In this engaging discussion, Lawton Smith, co-founder and CEO of Literal, a groundbreaking digital reading platform, sheds light on the alarming decline in reading scores among adolescents. He reveals how Literal transforms classic literature into interactive chat-based formats, making reading more relatable for today’s youth. Lawton shares his personal journey with reading and emphasizes the crucial role of AI in enhancing comprehension through tools like translation and rephrasing. The conversation highlights the importance of playful, personalized reading to rekindle a love for literature.
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insights INSIGHT
Reading Decline
Global reading scores have declined sharply, especially since COVID-19, mirroring a broader societal shift.
This decline is attributed to technology, changes in testing, and a shift in family reading culture.
insights INSIGHT
Tech's Double-Edged Sword
Technology is a major factor in declining reading scores, but it's also a potential solution.
Literal's approach is to modernize the reading experience by adapting to students' digital habits.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Lost Focus
Lawton Smith, after seven years without reading a novel, tried to read "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
He couldn't focus past page two, realizing his reading brain had been affected by technology.
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Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements[3][4][5].
The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown
In 'The Da Vinci Code', Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the murder of the curator, Jacques Saunière. Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon embarks on a perilous journey to decipher cryptic clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The plot revolves around an alternative religious history, suggesting that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene had a child, and their descendants are protected by the Priory of Sion. The novel is a blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the astonishing conclusion.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period[3][4][5].
For Whom the Bell Tolls
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John Donne
While the podcast mentions "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in relation to a John Donne sermon, it's important to note that the title is most famously associated with Ernest Hemingway's novel. Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is set during the Spanish Civil War and follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer fighting alongside the Republicans. The novel explores themes of war, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of political conflict. Jordan's experiences and relationships highlight the complexities of war and the human cost of ideological battles. The novel's powerful prose and exploration of universal themes have cemented its place as a classic of 20th-century literature.
Reader Come Home
Dr. Marianne Wolfe
The great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.
Lawton Smith is a literacy advocate focused on adolescent reading engagement and the co-founder and CEO of Literal (LiteralApp.com). Praised as a “game changer”, a “Top Tech for Advanced Learners of ELA”, and awarded a rare five stars out-of-five for “Student Engagement” by Common Sense Media, Literal is an all-in-one digital reading platform for modern classrooms that is fundamentally changing what it means to read books on screens.
💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why reading scores have declined for over a decade
How Literal makes classic texts engaging through chat-based formats
The impact of long-form reading on soft skills and mental health
How AI is used to scaffold texts with translation, rephrasing, and leveling
[00:01:17] What Literal is and how it's addressing the reading crisis [00:04:45] Key factors behind the long-term decline in reading [00:09:45] Adapting books to match students’ media habits [00:16:20] Lawton’s personal journey losing and regaining reading focus [00:23:12] Turning novels into chat conversations with avatars [00:32:56] Expanding the Literal library beyond public domain [00:36:31] How AI powers Literal’s reading support tools
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