Novel Pairings
Novel Pairings is a book podcast hosted by two self-described nerdy bookworms who want to make classic literature feel readable, relevant, and enjoyable. Each episode pairs a classic with a contemporary or modern read, discussing what works, what doesn't, and why the older text still matters. The hosts keep the tone casual rather than academic, sharing the books they love and the ones they don't. Listeners come away with recommendations to add to their own reading lists across a range of literary tastes.
Episodes
166. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Chelsey and Sara are back in the (long distance) podcast studio to discuss Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen! In this episode, we share whether we identify with Elinor or Marianne, ask what themes Austen explores in this novel, and ponder what this story holds for modern audiences. We also pose questions like is this Austen's funniest novel? Will the hairstyles in the new adaptation make Sara f
165. Celebrate Novel Pairings with Chelsey and Sara with a Farewell Q&A
For our final episode of Novel Pairings, we opened up the mailbag to answer your thoughtful listener questions. From reflections on our favorite classics to behind-the-scenes stories, we're sharing a lot today! And celebrating the journey we've shared with all of you. We'll also be offering some closing thoughts on what this podcast has meant to us, what we've learned along the way, and what comes
164. Brand New Books with Backlist Pairings: Summer 2025 Edition
Get ready to load your summer totes with compelling reads, both new and old! We're sharing our anticipated summer releases on today's episode, carefully curated from a long list of captivating titles to shake up your TBR. As always, we've included some perfectly paired backlist favorites to enjoy while you wait for the buzzy new books. Today, we explore an exciting mix of poignant literary fictio
163. Reflections on Emma and 250 years of Jane Austen
We're wrapping up our Emma readalong with final reflections on rereading, standout themes, and Austen's legacy. We also chat about how we're marking the momentous occasion of Jane Austen's 250th anniversary and the ways this milestone is resonating with us as readers. This is our final season with Novel Pairings, but we are saving all of our episodes right here for you to return to, plus we're o
162. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Six: A Perfect Union
In this episode, we reach the culmination of Jane Austen's Emma, where secrets are revealed, relationships evolve, and characters face pivotal choices that will shape their futures. We discuss shifting affections, unexpected engagements, and the web of emotions that bind the residents of Highbury together. We will conclude our Emma series with a finale reflection episode in a few weeks to give you
161. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Five: Badly Done, Emma
In this episode, we're unpacking so many juicy moments—from Frank Churchill's restless return to Highbury and the long-awaited ball at the Crown Inn to Harriet's shocking misadventure and Mr. Knightley's heroic turn on the dance floor. We'll explore Emma's ever-active imagination, Mrs. Elton's relentless meddling, and some subtle but oh-so-important moments between Emma and Mr. Knightley. Plus, w
160. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Four: Jane Fairfax & Mrs. Elton
In this episode, we're savoring the drama and intrigue of Emma, Volume Two, Chapters 9 through 18. The aftermath of the Cole's party has Emma rehashing every social triumph and misstep, from her jealousy over Jane Fairfax's piano skills to her playful gossip with Frank Churchill about the mysterious pianoforte. Meanwhile, Mrs. Elton makes her grand entrance into Highbury society, leaving Emma uni
159. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Three: A Mysterious Pianoforte
