In anticipation of this month's book club read, we're sharing a whole stack of novels set in the 1920s. We are giving you a little bit of everything in this list: historical fiction, romance, mystery, backlist books, and new releases to help you step back in time and witness the opulence and turbulence of the Roaring 20s. We hope you find the perfect glittering, scandalous, or suspenseful novel to escape into. Pairings Chelsey: The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo Shrines of Gaiety by Kate At...
Nov 08, 2022•41 min•Ep. 105
Today, Chelsey and Sara discuss Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth . It's been awhile since we discussed a Shakespeare play and we're thrilled to be back with the Bard for spooky season to chat about witches, ghosts, murder, and betrayal. Take a listen to hear us discuss why Macbeth feels different from other tragedies, the way staging decisions can impact the meaning of this play, and how much of this story is inspired by the real King James I's fears and paranoias. We also touch on what we a...
Oct 25, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 104
Today, we are toppling your TBR with Shakespeare-inspired stories, retellings, and adaptations. We have ten books for you today, but there are so many more we could have discussed. Join our community over on Patreon for three additional recommendations from each of us! Pairings Chelsey: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston That Way Madness Lies, edited by Dahlia Adler Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel All's Well by Mona Awad Sara: The Third Witch by Rebe...
Oct 18, 2022•48 min•Ep. 103
Today, Chelsey and Sara are discussing the new Netflix film adaptation of Persuasion starring Dakota Johnson, Cormo Jarvis, and Henry Golding. We lament the anachronistic language, mull over the casting, and consider the obvious influences of Fleabag, Bridgerton, and Schitt's Creek, all while attempting to figure out just what this movie had to say about Jane Austen's most romantic novel. Additionally, we talk about the Austen adaptations we wish we had and which supporting cast members saved th...
Oct 11, 2022•31 min•Ep. 102
Welcome to Shakespeare 101! It's a perfectly fitting episode number for today as we invite a Shakespeare professor to answer YOUR questions about the Bard's staying power, how to read his works, and how to interpret Lady Macbeth. We always say we won't get TOO academic here, but we're getting pretty academic thanks to Chelsey's former Shakespeare professor. Professor Doug Green taught at Augsburg University, including Shakespeare and Renaissance literature, writing, drama, and film. He also help...
Oct 04, 2022•59 min•Ep. 101
It's our 100th episode, readers! Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming along with us on this nerdy creative endeavor. We are immensely grateful for those of you who listen to the podcast, share it with friends, and support us on Patreon . Today, we are talking about Persuasion by Jane Austen, often described as Austen's most autumnal work. Persuasion is a deeply romantic novel about longing, loss, and found family. We discuss Anne as an Austen heroine, and Wentworth as her perfect match. We...
Sep 27, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 100
Welcome to fall, readers! Today, Sara & Chelsey dive into all things adaptations: why we enjoy them, when they fall short, and how adaptations fit into literary and pop culture conversations. We discuss how literature thrives on adaptations, and Sara shares some salty opinions. Subscribe to our newsletter for more resources on adaptations and the topics we covered in this episode. Books Mentioned Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor ( The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald) Pride by Ibi...
Sep 13, 2022•57 min•Ep. 99
Today, Sara and Chelsey discuss Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. This novel surprised us in the best ways, and we loved reading along with you all summer. Tune in to hear us talk about the fantastic characters and McMurtry's narrative style in this sweeping tome, drawing surprising similarities with Jane Austen. This novel touches on themes of love, family, masculinity, and so much more. If you're looking for a fantastic book club selection with more to discuss than could possibly fit in an hour...
Aug 30, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 98
Today, Sara and Chelsey discuss Romance in Marseille by Claude McKay. We discuss the classic nature of this novel along with some of its modern elements, as well as our own personal impressions and individual reading experiences of the book. This Harlem Renaissance novel explores themes that pushed the boundaries of its time: disability, the physical body, race, migration, post-colonialism, Marxism, economics. If you're looking for a short classic novel that covers many modern ideas, consider th...
May 31, 2022•57 min•Ep. 97
It's that time of year, readers! Pull out your favorite book tote and get thee to pre-ordering (or library requesting) because we've got an episode full of our most anticipated reads for summer 2022. Since we can't help ourselves, we've paired each buzzy new title with a backlist pick. We're also talking about summer reading hopes (not goals), our favorite summertime genres, and what's happening in Classics Club this season. If you're enjoying our content, please write a review on Apple Podcasts...
