Close Reads
267 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 568 ratingsClose 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.
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Episodes
Anne of Green Gables: Chapters 7-12
March 19, 2020 02:17 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBChatting from their Covid-19-related self-isolation, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the unique nature of Anne of Green Gables, the delightfulness of Anne, Anne's relationship with Marilla, the similarities between Anne and Rachel Lynde, and much more. If you like this episode, please be sure to rate and review wherever you get podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Anne of Green Gables: Chapters 1-6
March 12, 2020 14:54 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBIt's time to make friends with Anne with an E. In this episode, Heidi explains why this book changed her life (she's read it soooo many times), David explains why Matthew and Anne's relationship is meaningful, and Tim dives into a story that's new to him. Remember to spread the word by rating and reviewing wherever you listen to podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Catcher in the Rye: Q&A Episode
March 05, 2020 05:16 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBIt's that time again: let's answer YOUR questions. Join David, Tim, and Heidi as they contemplate topics like Salinger geeks, Holden's affection for the nuns, the ugly vandalism at Phoebe's school, Holden Caulfield on screen, DB's role, and much more. And remember to rate and review wherever you get podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Catcher in the Rye: Final Chapters
February 28, 2020 05:01 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBOnce again we've come to the end of a book, so join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss whether Holden Caulfield is a cynic at the end of the book, the creepy scene with Mr. Antolini, the hopeful denouement, and the complicated nature of the book's legacy. If you like this episode please help us spread the word by rating and reviewing it wherever you get podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Catcher in the Rye: Chapters 10-17
February 20, 2020 04:29 - 1 hour - 65.5 MBBack again the gang is. This week David, Heidi, and Tim chatted about Holden's diction and choice of words, the red hunting hat, the ducks on the lagoon, and much more. Remember to rate and review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus Episode: Leif Enger in Conversation
February 19, 2020 02:36 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBIt's a surprise bonus episode with the one-and-only Leif Enger! David chatted with him recently about the inspiration for Peace Like a River, his early days as a writer, the choices he makes as a writer, his process, his love of western novels and movies, and much, much more. If you like this episode please be sure to rate and review wherever you get podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Catcher in the Rye: Chapters 1-9
February 12, 2020 15:03 - 1 hour - 75 MBAnd just like that we're on to J.D. Salinger's controversial novel, The Catcher in the Rye. Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss why this book is so loved and yet so hated and why it's taught so often. Plus, they discuss the foul language problem, Holden's cynicism, whether they would let their kids be Holden's friend, and much more. Remember, if you like this you can rate and review it and spread the word. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peace Like a River: Q&A Episode
February 05, 2020 15:01 - 1 hour - 87 MBIt's time for your questions here! We did our best to answer as many questions about Peace Like a River as we could, as well as we could. We talked about the title of the book, the nature of symbolism and allegory, the problem of Davy, the Westernness of this story, Swede's name, Jeremiah's pneumonia, and Andreeson conundrum, and much more. Remember to rate and review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peace Like a River: The Final Chapters
January 29, 2020 14:31 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBHere we are at the end of Leif Enger's Peace Like a River. In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the denouement (and overall structure) of the story, Rueben's fate, Davy's choice to leave (again), and much more. If you like this episode, be sure to rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peace Like a River: Penultimate Episode
January 23, 2020 05:10 - 1 hour - 119 MBWe're back with more conversation about Leif Enger's Peace Like a River. In this episode David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the nefarious Jape Waltzer, Andreeson's changing role, the story's budding romance, and much, much more. It's a long one, so buckle up. Remember: rate, review wherever you get podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peace Like a River: Chapters 12-16
