Shows
Shelf AwarenessEpisode 18: Stupid Y/A Book Series From Our YouthIn this light-hearted episode of the Shelf Awareness podcast, we discuss why two Y/A book series from our youth (Twilight and The Mortal Instruments) are incredibly problematic and seemingly absurd. Tune in for some second hand embarrassment, unfortunate nostalgia, and uncomfortable laughs.
2022-06-2840 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 17: "Where the Crawdad's Sing" NovelIn this episode, we analyze Delia Owen's contemporary novel Where the Crawdad's Sing (which we both love!). We discuss the aspects of the books that caught our attention, the heartbreaking coming-of-age story and the murder mystery element, and also how the descriptions of the natural world in this novel are absolutely stunning. Stay tuned!
2022-03-0831 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 16: Our Personal Guide to Transitioning into CollegeIn today’s episode, we will be talking about our different college experiences. We are basing our discussion on a 4-minute YouTube video called “My College Transition” filmed by Emery Bergmann. The link to the video can be found below, we highly recommend you watch it before listening to the podcast.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAUcoadqRlE&t=187s
2021-12-2748 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 15: "The Bell Jar" Part 2, An In Depth Look Into Esther GreenwoodIn this episode, we will be continuing our discussion of Sylvia Plath's first and only novel "The Bell Jar" and we will be conducting a character analysis of the protagonist Esther Greenwood, a nuanced and oftentimes relatable individual.
Disclaimer: In this episode, we will be discussing difficult subjects like depression and suicide. If these topics are disturbing, please consider not listening to this episode and prioritizing your mental health. Please know that you are not alone in this.
Resources:
https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources
https://www.healthline.com/health/me...
2021-11-0634 min
Shelf AwarenessEpisode 14: "The Bell Jar" Part 1, Themes and SymbolsIn this episode, we will be discussing the themes and symbols in Sylvia Plath's first and only novel "The Bell Jar." Stay tuned!
Disclaimer: In this episode, we will be discussing difficult subjects like depression and suicide. If these topics are disturbing, please consider not listening to this episode and prioritizing your mental health. Please know that you are not alone in this.
Resources:
https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/suicide-resource-guide#Crisis-hotlines
2021-08-1131 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 13: Olivia Rodrigo's Album "SOUR"An album review of Olivia Rodrigo's debut "SOUR" (which we love). Stay tuned!
2021-06-1730 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 12: Is America (and the World) Obsessed with Censorship? Ridiculous Book Bans, Part 2In this episode, we discuss banned book in the US and other places around the world, the reasons why they were banned, and our own personal impressions about the merit these books hold.
Disclaimer: There are spoilers in this episode about several different works, and sensitive topics are being discussed. Here are the time stamps and warnings in regards to each work. Listener discretion is advised.
1) "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell, 1:24 - 9:58 (Warning: Discussions of derogatory language)
2) "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Witman, 9:59 - 13:34
3) "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 13:35 - 20:54
4) "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, 20:55 - 2...
2021-05-2828 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 11: WAR IS PEACE. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH, An Analysis of "1984"Welcome to Season 2 of the Shelf Awareness Podcast! In this episode, we will be analyzing one of our favorite books, "1984" by George Orwell. In our analysis, we talk about the dystopian world created by the mysterious, totalitarian leader Big Brother and how the trends narrated in this book closely paralleled actual totalitarian, communist societies in the late 20th century.
2021-04-1729 min2021-03-1607 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 10: International Women's Day SpecialIn the Season 1 finale of Shelf Awareness, we will be analyzing two poems called "Little Red Cap" and "Success is counted sweetest" by Carol Ann Duffy and Emily Dickinson respectively. Happy International Women's Day!
2021-03-0823 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 9: Movie Review of Greta Gerwig's 2019 "Little Women"In this episode, we conduct a (fun) analysis of Greta Gerwig's 2019 film "Little Women," starring Saoirse Ronan, Timothee Chalamet (*gushes*), Emma Watson, and more. We discuss the aspiration of the characters, critique the film, talk about its themes, and more. Stay tuned for some valuable shelf awareness!
2021-02-2023 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 8: Our Most Hated Works of LiteratureIn this episode, we will be discussing two works of literature (a novel and play) that we, personally, despise and the reasons that we dislike them. Those works are "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger and "Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett. Stay tuned for some valuable shelf awareness!
2021-01-1125 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 7: Who is Arnold Friend from "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?"In this episode, we fangirl over Joyce Carol Oates and we offer our interpretations of Arnold Friend, a sinister, devilish character from the short story "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" Stay tuned for some valuable shelf awareness.
Disclaimer: We will be discussing difficult topics like sexual assault. If these subjects bother you, we suggest you not listen to this episode. Listener discretion is advised.
2020-12-1628 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 6: Ophelia's Floral DemiseIn this episode, we conduct a very interesting analysis of the painting "Ophelia" by British artist Sir John Everett Millais. We analyze it by looking at the composition, symbols, and themes regarding Ophelia's subliminal role in the play "Hamlet" and question whether she really goes insane (or if her death had a real purpose). Stay tuned for some valuable shelf awareness!
2020-11-2722 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 5: "Tell-Tale Heart" and Gothic LiteratureIn our (belated) spooky season episode, we discuss Edgar Allan Poe's short story "Tell-Tale Heart." Expect a (chaotic) and interesting analysis of the themes of this very suspenseful short story, along with some jump scares (sort of). Stay tuned!
2020-11-0622 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 4: "Mirror" and Women's Self-PerceptionsIn this episode, we take a line-by-line look at the poem "Mirror" by Sylvia Plath. We cover female worship of appearance and its effect on women's psyche. Stay tuned for some valuable "shelf" awareness!
2020-10-1825 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 3: The Moral Corruption of Characters in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"In this episode, we conduct an analysis of the characters in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. We look at the moral degeneration of Dorian's soul and how his malleable innocence was corrupted by hedonism and self-worship. Stay tuned for some valuable "shelf" awareness!
2020-10-1021 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 2: Is America Obsessed with Censorship? Ridiculous Book Bans and More.In this episode, we discuss banned books in the US, the reasons why they were banned, and our own personal impressions and opinions about the merit these books hold.
Disclaimer: There are spoilers in this episode about certain books, so here are the timestamps for each discussion:
1) "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck (01:46-10:06)
2) "James and the Giant Peach" by Roald Dahl (10:06-13:14)
3) "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald (13:14-17:39)
4) "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley (17:39-22:19)
2020-09-2622 minShelf AwarenessEpisode 1: "The Yellow Wallpaper"In our pilot episode, we discuss "The Yellow Wallpaper", a short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. We will discuss women's mental health taboos and domestic treatments in the 19th century. Tune in to gain some valuable "shelf" awareness.
2020-09-1724 min