May 24, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 96
Today Sara and Chelsey discuss Jane Austen's silly, ridiculous, and absolutely delightful work of juvenilia: Love and Freindship . From fainting spells to the history of parody, this episode is full of nerdy information and fun Austen context. If you're looking to lighten up your reading life with irreverent novels and humorous romance, today's pairings are for you, regardless of whether you've picked up Love and Freindship . Join our Patreon community at patreon.com/novelpairings . Follow Novel...
Apr 26, 2022•51 min•Ep. 95
How did Sara and Chelsey meet? What goes into making a Novel Pairings episode? And how do they find time to read with busy, curious babies in their lives? Today's episode holds all the answers to YOUR questions about classic literature, teaching English, baby bookworms, reading habits, and more. (Plus plenty of book recommendations. We can't help it.) The show notes are full of links today, so be sure to scroll down in your app or visit novelpairings.com. Some links are affiliate links. Every ti...
Apr 12, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 94
Today Sara and Chelsey consider Middlemarch by George Eliot through a contemporary lens with paired books about marriage, community, and time-tested advice. You don't need to read Middlemarch to put a book recommendation in your pocket today, so enjoy this unique collection of titles and a spoiler-free conversation. We're recording an Ask Us Anything episode! Submit your questions to novelpairingspod@gmail.com , DM us on Instagram, or stay tuned for a question box in our Instagram stories. Need ...
Mar 22, 2022•47 min•Ep. 93
Today Sara and Chelsey check in and discuss Middlemarch by George Eliot. What does this 800-page Victorian novel have in common with Love is Blind on Netflix? Tune in to hear literary analysis, pop culture connections, and personal reflections on reading this giant tome. Plus, Sara and Chelsey reveal plans for a new episode format, coming soon. Join our Patreon community at patreon.com/novelpairings . Follow Novel Pairings on Instagram or Twitter . Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get updat...
Mar 08, 2022•54 min•Ep. 92
After a few months off, we're back in your feeds today to discuss some of our favorite (and least favorite) books of 2021. We've organized this episode into bookish superlatives that let us share books you may not hear us talk about otherwise. We also offer a reflection on our reading year as a whole, including what it's been like to read with newborns around. It's great to be back at the mic talking all things books! For more bonus episodes, nerdy classes, and extra book talk, join our Classics...
Feb 01, 2022•48 min
"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents." So begins the book that launched a million little girls' love affair with reading. While we here at Novel Pairings have pretty mixed feelings about Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, our discussion of this beloved childhood classic is one of our favorites. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some discussion of Little Women, so whether you love them or loathe them, we hope you enjoy today's rerelease as we deep dive into the world of Meg, Jo...
Dec 21, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 90
Here at Novel Pairings, if there's one thing we love almost as much as reading it's supporting independent bookstores. Today, we're re-airing an interview with one of our favorite indie bookstore insiders, Annie B. Jones, owner of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia. Annie shares a little about her own reading life and tastes, and offers some sweet and moving book pairings for one of her favorite classics: Little Women. Remember, you can support The Bookshelf or your favorite local indie books...
Dec 07, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 89
We love revisiting our favorite books for episodes of Novel Pairings, but there's also something truly special about finding a new-to-us classic that becomes a forever favorite. There is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset was a book neither of us had read or even knew much about before deciding to cover it on the podcast. What we found was a beautiful and nuanced novel of manners that both echoed many of our favorite works while offering something wholly original. We keep this episode spoiler-fre...
Nov 23, 2021•57 min•Ep. 88
Our penchant for pairings goes far beyond books and in today's gift guide rerelease we're offering a variety of suggestions for what to give the literary minded loved ones in your life. Each book and gift pairing is put together with a particular type of reader in mind to help you find the perfect holiday gift no matter who you're shopping for this season. Our Gift Guide: https://novelpairings.com/2020/11/10/35-a-2020-gift-guide-for-every-literary-taste/ For more bonus episodes, nerdy classes, a...
Nov 16, 2021•47 min•Ep. 87
When we first released our episode on Passing by Nella Larsen in June of 2020, we were already professing our excitement for the new movie starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Nega. This month, the film is finally releasing on Netflix. We can't wait to watch and see how the palpable tension and twisty tone translate to the screen. This episode contains spoilers, but we give you ample warning so feel free to listen before or after watching. Our discussion includes: Gatsby connections galore, and an a...
