Shows
The Foxed PageFRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley >> Get this: FRANKENSTEIN is one of 10 books that have been taught in high schools basically forever. It's still taught--for very good reason.NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly explains why FRANKENSTEIN is more relevant than ever. Treat yourself to discussion of: Mary Shelley's insanely colorful life, elements of the gothic novel, what makes the prose so timeless, Percy Bysshe Shelley's role--and why we all need to hear the classic novel's CAUTIONARY TALE.
2025-10-281h 26The Foxed PageTHE BOOK OF BASKETBALL by Bill Simmons >> Sure, you might need to like basketball to love this lecture--but it's a good one!NO READING REQUIRED! NO SPOILERS! (lol)
Kimberly expected this to be some kind of sports encyclopedia--which, let's be honest, it is. But it's also a really compelling memoir! Simmons's prose, which she does subject to a (brief) close reading, allows fans to RELIVE and deepen iconic moments (some new to Kimberly) because of its narrative voice and structure, its selection of details and all those footnotes.
She does acknowledge that this is NO FEMINIST TREATISE. But she also understands that the book knows its audience and even succeeds with someone who's really NOT the intended...
2025-09-0129 minThe Foxed PageTHE SUMMER BOOK by Tove Jansson >> Sad that summer’s ending? Quick! Treat yourself to this slim masterpiece and listen in!If you’re even remotely sad that summer’s ending, if you have any feelings about the beauty of nature, if you have aging parents, if you think even occasionally about mortality (lol), you MUST read this book. It’s slim, gorgeous, funny, sad and a complete joy. Of all Kimberly’s recommendations, The Summer Book might be the one that's most universally loved. And honestly, Kimberly must say, this deep dive is some of her very best analysis. Tove Jansson is TOO GOOD to warrant anything less.
2025-08-281h 04The Foxed PageTHE BUCCANEERS by Edith Wharton and APPLETV >> Did you even know that the excellent, frothy AppleTV series is based on a classic?? Allow Kimberly to fill in juicy parts that only Wharton can supply!NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly is actually really NOT suggesting you read The Buccaneers. You SHOULD, though, read Wharton's The Age of Innocence or The House of Mirth. Her prose is engaging, gorgeous and so fun to read. Listen in to hear all about what happens with Nan and her men, with Laura Testvalley and Dick, with Honoria and Mabel and all the girls. Honestly, it's just such a treat to hear Wharton's writing. Indulge yourself now!
2025-08-2555 minThe Foxed PageTHE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODY by Muriel Spark >> Whether you've always loved Spark's sassy, ridiculously inventive prose or whether you're new to her, Kimberly will show you why she's truly a GENIUS.Ready to head back to school? DREADING back to school ? Allow Kimberly to make the most of this transition. Spark's masterpiece is brief but wow does it pack a punch. Her prose SEEMS simple but her original, sometimes startling syntax, the way she plays with time, and the unique structure of this work mean there's soooo much for Kimberly to dig in to.
2025-08-2156 minThe Foxed PagePEDRO PARAMO by Juan Rulfo >> Rulfo suggested you read his MASTERPIECE three times if you want to get it. Allow Kimberly to provide a short cut!This 1955 novella--it's slim, tricky and SO GOOD--is the bedrock of Mexican literature. Its complexities and virtuoso innovations make it particularly exciting to look at in depth. Kimberly breaks down key elements, explains the revolutionary aspects and helps you understand what the hell is going on. She likes to think she added something new to the conversation: arguing that Pedro Pàramo is NOT in fact magic realism. Listen in to see how you feel about her daring thesis, and end up feeling just a little smarter!
2025-08-131h 11The Foxed PageTHE MOBIUS BOOK by Catherine Lacey >> Whether you were wowed by this inventive fiction-memoir or a little disappointed, allow Kimberly to help you dig deeper into this original text.NO SPOILERS! Kimberly picked up this hybrid memoir-novel because she was intrigued by Lacey's inventiveness. Listen in to see which parts of the text met her high expectations and which might have fallen a bit short. And if you haven't thought through the difference between a mobius strip and the infinity symbol, Kimberly promises to add a little insight to your Mobius Book experience..
