Close Reads artwork

Close Reads

267 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 568 ratings

Close Reads is a book-club podcast for the incurable reader. Hosted by David Kern and featuring Tim McIntosh and Heidi White, alongside a couple of other occasional guests, we read Great Books and talk about them. This is a show for amateurs in the best sense. We’re book lovers, book enthusiasts. This is not an experts show and it’s barely literary analysis in the way that literary analysis is commonly understood. Instead it’s a show about experiences with literary urge. Join us!


Close Reads is presented by Goldberry Studios.


A NOTE ABOUT OLDER EPISODES: Since most podcast apps don't go further back than 100 episodes, you'll need to click here to listen to anything further back than that. And our first 32 episodes can be found here, on the original CiRCE Institute feed.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Society & Culture Arts Books bookclub bookreview books greatbooks reading
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

As I Lay Dying: Episode 4

February 25, 2022 16:17 - 1 hour - 67.8 MB

And so we come to the end. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig (no pun intended) into the fiery (pun intended) ending to this classic book. Where do the book's sympathies lie in the end? Why did Darl go mad? Who is trustworthy? These and many other questions get discussed. Happy listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Episode: Death on the Nile Movie Discussion

February 23, 2022 16:30 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MB

Join David and Heidi as they dig in to Kenneth Branagh's movie adaptation of Death on the Nile. Is the movie in on the joke? Why is there no sand? What's up with Gal Gadot? Why do mustaches need back stories? These and many other questions get contemplated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I Lay Dying: Episode 3

February 18, 2022 14:55 - 1 hour - 62.7 MB

In which David, Heidi, and Tim discuss river crossings, which characters the books seems to have the most sympathy for, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I Lay Dying: Episode 2

February 11, 2022 15:00 - 1 hour - 68.8 MB

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig ever deeper into Faulkner's novel. Topics of conversation include mothers who are fish, mothers who are horses, buzzards, and Heidi's great delight in this book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As I Lay Dying: Episode 1

February 05, 2022 01:05 - 1 hour - 58.6 MB

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dig into the first quarter of William Faulkner's infamous (and mildly inscrutable) novel, As I Lay Dying. Topics of conversation include tops for reading Faulkner, the various points-of-view that tell the story, what happens at the outset, and much more. This episode is brought to you be BiblioFiles. Learn more at centerforlit.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Death on the Nile: Q&A Episode

January 28, 2022 20:13 - 1 hour - 66.2 MB

It's time to answer your questions about Death on the Nile, but first Tim has to answer a question from us. Then we discuss topics like movie casting, Christie's impact, Poirot's sense of justice, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Death on the Nile: The Final Chapters

January 22, 2022 00:28 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Death on the Nile: Chapters 10-20

January 18, 2022 04:39 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MB

In which Tim predicts the ending of another mystery novel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Death on the Nile: Chapters 1-9

January 10, 2022 04:57 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021 in Books

January 01, 2022 03:17 - 1 hour - 62.5 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Confederacy of Dunces: Q&A Episode

December 26, 2021 15:32 - 1 hour - 73.6 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Confederacy of Dunces: To the End!

December 17, 2021 23:18 - 1 hour - 58 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 10-11

December 12, 2021 14:16 - 1 hour - 62.6 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 7-9

December 07, 2021 22:49 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 4-6

November 28, 2021 14:19 - 49 minutes - 45 MB

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Confederacy of Dunces: Chapters 1-3

November 19, 2021 19:23 - 1 hour - 62.3 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Gathering of Old Men: Q&A Episode

November 15, 2021 19:02 - 1 hour - 66.2 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Gathering of Old Men: To the End

November 06, 2021 23:57 - 1 hour - 58 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Gathering of Old Men: 110-167

October 29, 2021 18:28 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Gathering of Old Men: 58-110

October 25, 2021 14:15 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MB

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Gathering of Old Men (pages 1-57)

October 18, 2021 14:56 - 1 hour - 59.1 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ask Us Anything Q&A Episode

October 09, 2021 22:38 - 1 hour - 89.5 MB

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of the Dun Cow: Q&A Episode

October 01, 2021 20:29 - 1 hour - 54.9 MB

This week David, Heidi, and Tim take a crack at answering your many thoughtful question about Walter Wangerin Jr.'s novel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of the Dun Cow: To the End

September 24, 2021 21:26 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Pod: Discussing the 2022 Reading List

September 24, 2021 01:18 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MB

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they make the final choices for the 2022 reading list! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of the Dun Cow: Part 2

September 17, 2021 18:49 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MB

In which Tim has done the reading but has some problems with it while Heidi loves it unabashedly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book of the Dun Cow: Part 1

