

Books with Ashley Hales: Tolstoy, Carr, Vonnegut, Worthen, and More
Apr 9, 2025
Join Ashley Hales, CT’s editorial director for print and former show producer, as she shares her passion for reading in a world filled with distractions. They discuss the timeless wisdom found in classics like Tolstoy and Vonnegut, emphasizing the importance of deep, immersive reading. Hales highlights the role of literature in fostering confessional communities and understanding trauma. They also explore the evolving concept of charisma and its impact on faith and culture, providing insights that resonate in today’s society.
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Concentrated Reading
- Maintain attention by practicing concentrated reading.
- Resist the atrophied attention caused by constant news and digital media overload.
Nothing New
- Seemingly unanchored experiences often have historical precedents.
- Reflecting on history reminds us of recurring patterns and permanent truths.
Digital Envy
- Digital media, by making everything proximate, fosters envy and rivalry.
- Constant online exposure creates a sense of being perpetually judged.