The Book Album artwork

The Book Album

284 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratings

A podcast that underscores the relevancy of literature in the 21st Century through analysis and discussion.

Books Arts Society & Culture Philosophy
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Episodes

Reading Fast and Slow – Episode 257

April 15, 2024 16:26 - 54.4 MB

How do you speed read—and read slowly? This week, Mackenzie explores different reading modes, whether they be ultra-fast and word-count dependent or slow and deliberate. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Book Stacking – Episode 257

April 08, 2024 19:46 - 37.7 MB

How do you read a book every week? In this episode, Mackenzie details her self-developed method of "book stacking", that is, a process for intentionally reading multiple books at a time. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Return – Episode 256

April 01, 2024 13:24 - 63.5 MB

Mackenzie makes her return with a discussion of her "whys" behind podcasting and literature. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Book Systems- Episode 255

January 08, 2024 08:31 - 38 minutes - 81 MB

Mackenzie takes a personal look at her reading habits from the past few years and sets systems for the new year. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Book Systems – Episode 255

January 08, 2024 08:31 - 38 minutes - 81 MB

Mackenzie takes a personal look at her reading habits from the past few years and sets systems for the new year. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“The Force of Such Beauty” by Barbara Bourland – Episode 254

December 27, 2023 23:07 - 35 minutes - 40.4 MB

MacKenzie reviews the third book by one of her all-time favorite living authors: "The Force of Such Beauty" by Barbara Bourland. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury – Episode 253 | Horrifying Classics

December 18, 2023 07:51 - 44 minutes - 50.4 MB

After Mackenzie's second F451 read, she had to review it on the show. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Holly” by Stephen King – Episode 252 | Horrifying Classics

December 11, 2023 07:49 - 34 minutes - 39.2 MB

One of the most gruesome books we have reviewed on the show, Stephen King's "Holly" is not for the faint of heart! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Fake Like Me” by Barbara Bourland – Episode 197 Rerun | Horrifying Classics

November 08, 2023 08:17 - 49 minutes - 56.9 MB

Today we are rehashing one of Mackenzie's favorite episodes: "Fake Like Me" by Barbara Bourland. Enjoy! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Horrifying Classics in Review – Episode 251 | Horrifying Classics

October 30, 2023 10:40 - 45 minutes - 51.6 MB

Today we review the last six years of Horrifying Classics podcast episodes. Enjoy! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Knight’s Gambit” by William Faulkner – Episode 250

October 03, 2023 05:30 - 32 minutes - 36.7 MB

Episode six of six in our series on William Faulkner's short detective fiction. What do you know about chess and wild horses? — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“An Error In Chemistry” by William Faulkner – Episode 249

September 25, 2023 15:14 - 40 minutes - 46.3 MB

Episode five of six in our series on William Faulkner's short detective fiction. Do you know how to make a cold toddy? — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“The Wild Sheep Chase” by Haruki Murakami – Episode 248

September 18, 2023 20:12 - 38 minutes - 44 MB

Today we review the sequel to last week's two novels, "Hear the Wind Sing" and "Pinball, 1973" by Haruki Murakami. "The Wild Sheep Chase" is the final book in the Trilogy of the Rat. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Wind/Pinball” by Haruki Murakami – Episode 247

September 11, 2023 15:17 - 77.3 MB

We review Murakami's start to writing with his first two novellas, "Hear the Wind Sing" (1979) and "Pinball, 1973" (1980). Enjoy! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Tomorrow” by William Faulkner – Episode 246

September 04, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 31.6 MB

Today we discuss the short story "Tomorrow" by William Faulkner, as well as its film adaptation. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Week 34 of Reading – Episode 245

August 28, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 40.9 MB

Mackenzie discusses her reading track record for the first two thirds of the year. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Hand Upon the Waters” by William Faulkner – Episode 244

August 21, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 30.4 MB

Our third short story from the fantastically-"de-edited" short story collection "Knight's Gambit" by William Faulkner. Fact check: This short story was originally published in 1939 in The Saturday Evening Post, not in 1949 with the collection. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Parting the Atlantic Episode 010 – Genesis 17-18

August 14, 2023 14:00 - 24 minutes - 28 MB

What does it mean to be obedient to God?