January 15, 2020 14:39 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBAnd so the odyssey into Leif Enger's Peace Like a River continues. In this episode, the crew chats about magical realism as a genre, Roxana as Beatrice figure, the Land family's descent into the underworld, and much, much more. If you like this show please make sure to rate and review the show wherever you get podcasts! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peace Like a River: Chapters 8-11
January 08, 2020 20:01 - 1 hour - 113 MBWe're back with more conversation about Leif Enger's Peace Like a River! In this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the Fairy Tale elements of the story, the question of realism, what the story is ultimately about, Swede's preciousness, and much more. Remember to rate and review wherever you listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peace Like a River: Chapters 5-7
January 04, 2020 04:39 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBWelcome back! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive deeper into Leif Enger's Peace Like a River. They talk about whether Davy's actions were justified and how the novel treats them, the lack of a mother-figure in the story, and much more. And remember: when you rate and review it helps out a lot! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peace like a River: Chapters 1-4
December 25, 2019 06:21 - 1 hour - 107 MBAnd we're on to another book! Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they dive into a new book, Leif Enger's novel, Peace Like a River. In this episode they chat about the first 50 pages (aka: the first four chapters). Remember: when you rate and review the show you help spread the word! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our Year in Fiction Reading
December 20, 2019 21:56 - 1 hour - 105 MBIt's time for one of our favorite annual traditions . . . Join David, Heidi, Sarah-Jane, and Tim as they share some of their favorite fiction reads of 2019 (check out the Patreon page for our non-fiction choices!). And remember to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A River Runs through It Q&A
December 19, 2019 04:20 - 1 hour - 99 MBIt's time to answer listener questions about Norman Maclean's A River Runs through It. David, Heidi, and Tim give their best effort at answering a slew of really tough, thoughtful questions. Bravo to everyone who contributed! Remember: if you like this show, it goes a long way when you rate and review it wherever you get podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A River Runs through It (episode 2)
December 12, 2019 01:33 - 1 hour - 93 MBJoin David, Heidi, and Tim as they chat about the second half of Norman Maclean's beloved novella, A River Runs through It. They chat about whether the story is a tragedy, the way the end recalls the beginning, the theme of union in the story, and the way it explores the complicated nature of human relationship (and much more, of course). Remember: if you like this show you can help out by rating and reviewing it wherever you get podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
A River Runs through It (episode 1)
December 04, 2019 02:12 - 1 hour - 75.1 MBAnd we're off. It's time for Norman Maclean's A River Runs through It. On this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss roughly the first half of the story. They chat about the central metaphors in the book, Maclean's craftsmanship as a prose writer, the subtly of the characterizations, the relationship between the brothers, and much more. Remember, if you like this show, your ratings and reviews (wherever you get podcasts), go a long way in helping the show longterm. Hosted on Acast. See ac...
The Rector of Justin Q&A
November 27, 2019 18:01 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBIt's time to answer your questions. Join David, Sarah-Jane, and Matt as they dive into the many great questions listeners submitted, included questions about the Griscam men, Prescott's failures and successes, Charlotte Mason and this book, Prescott's idealism, whether we're overrating the book, lessons for educators from Justin Martyr, and more. Remember: rate, review, spread the word. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Rector of Justin: Final Chapters
November 19, 2019 14:26 - 1 hour - 123 MBAnd here we are at the end. Join David, S-J, and Matt as they chat about the conclusion of The Rector of Justin. They chat about the outsized figure of Prescott, the narrator as mentee, Shakespeare in this book, and the thematic payoff of the novel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Rector of Justin: Chapters 13-18 .
