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.

closereads.substack.com
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Death on the Nile: The Final Chapters

In which we discuss Poirot's decision, Christie's puzzle-making, and Tim is insufferable (and gets muted for it). 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...

Jan 22, 202251 min

Death on the Nile: Chapters 10-20

In which Tim predicts the ending of another mystery novel. 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

Jan 18, 202250 min

Death on the Nile: Chapters 1-9

It's time for a new book! It's time for the Queen of Crime. It's time for Hercule Poirot. It's time for some international intrigue. It's time for Death on the Nile ! This week we talk about what makes Christie so good (and enduring), her approach to introducing characters in this book, 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....

Jan 10, 202258 min

2021 in Books

It's time for an annual tradition! On this week's episode we're talking about our favorite reads of 2021. We each used different criteria in creating the lists you will hear here, but its a great peek into our reading lives this year. 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...

Jan 01, 20221 hr 8 min

A Confederacy of Dunces: Q&A Episode

It's time to answer your questions about A Confederacy of Dunces ! Join the David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss characters like Jones and Levy, books similar to Dunces , and much more -- plus, naturally, some Christmas chatter. 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...

Dec 26, 20211 hr 21 min

A Confederacy of Dunces: To the End!

Once more we've come to the end of another book's road. So join David, Tim, and Heidi as they unpack the wild and wacky and strange ending of A Confederacy of Dunces. 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...

Dec 17, 20211 hr 4 min

A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 10-11

What is the purpose of all of Ignatius' grossness? Does it have anything to do with the four humors in medieval thought? What does Ignatius actually? Close Reads considers these questions on this week's show. 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...

Dec 12, 20211 hr 9 min

A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 7-9

Here we are, deep inside of John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces , and this week conversation touches (once again) on Ignatius' intelligence, but then moves on to the various secondary characters that people this strange book, as well as talk about Boethius. 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...

Dec 07, 202155 min

A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 4-6

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they continue to discuss Ignatius J. Reilly and his "worldview," including some discussion about why he has to be quite so gross. Also: what's the deal with all the geometry talk? 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...

Nov 28, 202149 min

A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 1-3

A Confederacy of Dunces is one of the more strange books we have ever done on this show, but over the next several weeks David, Heidi, and Tim are going to do their best to explain what makes it a worthwhile work of literature. This week they discuss the book's sad origin story, its medieval influences, its comedic core, and its outrageous protagonist. 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 ...

Nov 19, 20211 hr 8 min

A Gathering of Old Men: Q&A Episode

As usual, you asked great questions and we did our best to answer! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they conclude their discussion of A GATHERING OF OLD MEN. 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...

Nov 15, 20211 hr 12 min

A Gathering of Old Men: To the End

Was justice met in the end? Why does the story end with Lou Dimes' perspective? Is the ending satisfying? Is it happy? These and other questions were address on this week's episode. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into the final pages of A Gathering of Old Men . 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...

Nov 06, 20211 hr 4 min

A Gathering of Old Men: 110-167

This week David, Tim, and Heidi discuss which characters are most villainous in Ernest Gaines' novel, and dig in to the narrative and dramatic effect of leaving the gathering of old men right in the middle of the story. 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...

Oct 29, 202153 min

A Gathering of Old Men: 58-110

This week we're discussing the introduction of the white characters to the story, whether the sheriff is a good or bad guy, 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...

Oct 25, 202154 min

A Gathering of Old Men (pages 1-57)

It's time for a new book! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss Ernest J. Gaines' A Gathering of Old Men . This week they dive into Gaines' use of multiple perspectives and how it helps him to explore the complex issues of race and place in the Deep South. 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...

Oct 18, 20211 hr 5 min

Ask Us Anything Q&A Episode

This week we're answering YOUR questions about all kinds of topics. We said you could ask us anything, and you did. We got through as many as we could. So if you have always wanted to know what we are bad at, how we rank random breakfast cereals, and all sort of other similar things, then hit that play button. Happy listening! 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, ...

Oct 09, 20211 hr 38 min

The Book of the Dun Cow: Q&A Episode

This week David, Heidi, and Tim take a crack at answering your many thoughtful question about Walter Wangerin Jr.'s novel. 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

Oct 01, 20211 hr

The Book of the Dun Cow: To the End

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig into the conclusion of The Book of the Dun Cow, discussing the nature of heroism in this novel and our protagonist rooster's ultimate fate. 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 24, 202156 min

Bonus Pod: Discussing the 2022 Reading List

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they make the final choices for the 2022 reading list! 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 24, 202133 min

The Book of the Dun Cow: Part 2

In which Tim has done the reading but has some problems with it while Heidi loves it unabashedly. 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 17, 202157 min

The Book of the Dun Cow: Part 1

It's time for a new book: Walter Wangerin Jr.'s The Book of the Dun Cow . Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss the medieval aspects of this story and the degree to which is should be read as an allegory. Also, Tim makes a blunder. 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 10, 20211 hr 8 min

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Q&A Episode

You have questions; Tim, Heidi, and David have answers. Or try to have answers anyway. Tune in to find out if they say anything cogent. 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 04, 20211 hr 6 min

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Conclusion

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they talk about the final chapters of Zora Neale Hurston's novel. They discuss Janie's growth, Tea Cake's love, and rabies. 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 27, 20211 hr 2 min

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 11-17

We are back with more conversation about Janie and Tea Cake and Zora Neale Hurston's literary skills and approach! 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 20, 20211 hr 6 min

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 6 -10

This week David, Heidi, and Tim are digging into the middle of Zora Neale Hurston's novel, talking about some of the risky creative choices she makes, Janie's silence and rage, why the book can be challenging at times, 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 14, 20211 hr 13 min

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 1-5

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into a new book: Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God . In this episode they discuss what makes Janie Crawford such a compelling character and Hurston's unique approach to point of view and narrative. 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 07, 20211 hr 8 min

All the Pretty Horses Q&A Episode

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they attempt to answer your questions about Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses ! 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 02, 20211 hr 42 min

All the Pretty Horses: Episode 6

We have come to the end of John Grady Cole's journey -- and this episode is a doozy. It's long and it digs deep and we hope you like. So join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss their evolving perceptions of this novel, why it features the only ending it could have rightly had, the themes of justice and confession, 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...

Jul 16, 20211 hr 32 min

All the Pretty Horses: Episode 5

In which the novel takes yet another turn. This week David, Heidi, and Tim discuss whether the philosophizing of this section works, what McCarthy is trying to say, and the strange appearance of numerous little kindnesses. 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 09, 202155 min

All the Pretty Horses: Episode 4

Oh boy. It's time to talk about one of the most intense passages in All the Pretty Horses, a passage which also happens to be deeply beautiful. Beware: Tim and David get a little carried away in this one. 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, 20211 hr 12 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android