“The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers – Episode 243

August 09, 2023 16:08 - 37 minutes - 43.3 MB

It is difficult to do justice to this perceptive and poignant read by 23-year-old Carson McCullers. Nonetheless, what a necessary addition it is to our show catalogue! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“The House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton – Episode 242

August 03, 2023 12:30 - 33 minutes - 38.1 MB

It's time to discuss Lily Bart and her decline from upper-class society in the 19th Century. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Speed Reading – Episode 241

July 25, 2023 08:58 - 31 minutes - 36.5 MB

Mackenzie delves into a little-discussed reading strategy: speed reading. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Parting the Atlantic Episode 009 – Jonah 1-4

July 17, 2023 17:27 - 37 minutes - 42.6 MB

Today Mack and John discuss the book of Jonah. How mature is Jonah, and why does that matter? Is Jonah's story relatable? How are we called to follow God?  

Fountain Pens – Episode 240

July 10, 2023 15:00 - 36 minutes - 41.8 MB

MacKenzie discusses her fountain pen hobby in a long-form conversation on the show. Enjoy! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

The Kindle: Travel and Everyday Use – Episode 239

July 03, 2023 15:00 - 31 minutes - 36 MB

Mackenzie discusses her newfound daily use of the kindle in the sixth(!!) kindle episode we've published on the podcast. Note: We reposed this episode after an upload failure. Thank you for your patience! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelaineedit patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Monk” by William Faulkner – Episode 238

June 26, 2023 13:00 - 36 minutes - 41.9 MB

Mackenzie dives into the world of William Faulkner's detective fiction in a mini-series on "Knight's Gambit" by William Faulkner, edited by John N. Duvall. The second story in the collection, "Monk," is weighty with its themes of victimization and corruption. Let's read. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Martin Chuzzlewit” by Charles Dickens | December Dickens – Episode 237

June 19, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 35.4 MB

Mackenzie reviews the long-awaited "Martin Chuzzlewit" by Charles Dickens. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature etsy.com/shop/TheElaineEdit — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë – Episode 236

June 12, 2023 15:00 - 32 minutes - 36.8 MB

My first time reading "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë. Let's discuss! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Smoke” by William Faulkner – Episode 235

June 05, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 45.5 MB

Mackenzie dives into the world of William Faulkner's detective fiction in a mini-series on "Knight's Gambit" by William Faulkner, edited by John N. Duvall. The first story in the collection, "Smoke," is the epitome of Faulkner's fictional world. Let's explore! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Parting the Atlantic Episode 008 – Genesis 12-16

May 29, 2023 08:43 - 29 minutes - 33.9 MB

Abram and Lot—let's discuss.

“Tschick” von Wolfgang Herrndorf – Episode 234

May 22, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 23.6 MB

Mackenzie continues to review German-language books with a very popular title, "Tschick." — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Novelist as a Vocation” by Haruki Murakami – Episode 233

May 15, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 38.3 MB

Mackenzie discusses Murakami's latest (autobiographical!) work in relation to other books in his oeuvre. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Parting the Atlantic Episode 007 (Genesis 10-11)

May 08, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 38.7 MB

Is there any deeper meaning to the Tower of Babel?

Enjoy Reading Again – Episode 232

May 01, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 34.9 MB

Mackenzie discusses where her last 6 months of terrible reading choices have led her and what she did to turn her reading around. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Parting the Atlantic Episode 006 (Genesis 8-9)

March 20, 2023 12:13 - 60.1 MB

Mack & John discuss the rest of Noah's ark and the rainbow as a symbol.