In this recap, we're discussing Volume Two, Chapters 1-8 of Emma by Jane Austen. In this episode, we'll explore the arrival of some intriguing new characters to Highbury that shake up Emma's carefully curated social circle. We'll also explore Emma's complex relationships, including her aversion to a certain reserved newcomer and her budding friendship with a charming gentleman. Plus, we'll uncove
158. Emma by Jane Austen Recap Two: Matchmaking or Meddling
In this recap, we're diving into Emma by Jane Austen — covering Volume One, Chapters 10–18. Join us on Patreon for bonus content. Emma Woodhouse is back at it — charming, meddling, and trying to navigate Highbury's tricky social scene. This time, she's determined to set Harriet up with Mr. Elton… but, surprise, things don't exactly go as planned. From awkward visits to the vicarage to a snowstorm
157. Emma by Jane Austen Recap One: Handsome, Clever, and Rich
In this recap episode, we're discussing Volume One, Chapters 1-9 of Jane Austen's Emma. We take a deep dive into Emma Woodhouse's world, examining her relationships with key figures like Miss Taylor, Mr. Woodhouse, and the insightful Mr. Knightley. We explore how Emma's interactions with these characters set the stage for her matchmaking adventures. As we continue through the chapters, we meet the
156. Introducing Emma by Jane Austen
Welcome to our Spring Season! We're reading Emma by Jane Austen as a community, and we hope you will join us. Listen to today's introduction to hear why we love this novel, how we approach readalongs and recaps, and what to pay attention to as you follow along. To get maximum delight this season, join our Patreon community for classes and conversation, plus special Footnotes episodes. Here's the r
155. Notable books of 2024: our bookish superlatives, reading life updates, and a little Jane Austen
We're back and kicking off 2025 with our annual Superlatives episode. Today, we're excited to highlight stand-out books from 2024. We've got eight superlatives lined up that highlight our favorites, least favorites and everything in between. Plus, we're looking back on our podcasting journey through 2024 and give you some behind-the-scenes insight to our reading lives. Stick around because we've
154. Moody & Atmospheric Fall 2024 Book Releases with Backlist Pairings
We're excited to be back in your podcast feeds to pair highly anticipated fall book releases with beloved backlist favorites. Prepare to overload your TBR pile as we dive into an exciting fall publishing season filled with moody, atmospheric titles. In today's episode, we'll share our carefully curated lists of outstanding upcoming fiction from both renowned authors and indie presses, along with a
153. Dishing our opinions on the hottest summer books of 2023
As the summer reading season comes to a close, we're turning our eyes to fall. With Chelsey on maternity leave, we've made some thoughtful adjustments to our plans and structure here at Novel Pairings. Our goal is to ensure that we stay connected and continue to foster the amazing community we've built together. The best way to stay connected this fall is through our Patreon community; we're excit
152. The Custom of the Country Book One Recap
In today's recap episode, we discuss Book One of The Custom of the Country (that's chapters 1-10 if your book is not divided into books). This episode includes detailed discussion of the plot and characters introduced in this first section of the novel, so spoilers abound. We discuss our initial impressions of the unforgettable character that is Undine Spragg, how well this book would translate to
151. Introduction to The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
Today's episode is a special one! Twice a year, we choose a big bucket list classic to read together as a community. For every big book we read, Chelsey and Sara dust off their English teacher skills to break down plot, themes, style, and more in recurring recap podcast episodes. We have our Big Book Summer Read Along of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables on the horizon and we'd love for you to join us!