Nov 09, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 86
Today, Sara and Chelsey discuss "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. We've read this story more times than we can count—as students and as teachers, and today we're sharing new insights and appreciation for its themes, tone, and terrifying ending. We cover connections to Charlotte Perkins Gilman's biography, historical context, and deeper analysis as we talk through this 1892 classic and classroom staple. In Short Story Club we do share spoilers, so read this story for free and th...
Nov 02, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 85
Today, we welcome Raelyn Torngren to the podcast to educate us on the horror genre. From defining tropes to engaging in literary criticism to offering excellent book recommendations, we cover a lot of ground! This episode is excellent for readers who are ready to lean into their darker tastes this season or readers who are new to the genre. You can find Raelyn on Instagram @reading.reverie and follow her Youtube channel, Reading Reverie for video essays and book recommendations. She also hosts a...
Oct 26, 2021•44 min•Ep. 84
This season we've been getting into the autumnal mood with Gothic short stories, Victorian fiction, and an upcoming exploration of horror literature. Today, we're rereleasing our episode on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, a work that fits perfectly into our seasonal theme. We hope listening or relistening to our discussion about this classroom staple will be enhanced by all the additional Gothic content in the Novel Pairings feed this fall. Show notes Our discussion includes: Sara's experience with...
Oct 19, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 83
In case you missed it, we're reading Middlemarch together! We're both excited (and, let's be honest) a little apprehensive about diving into George Eliot's Middlemarch with you this fall and winter. This is a BIG book filled with lots of historical references and Eliot's signature attention to the smallest of details. It's also a cozy and thoughtful depiction of a small town that brings us relationships to root for, villains to hate, and characters we'll remember for a long time to come. Today, ...
Oct 12, 2021•36 min•Ep. 82
Today, Sara and Chelsey discuss "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allan Poe. This delightfully creepy story ushers in (that pun was NOT intended, but let's go with it) chilling fall breezes, spooky October vibes, and atmosphere galore. We walk through a close reading of this classic horror story and cover Poe's signature writing style and the horror tropes he plays with here, leaving a legacy for modern authors and even filmmakers in the horror genre. As always in Short Story Club, we of...
Oct 05, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 81
Today, Sara and Chelsey share the backlist books they're putting on their To Be Read lists for the next few months. We speculate on which books will carry us through the early days of motherhood and which reading formats might work best in a totally unpredictable season. This episode is for anyone who wants to read more backlist, readers who have a hard time focusing right now, and bookworms eager to add overlooked titles to their book stacks. For more bonus episodes, nerdy classes, and extra bo...
Sep 28, 2021•42 min•Ep. 80
Today, Sara and Chelsey discuss chapters 27 through the end of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. We discuss Jane's journeys from coming of age to literally hiking on the moors, the juxtaposition of Rochester and another romantic interest, the ending (of course), and whether or not we think this qualifies as a "feminist text." Plus, we offer six pairings that touch on the tone, themes, and legacy of Brontë's iconic novel. We think you'll be shocked by one of Sara's pairings and can't wait to hear wh...
Sep 21, 2021•1 hr 14 min
When Chelsey and Sara found out we were both expecting new family members, literally just a few days apart, many conversations of course turned to all things pregnancy and baby. We wanted to consider how motherhood would impact our reading lives and today we're thrilled to have Anne Bogel on the podcast to talk about raising readers and reading in the hazy newborn days. Anne is an author, blogger, and host of the What Should I Read Next podcast. She's also one of our favorite literary therapists...
Sep 14, 2021•53 min
Today, Sara and Chelsey discuss chapters 1-26 of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. We've each read this Victorian Gothic novel multiple times, learning something new with each reread. In today's conversation, we reflect on past reading experiences and dive into analysis. We share our thoughts on the early coming of age chapters, Jane and Rochester's romance, and what's going on in the attic at Thornfield. We'll give you a heads up for major spoilers, but we think this is a great episode to listen t...
Sep 07, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Today, Sara and Chelsey share some of their favorite tips for getting the most out of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre . Our tips include some general advice for reading a dense Victorian novel alongside our thoughts about the genre conventions and stylistic elements of Jane Eyre that can enhance your reading of this novel in particular. This episode is designed to help you get the most out of this novel whether it's your first read or your fifteenth! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get weekly...
Aug 31, 2021•37 min