November 12, 2019 14:26 - 1 hour - 103 MBDavid, Sarah-Jane, and Matt are back and diving into the meaty middle part of the book. They discuss the reliability of the narrators, psycho-analysis as a theme in the book, whether Prescott treated Jules Griscam justly, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Rector of Justin: Chapters 10-12
November 05, 2019 05:27 - 1 hour - 124 MBJoin David, Sarah-Jane, and Matt as they continue their discussion of The Rector of Justin. It's a long episode, so get ready for a deep dive into some of the themes that make this book what it is, with a little bit of friendly disagreement thrown in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Rector of Justin: Chapters 6-9
October 29, 2019 18:24 - 1 hour - 127 MBWe're back, chatting about chapters 6-9 of Louis Auchincloss' The Rector of Justin. Conversation explores the connections between Frank Prescott and Hamlet, his quixotic nature, the book's female characters, and much, much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Rector of Justin: Chapters 1-5
October 23, 2019 14:32 - 1 hour - 110 MBAfter a one-week hiatus due to some scheduling issues, we are back! In this episode David is joined by Matt and a new contributor to the network, Sarah-Jane Bentley, who teaches at Eton College in England. They chat about the unique structure of the book, the myriad of intertextual references (and whether they matter), the similarities between the various narrators, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus Episode: Hemingway's "A Clean Well-lighted Room"
October 15, 2019 18:05 - 1 hour - 142 MBUnfortunately we had a scheduling snafu with recording for this week, so we are sharing a bonus episode that we sent to our Patrons a few months back. It's a conversation between David, Tim, and Heidi about Hemingway's famous story, "A Clean Well-lighted Place." Conversation touched on the difficulty with Hemingway and his particular craftsmanship in this short story. Thanks for your patience! The regular show will be back soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: Q&A Episode
October 07, 2019 12:55 - 1 hour - 101 MBIt's time for listener questions! In this episode, David, Tim, and Heidi answer your questions about topics like why Athena is gray-eyed, other great translations, whether Odysseus broke the hospitality code when visiting the cyclops, what first-time readers should glean from this epic poem, and much, much more. Remember: when you rate and review the show you help us spread the word! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: Final Books
September 28, 2019 04:51 - 1 hour - 105 MBJoin 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: XXI-XXII
September 23, 2019 12:50 - 1 hour - 110 MBIt'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: XIX-XX
September 17, 2019 13:55 - 1 hour - 107 MBAnd 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
The Odyssey: XVII-XVIII
September 09, 2019 20:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBThe 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: XII-XVI
September 02, 2019 05:39 - 58 minutes - 47.2 MBAnd 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: XI-XII
August 24, 2019 17:30 - 1 hour - 121 MBJoin 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: Books IX-X
August 18, 2019 03:11 - 1 hour - 113 MBIt'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: Books V-VIII
August 12, 2019 15:27 - 1 hour - 98.6 MBDavid, 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: Books III-IV
August 03, 2019 03:26 - 1 hour - 127 MBJoin 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 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Odyssey: Books 1-2
July 25, 2019 16:46 - 1 hour - 124 MBIt'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sense and Sensibility Q&A Episode
July 17, 2019 21:31 - 1 hour - 102 MBJoin 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sense & Sensibility: The Final Chapters
July 09, 2019 01:14 - 56 minutes - 90.4 MBJoin 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sense & Sensibility: Volume 3, chapters 1-8
July 02, 2019 12:51 - 1 hour - 115 MBJoin 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sense & Sensibility: Volume 2, chapters 8-14
June 25, 2019 16:57 - 1 hour - 105 MBJoin 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sense & Sensibility: Volume 2, chapters 1-7
June 18, 2019 19:47 - 1 hour - 115 MBDavid, 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sense & Sensibility: Volume I, chapters 16-22
June 10, 2019 14:36 - 54 minutes - 100 MBThis 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sense & Sensibility: Vol. I, chapters 9-15
June 03, 2019 13:54 - 1 hour - 102 MBFurther 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
Sense and Sensibility: Vol. 1, chapters 1-8
May 27, 2019 04:34 - 1 hour - 104 MBJoin 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Little Britches: Q&A Episode
May 18, 2019 20:06 - 1 hour - 101 MBIt's question and answer time! Join David, Adam, and Heidi as they answer your questions about Little Britches. Remember: Subscribe, rate, review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Little Britches: The Final Chapters
May 14, 2019 13:40 - 1 hour - 114 MBIt'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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Little Britches: Chapters 22-26
May 06, 2019 12:18 - 58 minutes - 94.1 MBWelcome 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Little Britches: Chapters 17-21
May 02, 2019 03:30 - 54 minutes - 87.1 MBWelcome 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...
Little Britches: Chapters 11-16
April 22, 2019 14:41 - 1 hour - 135 MBDavid, 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Little Britches 7-10
April 16, 2019 18:20 - 1 hour - 102 MBConversation 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.