Close Reads Podcast

The hosts dive into their favorite reads of the year, sharing their top five book selections and discussing unique literary experiences. They reflect on audience reactions to classic titles and the importance of provocative conversations. Highlights include surprising reads like 'Bridge of San Luis Rey' and explorations of historical figures in 'Stalin, Court of the Red Czar.' The episode teases an exciting reading list for 2026, featuring Tolkien and other classics, while also celebrating personal reflections on cherished books from their childhood.

Dive into the world of Shakespeare’s comedy! The hosts tackle Margaret’s overlooked culpability and explore Dogberry’s role as the wise fool. They debate why Don Pedro woos for Claudio and analyze Beatrice’s sharp rejection of him. Enjoy fun fan-casting ideas and discover why cannibalism jokes pop up. Plus, hear the hosts suggest pairing this play with Pride and Prejudice for deeper insights. It's an entertaining mix of wit and literary analysis!

For your errand-running, long drive, baking, cleaning, or lounging listening, we present a Christmas mailbag in which we answer your questions about traditions, books, characters in the Nativity story, and much more! Happy listening and Merry Christmas!Image credit: 1953, Man Tangled Up in Christmas Decorations by Al Brule This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to our series on Much Abo About Nothing! This week we're discussing Hero's role in the story, which characters have a positive transformation, what makes Beatric and Benedick's relationship so delightful, and much, much more. As always, happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe

The discussion dives into Beatrice's shocking demand to "kill Claudio," exploring its dramatic impact on the play and her relationship with Benedick. Hosts ponder the blend of comedy with darker themes in Shakespeare's work, highlighting the shift from playful conspiracies to real harm. Benedick's transformation is a focal point, as he moves from wit to action for love. The complexities of justice versus vengeance are debated, alongside the dynamics of masculinity and leadership failures among key characters.

Welcome back to another conversation about Shakespeare’s delightful comedy. This week we discuss the differences between “noting” and investigating, Dogberry the wise fool who sees but nonetheless can’t communicate clearly in contract with the characters who can communicate but don’t have vision, the question of who the play’s hero is, and much, much more. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe

Tim McIntosh, a talented playwright, shares his insights on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. He dives into the famous gulling scene, exploring Benedick's emotional depth and the comedic twists of misdirection. The discussion also contrasts the motivations of Don Pedro and Claudio, and how their male camaraderie shapes the narrative. McIntosh reveals his ongoing work on a play about Kierkegaard, making fascinating connections between characters and themes, while pondering if modern relationships could survive similar pranks.

Welcome to a new series on one of Shakespeare’s most delightful and brilliant plays! In this episode, which is about act one, we discuss why it’s so beloved, the way Shakespeare’s unfurls the story while also offering complex layers of humor, whether you can tell when characters are being honest, Don Pedro’s scheming, and much more! Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe

It’s Q&A time. You’ve got questions; we have answers. So join in as we conclude our conversation on Hemingway’s classic novel. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe

Is A Farewell to Arms pure tragedy? Is there any hope in the denouement? What should we do with Hemingway’s alternate endings? These and many other questions are the focus of this week’s episode. Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe