Fragile Objects w/ Katy Carl

'Solid Objects' is a short story by Virginia Woolf that explores themes of materialism, obsession, and the human tendency to find meaning in inanimate objects. The story centers on John, a young man who becomes increasingly fascinated with collecting unusual objects, to the neglect of his relationships and ambitions. As his obsession deepens, John's perception of reality becomes distorted, and he loses touch with the world around him. Woolf's subtle and evocative prose captures the psychological complexities of her characters and the shifting nature of human perception.

Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose is a collection of essays by Flannery O'Connor, edited by Sally and Robert Fitzgerald. The book delves into O'Connor's views on writing, faith, and the role of the writer in society, highlighting the tension between the 'mystery' of the divine and the 'manners' of everyday human life. It offers insights into her literary philosophy and the influence of her Catholic faith on her work.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a five-act comedy by William Shakespeare, written around 1595-96. The play intertwines the stories of four young lovers and a group of amateur actors in a forest inhabited by fairies, where love and magic lead to confusion and eventual reconciliation. The play explores themes of love, identity, and the transformative power of imagination.

G. K. Chesterton's "Tremendous Trifles" is a collection of essays that showcase his distinctive wit, insightful observations, and profound understanding of human nature. Published in 1909, the essays cover a wide range of topics, from the nature of fairy tales to the importance of tradition, demonstrating Chesterton's ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. His writing is characterized by its paradoxical style, unexpected turns of phrase, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the world. "Tremendous Trifles" offers a delightful and thought-provoking exploration of life, faith, and the human condition.

In this novella, Claire Keegan tells the story of a young girl sent to live with foster parents, John and Edna Kinsella, on a farm in rural Ireland in the summer of 1981. The girl, who is unused to home comforts, finds affection and warmth in the Kinsellas' care and begins to blossom. However, the story is marked by an underlying tension and the eventual revelation of a secret that threatens her newfound happiness. The narrative explores themes of family, belonging, and the profound impact of kindness on a child's life. The book is praised for its sparse yet elegant prose and its ability to evoke powerful emotions through subtle storytelling.

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.

Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism.

White Noise follows Jack Gladney, a professor of Hitler studies at a small liberal arts college, and his family as they navigate the complexities of modern life. The novel delves into themes such as the fear of death, media saturation, and the effects of technology on social relations. Key events include an airborne toxic event that threatens their town and Jack's discovery of his wife's involvement in an experimental study of a psychopharmaceutical called Dylar. The novel critiques consumer culture and the ways in which people cope with mortality and uncertainty through consumption and technological distractions.

In 'Second Place', Rachel Cusk presents a narrative that revolves around a middle-aged woman, 'M', who invites a famous artist, 'L', to her secluded coastal home. The story unfolds through M’s innermost thoughts expressed in a letter to her friend, Jeffers. The novel delves into themes of female fate, male privilege, and the complexities of relationships, intertwining personal and political elements through intimate character studies. The narrative is a journey of introspection, vulnerability, and disillusionment, set against the backdrop of a remote marshland.

In this book, Graham Hancock embarks on a worldwide exploration to find the underwater ruins of a mythical lost civilization hidden for thousands of years beneath the world’s oceans. Guided by cutting-edge science, innovative computer-mapping techniques, and the latest archaeological scholarship, Hancock examines the mystery at the end of the last Ice Age and delivers astonishing revelations. The book includes exhilarating accounts of his dives in various parts of the world, discovering submerged kingdoms that archaeologists never thought existed, and presents a new explanation for the origins of civilization as we know it.

The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.