Close Reads Podcast

Dive into a vibrant discussion about the ending of a thought-provoking book, exploring its hopeful and haunting elements. Discover the symbolic duality of a mysterious character and the role of memorabilia in preserving memories. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of hope in science fiction, contrasting past and contemporary narratives. Finally, the hosts navigate the tension between divine will and human choice, delving into the philosophical dilemmas sparked by a post-apocalyptic tale.

Dive into an exploration of mortality and existentialism as the speakers dissect the emotional nuances of a cherished novel's conclusion. Themes of sacrifice and hope arise through a character's determination to save a child amid despair. Discover the monks' vital roles in cultural preservation, balancing faith with societal challenges. The complexities of Lazarus and Rachel illuminate deeper questions about identity and belief. As the journey unfolds, listeners are treated to a mix of thoughtful analysis and personal reflections, culminating in a spirit of gratitude.

We’re deep into Walter J. Miller’s classic dystopian novel, so welcome to our discussion of this middle section, one in which characters believe they’re on the verge of a “renaissance” and are coming out of a dark age. Conversation touches on the thematic uses of light and the function of the monks as a conscience as well as memory. 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

This section of Walter M. Miller’s novel spans two sections, so in this week’s episode we discussed the tightrope walk that is abandoning one now-beloved character in the middle of a book and asking readers to grasp onto a completely new set of characters. Plus: How to think about the time jumps, the differences between the protagonists we are given, and the many subtleties of this work. 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

Dive into the fascinating world of 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' as the speakers share personal anecdotes and reflections on adventures tied to the book. Explore the intertwining themes of faith and history, focusing on Brother Francis’s internal struggles in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Discover the complex dynamics of monastic life and the role of humor in balancing darker themes. The discussion also highlights the importance of preserving knowledge and cultural narratives through the ages. It's a captivating mix of spirituality, complexity, and relevance!

Thanks to the nature of the questions submitted, this particular Q&A episode ended up taking the form of a romp through the genre. So if you like mysteries, this one’s for you. 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

As we come to the end of our brief series on Edmund Crispin’s mystery novel, it’s time to discuss the puzzle (as it were). Does it work? How does it stack up? And then once that's out of the way, David, Heidi, and Sean dig into what really works in this book, whether it has anything serious to say, why there are so many Alexander Pope references, and much more! Happy listening!This episode is brought to you by our friends at Ekstasis magazine which helps a generation of Christians admire beauty and tune their spiritual and aesthetic affections. Check them out at ekstasismagazine.com!Close Reads is a community-supported endeavor. Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber which helps us keep making the content you enjoy! 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

Edmund Crispin’s The Moving Toyshop is one of David’s favorites, so this conversation touches on why that is, what makes Crispin’s mysteries different, what makes a good mystery novel in general—plus there’s plenty of conversation on some of the funniest lines in the books. Happy listening! This episode is brought to you by our friends at Ekstasis magazine which helps a generation of Christians admire beauty and tune their spiritual and aesthetic affections. Check them out at ekstasismagazine.com!Close Reads HQ is a community-supported endeavor. Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber which helps us keep making the content you enjoy! 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

As is our custom here at Close Reads, we’re here to answer your questions. So in this episode, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss questions about hope in Ivan Denisovich; the value of work in the story; the book’s structure; and much, much more. Happy listening! This episode is brought to you by our friends at Ekstasis magazine which helps a generation of Christians admire beauty and tune their spiritual and aesthetic affections. Check them out at ekstasismagazine.com! 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

Our 2024 book list is here! We have chosen twelve books to discuss next year, all of which we’re very excited about. We included a few beloved novels for readers of all ages, a couple of contemporary novels which offer much to discuss, some lesser known classics from the last century, books which explore deep theological questions, and—well, yes—our beloved P.G. Wodehouse. If you’d like to hear how these books came to be chosen (and the books that didn’t quite make the cut), click that “play'“ button to check our “Great Winnowing” conversation, which took place in front of a live audience at our Close Reads on the Road event in August.To buy these books through Goldberry Books, please go here: https://bookshop.org/shop/GoldberryBooks 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