What Should I Read Next?

chevron_right

Ep 446: How to balance print books with screen reading

Sep 10, 2024

Guest

Karen Gold

In this engaging discussion, Karen Gold, an English teacher and academic dean at one of the oldest boarding schools in the U.S., navigates her love for print books alongside the convenience of e-reading. She shares her reader's dilemma of juggling physical books on her shelves with the ease of digital formats. The conversation also touches on fostering a love for reading in students and the emotional journeys novels can evoke—exploring our shared human experiences through literature. Expect insights on balancing both reading formats and cultivating a joy for storytelling.

01:16:27

forum

Ask episode

web_stories

AI Snips

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Format Struggle

Karen, a print book lover, embraced digital reading after getting an iPad and Kindle.
Now she prefers the ease of e-reading despite owning many physical books.

insights

INSIGHT

Digital Reading Drawbacks

Karen finds digital reading convenient but struggles to recall titles and share books.
She also misses the tactile experience of physical books.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Digital Sharing

Share book recommendations digitally with screenshots or library links.
This addresses the challenge of sharing e-books.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Navigating the Tension Between Print and Screen Reading

04:08 • 4min

chevron_right

Community, Connection, and the Joy of Reading

08:38 • 11min

chevron_right

Balancing Print and Digital Reading

19:36 • 23min

chevron_right

Navigating the Balance Between Print and Screen Reading

42:53 • 4min

chevron_right

Emotional Journeys Through Literature

47:07 • 12min

chevron_right

Exploring Structured Narratives and Sponsor Insights

59:33 • 6min

chevron_right

Exploring 'Lost Man's Lane' and Beyond

01:05:31 • 9min

chevron_right

Exploring Diverse Literary Worlds and Recommendations

In 'Prep', Curtis Sittenfeld tells the story of Lee Fiora, a shy fourteen-year-old from South Bend, Indiana, who wins a scholarship to Ault, an elite boarding school in Massachusetts. The novel delves into Lee's struggles to fit into the school's rigid social hierarchy, her relationships with her peers, and her experiences with identity, family, and romantic love. The book is praised for its witty and wise portrayal of adolescence and its exploration of larger themes such as social class and personal growth.

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" is an allegorical novel that follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, on a journey to fulfill his Personal Legend. The story blends elements of fantasy and realism, exploring themes of self-discovery, following one's dreams, and listening to one's intuition. Along his journey, Santiago encounters various characters and challenges that teach him valuable lessons about life and the importance of perseverance. The book's simple yet profound message has resonated with readers worldwide, inspiring them to pursue their passions and embrace the journey. The Alchemist is a timeless tale of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's dreams.

This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage

Ann Patchett

This book is a compilation of essays that delve into Ann Patchett's life, from her childhood to her current experiences. It includes stories about her two marriages, her relationships with family and friends, her career as a writer, and other personal anecdotes. The essays touch on topics such as her disastrous first marriage, her happy marriage to Karl, her experiences trying out for the LAPD, and her love for her dog Rose. Patchett's writing is described as simple yet elegant, and the essays are praised for their honesty, humor, and insight into her life and writing process.

Long Bright River is a deeply affecting novel that delves into the lives of two sisters, Mickey and Kacey Fitzpatrick, in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Mickey, a single mother and police officer, searches for her missing sister Kacey, who is struggling with addiction and works as a sex worker. The story unfolds as a mystery-thriller, with a series of murders involving prostitutes, forcing Mickey to confront their troubled childhood and the complexities of their relationship. The novel explores themes of addiction, family dynamics, and the broader social issues of poverty and community policing, offering a gripping and emotionally charged narrative.

The Road to Dalton

Shannon Bowring

Any Person is the Only Self

Alyssa Gabbert

The Rachel Incident

Caroline O'Donoghue

The Rachel Incident is a novel that follows the story of Rachel and her friend James as they navigate the complexities of early adulthood in Ireland. The story delves into themes of class, morality, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of economic and social challenges. Through Rachel's narrative, O'Donoghue explores the messy realities of transitioning into adulthood.

Chemistry

Weike Wang

Neus Bonilla Benages

In 'Chemistry', Weike Wang crafts a narrative about a young Chinese woman pursuing a prestigious Ph.D. in organic chemistry. As she navigates her studies, she confronts the expectations of her immigrant parents and her own desires, leading to a journey of self-discovery and growth. The novel delves into themes of identity, family, and the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with familial obligations.

The House of Eve

Sadiqa Johnson

If you love a good campus novel for fall, you'll love today's conversation between Anne and academic dean Karen Gold.

Karen works at the oldest independent boarding school in the country, where she teaches a course on campus novels. That's not all Karen reads, though: she's especially fond of novels that span generations and highlight both the mundanity and the messiness of the human experience.

But Karen's real dilemma today isn't finding the titles she'll want to read next. What she's really grappling with is a format struggle. She's always been committed to print books, but then she got an iPad, and then a Kindle, and she started to enjoy reading on a screen. These days Karen defaults to the ease of e-reading, despite having shelves full of physical books that she really does want to read. She's not sure what to do about this readerly conundrum, and she and Anne talk strategies and possible solutions today.

Listen in and find the list of titles discussed on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/446.

Save the date and join us on Wednesday, September 18th for our sixth annual Fall Book Preview. During this live, 90-minute unboxing event, Anne shares 35 hand-picked titles to get excited about this season. You'll also get our 12-page digital PDF Fall Book Preview booklet. Our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club and Patreon members enjoy automatic access to this live event: you can join us by becoming a part of either community or purchasing your a la carte ticket at ModernMrsDarcy.com/fbp.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home Top podcasts Popular guests