150. Ten classic novels you should read this summer
We're taking it back to the classroom in today's episode! Chelsey and Sara reflect on their experience with high school summer reading as both students and teachers: the good, the great, and the hot takes. While we aren't assigning any reading in this episode, we are sharing 10 classics that would make for great summer reads at any age! For an enhanced reading experience, pair a past Novel Pairing
149. On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Today, we're wrapping up our spring season with Zadie Smith's On Beauty, a theme-driven novel that recreates the social world of an elite liberal arts college, exploring issues through nuanced satire on race, class, and beauty. We dig into the stories of the Belsey and Kipp families and Smith's use of the academic setting to discuss identity and social satire. Our pairings for On Beauty include ca
148. We can't wait to read these brand new summer 2024 books and backlist pairings
Get ready for your summer TBR to pile high as we share our most anticipated titles releasing this summer! Plus, each new release that we preview in today's episode is perfectly paired with a backlist book or two, giving us plenty to read while waiting for pre-orders and library holds to come in. If you enjoy our recommendations on today's episode, we have even more book suggestions to explore in o
147. The limits of satire & A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
On today's Modern Readers episode, we're placing "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift in context with pieces of contemporary political satire. We'll explore how satire is being used today to comment on politics and social issues, and the power, or limits, of its influence. Throughout our discussion, we discuss the lasting legacy of Swift's essay, the rise of satirical media, and how satire is use
146. The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
In today's episode, we're discussing The Importance of Being Earnest by the ever-delightful Oscar Wilde. A classic example of British theater, this play is known for its biting social satire and brilliant comedic dialogue. Throughout our conversation, we dive into the play's themes, discuss Wilde's mastery of wordplay, and his ability to write characters that satirize Victorian society in the clev
145. Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare with Traci Thomas
We're thrilled to welcome back Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks Podcast, for a thought-provoking discussion on one of Shakespeare's darkest comedies, Measure for Measure. In this conversation, we'll dive deep into the play's timeless themes including punishment, gender, power, and politics. We discuss how these themes continue to resonate with modern audiences, revealing the parallels between the
144. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
If aesthetics, British aristocracy and nostalgia sounds like an appealing combination, Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh is the book for you. In today's episode, we talk through the key themes, relationships, Waugh's stated purpose for writing Brideshead, and we ask: is Brideshead Revisited a satire or a novel with satirical elements? Plus, today's pairings include a fantasy novel, historical f
143. Seasonal book pairings for new releases in spring 2024
Today, Chelsey and Sara share their most anticipated spring book releases paired with backlist selections. After listening today, your TBR will be filled with delightful fiction, thrilling mysteries, historical romance and literary books from favorite writers, all releasing between late February and May. As always, our go-to pairings will keep your spring both entertaining and engaging. If you
142. The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
In today's episode, we're wrapping up Wharton in Winter with a conversation about The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. We focus on Undine and question whether she's a signature unlikable heroine or an anti-hero. Our conversation also digs into the other dynamic characters, themes of motherhood, greed, marriage, business, and Edith's incredible writing. Every plot point builds to a bigger na
141. Bookish pairings for our favorite period dramas
Reading The Custom of the Country this winter has felt like stepping into the most lush, dramatic, and marathon-worthy period piece–so today we're sharing some of our favorite period dramas and pairing them with excellent books for cozy winter reading. We discuss the appeal of watching historical fiction versus reading it, the throughline from reading Dear America books to watching Downton Abbey a
140. Five tips for reading television and movies with a critical lens
Today we're sharing five tips for "reading" your favorite (or least favorite) TV shows and movies. These close reading tricks will help you get more critical while you watch television, which we hope prompts more engaging discussions with your friends and family. We're using The Buccaneers (Apple TV) as our main example in this episode, but you don't need to watch the show in order to listen. In f
139. The best, the backlist, and the buzziest books of 2023
It's time for our annual Superlative Soirée! (Okay, so we've never called it that before, but it fits, right?!) Today Chelsey and Sara share their favorite and least favorite books of 2023, plus everything in between. YOU helped us come up with some creative categories to cover in this official wrap-up episode, and we can't wait to hear what you think of the titles we discuss. To get your very ow
138. The Garden of Forking Paths by Jorge Luis Borges