Week 11 of Reading – Episode 231

March 12, 2023 19:49 - 25 minutes - 29.1 MB

Mackenzie shares what she has read in 2023 and her strategy for the 2023 52 books/year challenge. Our apologies for the microphone issues and Mackenzie's cold. We, too, learn with each new published podcast. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Parting the Atlantic Episode 005 (Genesis 7)

March 02, 2023 20:48 - 25 minutes - 28.7 MB

John & Mack are back: They discuss more of Noah, plus the back of the U.S. dollar bill.

“I’ll Eat When I’m Dead” by Barbara Bourland – Episode 230

February 13, 2023 15:00 - 42 minutes - 49.1 MB

A review of Bourland's thriller-satire from 2017. Mackenzie discusses character, the fashion industry, and other thriller-genre novels. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net  

24 Hours to Study Czech – Episode 229

February 06, 2023 10:56 - 56 minutes - 64.5 MB

Mackenzie shares a vlog-style podcast of how, when, and how frequently she studies Czech every day. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Parting the Atlantic 004 (Genesis 5-6)

January 28, 2023 06:54 - 34 minutes - 39.4 MB

What does a close bond with God (á la Lamech) look like in today's world? To what extent does Numerology play a role in ages within the Bible?

“On Writing” by Stephen King – Episode 228

January 23, 2023 06:45 - 29 minutes - 33.5 MB

One of the very few (pseudo-)memoirs that we have reviewed on the channel, this read provides provocative and helpful advice to young writers. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Where to Start – Episode 227

January 17, 2023 07:24 - 31 minutes - 35.5 MB

Mackenzie walks listeners through how to start a reading goal in 2023. Plus: asides about "The Menu" film. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“Nicholas Nickleby” by Charles Dickens – Episode 226 | December Dickens

January 03, 2023 12:31 - 45 minutes - 51.8 MB

This wonderful—and comic—novel by Charles Dickens fits right into the rest of his ouvure. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Week 51 of Reading 2022 – Episode 225

December 28, 2022 21:19 - 23 minutes - 26.8 MB

Mackenzie wraps up her year of reading in a quirky episode in which she describes the collection of books she read this year. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

On Reading Dickens (New Intro) – Episode 224 | December Dickens

December 25, 2022 12:04 - 22 minutes - 26.1 MB

An age-old episode on the show that we republish to kick off every December Dickens season. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

Parting the Atlantic 003 (Proverbs 25)

November 22, 2022 18:00 - 41 minutes - 46.9 MB

How to avoid becoming the quarrelsome wife + how Proverbs relates to Job.  

Announcement: Liminal November + December Dickens Programming

November 18, 2022 10:00 - 6 minutes - 7.26 MB

We hope you all enjoyed the #HorrifyingClassics2022 season. In this short message, we announce the #DecemberDickens2022 programming, as well as the potential programming for the rest of November.  

“11.22.63” by Stephen King (2/2) with John McDermott | Horrifying Classics – Episode 223

November 16, 2022 08:25 - 34 minutes - 39.6 MB

Today Mackenzie speaks with John McDermott, the person who recommended "11.22.63" for the show. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“11.22.63” by Stephen King (1/2) | Horrifying Classics – Episode 222

November 14, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutes - 53.4 MB

An impressive, immersive novel: psychological, funny, gory, historical—and an all-around best from author Stephen King. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“The Faces” by Tove Ditlevsen | Horrifying Classics – Episode 221

November 11, 2022 13:22 - 29 minutes - 33.7 MB

Ultimately, not a psychological thriller. However: still psychological, still a challenge. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley | Horrifying Classics – Episode 220

October 27, 2022 09:17 - 35 minutes - 40.7 MB

Another psychological thriller—with a killer twist. Who is on the guest list? — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliterature.com Our old (and yes, still functioning) blog: didionandhawthorne.blubrry.net

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Twitter Mentions

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