, the anti-xenia god; the Western-y nature of the second of half of the poem; 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...
Sep 02, 2019•59 min
Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they continue their journey with Odysseus. In this episode they discuss books XI and XII, focusing on Odysseus' virtues, the allegorical aspects of the poem, the popularity of the story of the sirens, 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...
Aug 24, 2019•1 hr 16 min
It's time for books IX and X of Homer's Odyssey ! Join David, Heidi, and Tim for a discussion about the cyclopes, Circe, and the degree to which Odysseus is truly virtuous. And, remember, it helps the show out a whole lot when you leave reviews on whatever app you use to listen to podcasts. 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/subscri...
Aug 18, 2019•1 hr 10 min
David, Heidi, and Tim are back with more conversation about The Odyssey. They discuss the question of Odysseus' faithfulness, they compare Nausikaa and Calypso, and they discuss the role of this section in the grand scheme of the poem. Remember: if you like this series on the Odyssey we could use your help. Rate and review the show to spread the word! 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 a...
Aug 12, 2019•1 hr 2 min
Join David, Heidi, and Tim for more conversation about Homer's classic epic poem. in this episode they chat about the role of the gods in the story, the complicated nature of ancient Greek paganism, whether the characters in the book have "faith," and much, much more. Remember: if you love this show, please subscribe, rate, and review it. It goes a long way . 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 ...
Aug 03, 2019•1 hr 19 min
It's time for a new book! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into Homer's Odyssey , books one and two. Discussion touches on the purpose of these early books, Telemachus' journey, the relationship between the gods and humans, Penelope's wisdom, and much more. Remember: if you like this show it really goes a long way when you leave starred or written reviews wherever you listen to your podcasts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd lik...
Jul 25, 2019•1 hr 17 min
Join David, Heidi, and Karen Swallow Prior as they answer your questions about Jane Austen's novel. And if you like this episode be sure to leave a review. Those 5-star reviews go a long way. 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...
Jul 17, 2019•1 hr 3 min
Join David, Heidi, and special guest Karen Swallow Prior as they discuss the final chapters of Sense and Sensibility . Conversation touches on whether Edward deserved Elinor, Marianne's evolution, Elinor's most of catharsis, and the reversal of the book's beginning. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! 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.c...
Jul 09, 2019•56 min
Join David, Heidi, and special guest Karen Swallow Prior for a conversation about Marianne's growth, Willougby's villainy, Edward's issues, and the balance of satire and pathos in a book like this. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! 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...
Jul 02, 2019•1 hr 12 min
Join David, Heidi, and very special guest, Karen Swallow Prior, as they chat about volume 2 of Jane Austen's classic novel. Conversation focuses on which character most bears the essence of the novel, whether there are any ideal types in the book, and the characterization that makes Austen so important (and amazing). Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! 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 a...
Jun 25, 2019•1 hr 6 min
David, Heidi, and special guest, Karen Swallow Prior are back with more conversation about Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. Conversation touches on the differences between Elinor and Marianne, the similarities in their situations and responses, Edward and Willougby, and much more. Remember: subscribe, RATE, review! 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 ...
Jun 18, 2019•1 hr 12 min
This week, David, Heidi, and special guest, Karen Swallow Prior, dive ever-deeper into the world of Jane Austen's classic first novel. Discussion touches on the languid pacing of this middle section, the question of stakes, the various binaries Austen asks us to consider, and much more. Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! 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 ...
Jun 10, 2019•55 min
Further up and further (as they say)! Join David, Heidi, and special guest Karen Swallow Prior (author of the much-loved book, On Reading Well) as they continue their discussion of Jane Austen's classic novel. Topics of conversation include: How the irony and satire in the book ought to be read for each character, how Jane Austen portrays her male characters, the question of making judgments as readers, and much, much more. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and...