We're wrapping up the 2023 season with a final Short Story Club, this time exploring a prime example of Postmodern fiction with Jorge Luis Borges' "The Garden of Forking Paths." Borges is often considered one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century and credited as an early writer of magical realism, lo real maravilloso. In today's discussion, we take a close work at Borges' popu
137. Entering Edith Wharton's Gilded Age
Ever wonder what it's like to attend a class at Novel Pairings University? We have a special treat for our listeners as we prepare for #WhartonInWinter and our readalong of Edith Wharton's Custom of the Country. Today on the main feed, we're releasing the audio from our Patreon Class Gilded Age Literature: Entering Edith Wharton's World for everyone to enjoy. In today's class we talk about key l
136. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Today, Chelsey and Sara explore TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf, investigating Woolf's intention to put "real life" on the page, analyzing her prose and structure, discussing themes and characters, and contextualizing historical references. For a deeper reading and listening experience, check out our episode on A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN and our bonus episode on Patreon all about The Bloomsbury Grou
135. A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
We're kicking off our month of Virigina Woolf with an episode exploring Woolf's dense and sprawling extended essay, "A Room of Own's Own." At just over one hundred pages, Woolf gives herself ample space on the page to explore and consider the issues that keep women from the forefront of the literature and what might be done to give them the creative freedom to write unencumbered. In today's episo
134. Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat
If a dark and twisty stream of consciousness narrative in translation sounds like an intriguing read, Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat is perfect for you. Penned by the forefather of the Modernist movement in Iranian literature, this surrealist story blends Western influences, Iranian folklore, and psychology. In today's episode, we discuss key themes and questions raised by Hedayat's text (so. many. qu
133. The modern reader's guide to historical fiction
What is the difference between literary historical fiction and "woman with her back turned on the cover" historical fiction? In today's episode of Modern Readers, we're discussing the literary landscape and rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre. We explore the definition of historical fiction, significant time periods, craft vs. plot, and "literariness" to understand whether a histori
132. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery", first published in The New Yorker in 1948, feels relevant in every decade. Whether it's discussed in the high school classroom or revisited in adulthood, this shocking story leaves a mark. We're back with another Short Story Club episode on Novel Pairings in which we take a closer look at Jackson's haunting text, considering its wider themes, and touch on how one o
131. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Let's discuss one of our most requested classics! Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is an eerie gothic novel with elements of mystery, fairy tale, and domestic suspense–and you've been asking for us to cover it on the show for years. In today's episode, we speculate on why this classic remains so popular today, discuss the magic of reading a classic just for fun (and then returning to it with literary
130. Backlist book pairings for an abundant Autumn reading season
Get ready for your TBR pile to actually topple over as we discuss a truly abundant season of publishing and books. The fall publishing calendar has a lot of hype-worthy titles, and in today's episode you'll hear our pared down lists (it was a struggle!) of excellent fall fiction due to hit shelves soon. This includes big books from BIG authors, intriguing titles from small indie presses, and a sma
129. What is public scholarship?
You may have heard us mention the term "public scholarship" when talking about the mission of our podcast and our community of readers here at Novel Pairings. But what exactly is public scholarship, and how does it apply to us as lifelong learners? Today in our first Modern Readers episode, we're sitting down to define public scholarship, share how our backgrounds in academia and the classroom h
128. Hot takes on the buzzy books of last summer
Today we're sharing our (sometimes controversial) opinions about some of the buzziest books of LAST summer. We love it when our reading overlaps off the podcast and gives us a chance to come together for some off-the-cuff book conversation. Of the slew of buzzy books that released in Summer 2022, there were a handful both of us somehow made time to read. We're deep diving into five of those books,
127. 1920s classics to challenge and delight your To Be Read list
Today, we're sharing six classic titles from the 1920s that make excellent additions to your late summer or early fall reading stack, whether you're reading them for the first time or returning with fresh eyes. The 1920s is a time period we both love to read and explore. In this mini TBR-toppler episode, you'll have your picks from dense and delightfully nerdy tomes, a slim spiritual journey in tr
126. Leaving a Legacy: The Odyssey in modern literature
It's the last stretch of our Slow Down Summer with The Odyssey, and for this week's discussion, we're sharing final thoughts on The Odyssey's staying power and impact on modern literature. We dive into talking about what we noticed in our full read-though of Emily Wilson's translation. We also share themes to consider when reading, thoughts on reading a text symbolically, and guesses for why the s