September 10, 2021 14:35 - 1 hour - 61.8 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Q&A Episode

September 04, 2021 16:33 - 1 hour - 60 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Conclusion

August 27, 2021 19:26 - 1 hour - 56.2 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 11-17

August 20, 2021 17:22 - 1 hour - 60.3 MB

We are back with more conversation about Janie and Tea Cake and Zora Neale Hurston's literary skills and approach! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 6 -10

August 14, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 66.9 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 1-5

August 07, 2021 04:45 - 1 hour - 62 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the Pretty Horses Q&A Episode

August 02, 2021 17:24 - 1 hour - 92.9 MB

Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they attempt to answer your questions about Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the Pretty Horses: Episode 6

July 16, 2021 16:59 - 1 hour - 84.5 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the Pretty Horses: Episode 5

July 09, 2021 19:48 - 55 minutes - 50.3 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the Pretty Horses: Episode 4

July 02, 2021 17:38 - 1 hour - 65.5 MB

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the Pretty Horses: Episode 3

June 26, 2021 16:49 - 1 hour - 75.1 MB

This week David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the way All the Pretty Horses is multiple kinds of book in one, the fascinating romance at the core of the story, and the way McCarthy writes about work so poetically. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the Pretty Horses: Episode 2

June 21, 2021 03:32 - 1 hour - 62.1 MB

After a delay due to some technical difficulties, we are back and on this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss lightening storms, horses, and orphans in Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the Pretty Horses: Pages 1-59

June 04, 2021 21:13 - 1 hour - 60.4 MB

In which Tim returns, we introduce Cormac McCarthy, and we discuss his formal genius. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into All the Pretty Horses, looking at a couple of essential early passage that define the book and its themes, as well as the uniquely Old Testament formal approach McCarthy brings to his books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Q&A Episode

May 29, 2021 01:38 - 1 hour - 67.5 MB

You have questions and we have answers--or at least thoughts. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they answer your questions about Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Final Chapters

May 21, 2021 22:40 - 1 hour - 63.8 MB

In which St. John is persistent, Jane hears her call, and Rochester is repentant. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they discuss the conclusion to Charlotte Bronte's novel! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 28-33

May 07, 2021 14:23 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MB

First Jane is poor, then she is rich. And along the way it's all about the friends she makes. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they discuss compare St. John and Rochester, discuss Jane's continued evolution, and Charlotte Bronte's skill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 25-27

May 01, 2021 00:53 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MB

In which, well, Jane's dreams are dashed and we learn that Rochester isn't exactly what she thought. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they discuss Jane's virtue, Rochester's complicated nature (and situation), and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 21-24

April 23, 2021 22:39 - 1 hour - 57.7 MB

In which Jane is sad. Then surprised. Then relieved. Then spoken-for. Join David, Heidi, and Karen Swallow Prior as they discuss the famous proposal scene, Jane's assertion of self, Rochester weirdo-factor, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 17-20

April 16, 2021 21:28 - 1 hour - 58.9 MB

In which Jane falls in love, Rochester gets weird, and a mystery is introduced. Join David, Heidi, and Karen as they continue their conversation about Charlotte Bronte's classic novel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 12-16

April 10, 2021 01:20 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

It's time to meet Rochester. In this episode, David, Heidi, and Karen (our very special guest) discuss the way Bronte introduces the Gothic hero of the story, the fascinating conversations that Broke and Jane share, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Episode: Discussing the Rebecca Movies

April 10, 2021 01:05 - 1 hour - 79.3 MB

In this bonus episode, which was recorded live with our Patreon supporters, David, Heidi, and Tim chatted about the two most primary cinematic adaptations of Rebecca; Alfred Hitchcock's version from 1940 and the 2020 Netflix version. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 6-11

April 02, 2021 21:51 - 57 minutes - 52.1 MB

Join David, Heidi, and very special guest Karen Swallow Prior as they discuss Helen Burns, Charlotte Bronte's strategy for naming characters, the confluence of Bronte's life and Jane's experiences, our introduction to Ye Olde Mansion, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 1-5

March 27, 2021 14:27 - 1 hour - 67.1 MB

Our old friend Karen Swallow Prior is back to discuss one of the great book in Western literature, Charlotte Bronte's gothic novel, Jane Eyre. In this episode, she joins David and Heidi to discuss the context of his novel, its historical place, Jane's unique voice, Charlotte Bronte's life, and much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca: Q&A Episode

March 19, 2021 16:47 - 1 hour - 65.9 MB

It's time to answer your questions about Rebecca. Opinions flowed freely, much debate was had. You know, it's a Close Reads episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.