Jun 03, 2019•1 hr 4 min
Join David, Heidi, and special guest, Karen Swallow Prior (author of the much-loved book, On Reading Well) for this new series of shows about Jane Austen's classic novel. In this episode they discuss Austen's use of irony and satire, her genius point-of-view techniques, the purpose of a comedy of manners, and much, much more. Remember: If you like this show please subscribe, rate, and review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to di...
May 27, 2019•1 hr 5 min
It's question and answer time! Join David, Adam, and Heidi as they answer your questions about Little Britches. Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! 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...
May 18, 2019•1 hr 3 min
It's time for the final chapters of Ralph Moody's Little Britches! In this episode, David, Heidi, and Adam discuss the denouement of Ralph's journey to manhood (and cowboyhood), the relationship between Ralph and his mother, the poignent moment in the finale, and much more! Remember: subscribe, rate, review! 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...
May 14, 2019•1 hr 11 min
Welcome back! In this episode, David, Heidi, and Adam discuss the culmination of Ralph's story arc, parenting lessons from Little Britches , the important role of the horse/boy relationship in this book, the Cowboy dream, and much more. Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! 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...
May 06, 2019•59 min
Welcome back! In this episode David Kern, Adam Andrews, and Heidi White discuss Ralph Moody's stated intentions for this book, what we as readers (and parents/teachers) ought to do with those intentions, and how those intentions impact the book's literary place. Plus some other stuff, of course. Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! If you like Close Reads please be sure to give it the ol' 5-star review in whatever app you're using. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is...
May 02, 2019•54 min
David, Heidi, and Adam are back with further discussion about Ralph Moody's Little Britches . Conversation touches on the dangers of romanticizing or idealizing the past, the difficulty of parenting, the key moment in Ralph's journey to get Two Dog, and the ongoing saga of the water rights. Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! 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, vi...
Apr 22, 2019•1 hr 25 min
Conversation in this week's episode touches on the theme of parenting in the book, Ralph Moody's drive and desires, Western archetypes at play in the section, how Ralph's parents should have responded to his behavior, and more. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! 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 16, 2019•1 hr 3 min
And we're back to kick off a new series, with Ralph Moody's Little Britches ! Joining David and Heidi is Adam Andrews, from the Center for Lit. Conversation touches on the comparison between Little Britches and Little House on the Prairie , what Homer and Plato have to do with this story, Western stories in American lit, Moody's portrayal of his parents, and much more. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd...
Apr 08, 2019•1 hr 19 min
Join David, Heidi, and Tim for an in-depth time of answering listener questions! They talk heroism, other spy novels, the ambiguity of the ending, and much, much, much more. Remember: subscribe, rate, review!, 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...
Mar 24, 2019•1 hr 24 min
Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss the final chapters of John LeCarre's T he Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Conversation explores the novel's payoff, Liz and Leamas' relationship, good guys and bad guys, the complicated philosophies embedded in the book, and much more. Remember: subscribe, rate, review. 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...
Mar 17, 2019•1 hr 13 min
Welcome back! This week David, Heidi, and Tim are chatting about chapters 13-20 of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold , with an especially deep dive into chapter 13, which is the thematic and dramatic core of the story. Watch out for the moment when Tim drops a fantastic new metaphor. Plus they offer a grateful farewell to a longtime contributor to the show. Remember: subscribe, rate, review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like to dis...
Mar 09, 2019•1 hr 8 min
Welcome back! In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss John LeCarre's classic spy novel some more, with a particular focus on the value of genre fiction in contemporary times, the concept of anti-heros, LeCarre's subtly, and much more, This episode is brought to you by New College Franklin! Learn more at newcollegefranklin.org . And remember: help us spread the word! Subscribe, rate, review! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This is a public episode. If you'd like t...
Mar 03, 2019•1 hr 4 min
Welcome back! It's time to start a new book and we're finally diving into John LeCarre's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold . Discussions touches on the value of genre fiction, LeCarre's story, his artistry, the way he sets up his themes, and 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...
Feb 23, 2019•1 hr 24 min