125. How to find literary allusions
Do you love the feeling of happening upon a subtle reference to a great literary work in the midst of your current read? Or do you feel like you're on the outside when books allude to works you haven't read? In today's episode, we're getting extra nerdy and breaking down all things literary allusions. For our discussion, we share what a literary allusion is and what kinds of allusions are referenc
124. Diving into The Odyssey with Emily Wilson
This summer on Patreon, our Classics Club has been voyaging across the Aegean Sea with Odysseus, reading Emily Wilson's brilliant translation of Homer's epic poem. To deepen our experience with this ancient text, we're offering ongoing opportunities for public scholarship and reading in community. Today we're sharing one of these Patreon exclusive episodes with all of you and inviting you to come
123. The Odyssey: Return to the Aegean
Today we are re-airing one of our very first episodes of Novel Pairings: Episode 18 on Homer's Odyssey, in which Sara reveals her nerdy middle school obsession, Chelsey has strong opinions on defining "the classics," and we have a LOT of fun discussing the complicated character of Odysseus. You don't need to have any knowledge of mythology or The Odyssey in order to enjoy this episode. This episod
122. The Wild Book by Juan Villoro
We're closing out our spring semester of children's classics with one final book about a book—and another richly imagined story in translation, The Wild Book by Juan Villoro. This modern story reached great acclaim in Mexico, with an English translation finally reaching America in 2017. We found this work a compelling companion to our first children's work in translation, Inkheart, and we share
121. Sensational summer book releases paired with satisfying backlist reads
Get ready to load your summer totes (ahem…your summer Novel Pairings totes, more to come on that) with lots of good reads; we're talking about our most anticipated summer reads on today's episode! We've carefully culled our long lists of interesting books coming out this summer to provide some high-interest titles that are sure to topple your TBR while also providing backlist books that will pair
120. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
As voracious readers we love to dive into stories about books and reading, whether it's paying homage to the source of procuring books (think publishing, bookshops, and libraries) or the physical books themselves. In today's episode, we're taking you on a dark, mysterious, and twisty adventure in translation with Cornelia Funke's Inkheart. A plot-packed novel for the not-so-faint-of-heart, we disc
119. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure. This week, we're discussing E. L. Konigsburg's Newbery award-winning novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, a 1960s romp about a pair of siblings who find refuge and mystery at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. From the Mixed-Up Files is a story simple in prose, yet imbued with rich descriptions and detail to leave a las
118. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne-with-an-e Shirley, a hallmark figure in children's literature, provides a formative childhood reading experience for many readers. An imaginative and loquacious orphan who finds home and community with the Cuthbert siblings at Green Gables of Avonlea, Anne is a feisty, feminine, and dramatically charming protagonist. In today's episode, we talk about how this sweet and endearing novel worked
117. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a staple in high school classrooms and a foundational piece of American literature. This children's classic is a boisterous and satirical novel addressing a vast array of social and political issues couched in an episodic coming-of-age tale. In today's episode, we address some of the teaching baggage that comes along with this book, consider Huck
116. Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
Catherine, Called Birdy has been a surprise hit with our listeners and book club community, and today Chelsey and Sara share their experience with Karen Cushman's award-winning work of middle grade historical fiction. We share what we remember about the book from childhood, why we connected with it more now, and why a book about a girl trying to avoid marriage in the 13th-century feels so relevant
115. Enticing spring book releases for your To Be Read list
While we're spending most of this season discussing classic children's literature, today Chelsey and Sara break from form to share our most anticipated spring book releases. Spring is a busy time in the publishing cycle and we will topple your TBR with feel-good fiction, literary books from favorite writers, and a surprising number of intriguing nonfiction titles, all releasing between late Februa
114. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Chelsey and Sara discuss Mildred D. Taylor's Newberry Award winning novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. We gush about the writing, share our favorite characters, and unpack a few memorable scenes. We also spend some time considering why this book feels like it could be classified as an adult novel and the value it would add to a middle or high school curriculum. And, of course, we each offer a co
113. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Chelsey and Sara discuss The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman as individual children's classics and explore the way they are in conversation with each other. We chat about each novel's philosophical framework, storytelling style, and depiction of childhood, which leads into a larger conversation about the role of Kid Lit in ethical and moral
112. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Chelsey and Sara chat about another children's classic: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, reflecting on the difference between reading it as a kid versus our current adult perspectives. We discuss this novel's unique characters and content, as well as the distinctive nature of the author herself. Allusions abound in this novel, from the biblical to the literary. As part of our exploration of
111. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Chelsey and Sara discuss Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. This short, weird, and word play-filled story explores the "slipperiness" of language, the joys and fears of growing up, and the traditions of Victorian schooling. In addition to the historical and literary context for this classic, we also enjoyed talking about what it feels like to be a child in a world of rules. Today'
110. Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes and stories of community, music, and home
Chelsey and Sara discuss Langston Hughes's 1930 novel: Not Without Laughter, the story of a young boy coming of age in small-town Kansas with his matriarchal family. His mother Annjee works as a maid and cook for a wealthy white family, his grandmother Hager takes in laundry work, and his Aunt Harriet has big dreams of performing. His wandering father, Jimboy makes appearances as does his upper c
109. Reading classic children's literature with Alice, Anne and Aslan
This spring semester, we are trying something a little different. We hope you all are up for venturing into uncharted territory together as we spend a few months reading Classic Children's Literature! From fantasy to historical fiction to adventure, we will explore the influences of children's stories on contemporary literature. Using our signature literary lens, we intend to reflect on some of ou
108. Our favorite (and least favorite) books of 2022
Today we enter the towering stack of "Best Book" lists, but we like to think our annual episode stands out from the crowd. Instead of narrowing down a list of favorites every year, we share superlatives to include a wider variety of genres, themes, and reading experiences in our year end wrap up episode. Check our stories at @novelpairingspod on Instagram for templates to share your 2022 superlati
107. The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo and adapting the classics for modern readers
Join us as we discuss the sumptuous, sexy, and speculative adaptation of The Great Gatsby: The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo. We adored Vo's language, voice, and inventive storytelling and will give you a heads up for brief spoilers [20:35-25:00]. In addition to classic themes with a contemporary twist, we also discuss what we've learned over the course of this adaptation-themed semester in
106. Revisit West Egg with Novel Pairings: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Readers, today we are taking it way back to September 2020 (a lifetime ago!) when we discussed The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This month's book club is The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo (a Gatsby retelling) so we're taking this opportunity to refresh our memories about the plot, characters, and themes of Fitzgerald's iconic work. We hope you enjoy this blast from the past, and we'r
105. A stack of sparkling novels set in the Roaring 20s
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
104. The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare and pairings for theatrical, political, or fantastical readers
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 o
103. Shakespearean titles to topple your To Be Read stack
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
102. Perplexed by Persuasion on Netflix
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. Addition
101. Ask a Shakespeare Professor
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 Augsbur
100. Persuasion by Jane Austen and romantic novels with plenty of pining
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,
99. Literary adaptations we can't wait to read this fall
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
98. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and stories as big as Texas
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
97. Romance in Marseille by Claude McKay and postcolonial novels to expand your world
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, Marxis
96. Must-read books of the summer paired with beach-worthy backlist titles
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 i
95. Love and Freindship by Jane Austen and adding pure FUN to your TBR list
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 pic
94. Ask Us Anything with Chelsey, Sara, and a surprise guest
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
93. Middlemarch by George Eliot Part Two: Pairings
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 novelpairi
92. Middlemarch by George Eliot Part One
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/novelpair
91. Bookish superlatives from an unprecedented reading year
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 talk
90. Our love/hate relationship with Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
"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 lo
89. Behind the scenes of the shop around the corner with Annie B. Jones
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 favorit
88. A new-to-us and nuanced novel of manners: There is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset
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
87. Perfectly paired gifts for every bookworm
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.c
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