2025-07-3040 minThe Foxed PageSLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE by Kurt Vonnegut >> Everyone, honestly, should (re)read this book. It's dark, hilarious, impactful, moving, urgent, inventive and more. Allow Kimberly to show you why the it's so important and so good.There are SO MANY REASONS why so many people love this book. Allow Kimberly to help you see how Vonnegut's deceptively simple prose does so much heavy lifting. She dives deep into the book's structure, its sci-fi elements and its humor. She really wants to share her take on why this groundbreaking, post-modern classic is so much more than its postmodern peers. Listen in now for an immersion into one of Time's best 100 novels of the past 100 years.
2025-07-231h 00The Foxed PageTHE TRANSIT OF VENUS by Shirley Hazzard >> People. This is one of Kimberly's very most favorite books. Her most recent trip through it felt like a GIFT. Indulge yourself now!Hazzard's 1980 novel is one of the most gorgeous, most intricate, most rewarding, most RICH novels that Kimberly has ever read. Listen in to hear her explain how its nimble narrator, its figurative language and its singular, masterful structure--among many other elements--make it SO worth your while.
2025-07-131h 12The Foxed PageTHE ANTIDOTE by Karen Russell >> Did this ambitious novel leave you with any questions? Allow Kimberly to maybe supply some answers! (Or—ha!—maybe more questions!)Magic realism is an excellent way to articulate the inarticulable, to assert dissent, and to question order. Historical fiction is an amazing vehicle for examination of the past! Join Kimberly for a discussion of Russell’s novel in the context of Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, and even Mary Karr. You’ll come away with a better understanding of The Antidote, while gaining a broader sense of how TRUTH sometimes functions well in fiction and sometimes falls short.
2025-07-1140 minThe Foxed PageORBITAL by Samantha Harvey >> For whatever reason, Kimberly was reluctant to pick up this book. She is SO glad she did.Orbital is the kind of novel that could inspire hours and hours of conversation. Kimberly can't imagine a single person who feels like they apprehended the thing with just one read. If you're curious about how she pulled it off, how she uses language to describe the undescribable, or plenty of other aspects--indulge yourself in a more fulsome experience of this gorgeous Booker Prize winner now!
2025-06-241h 02The Foxed PageTHE HUSBANDS by Holly Gramazio >> You've heard Kimberly talk about how hard it is to write humor. Gramazio shows us how it's done!NO SPOILERS! With humor as a lens, Kimberly dives in to all the ways this bestseller functions so well. You'll learn how to think about humor more generally, while seeing all the ways that the best humor can really shape a novel. Join Kimberly for an exploration of one of the strongest elements of this smart, engaging surprisingly philosophical book!
2025-05-1654 minThe Foxed PageANNA KARENINA >> Intimidated??? DON'T be! Just let Kimberly tell you all the reasons these 1,000 pages are great.NO READING REQUIRED! Whether this doorstop is an old favorite--or something you NEVER plan to read--treat yourself to Kimberly's take on why this classic of all classics is worth your next 40 minutes!
2025-04-1039 minThe Foxed PagePLAYWORLD by Adam Ross >> Another look at sex writing and the age-gap relationship!Tune in for Kimberly's breakdown of how PLAYWORLD really succeeds--and the ways she sees it falling short. With its marketing materials really pushing its 36-year-old-woman/14-year-old-boy sexualized relationship, the novel provides a fascinating look at sex writing and how the Mrs.-Robinson trope manifests itself in 2025. Join Kimberly for this second of four lectures--the only novel of the four written by a man--which maybe shouldn't matter?? But also really might.
2025-03-2645 minThe Foxed PageINTERMEZZO by Sally Rooney (1 of 4 upcoming lectures on SEX and AGE-GAP RELATIONSHIPS!)With good sex writing, and TWO age-gap relationships, INTERMEZZO offers Kimberly all sorts of ways to think about female sexual desire. Listen in to hear what Kimberly LOVES about this latest Rooney, and where she thinks the novel fell SHORT.The first of a series of four lectures that will explore Adam Ross's PLAYWORLD, Annie Ernaux's THE YOUNG MAN and Kate Chopin's THE AWAKENING, Kimberly's deep dives will elucidate not only the novel at hand, but larger, timely questions about (older) women and sex.
2025-03-201h 09The Foxed PageTHE ONCE AND FUTURE KING by T. H. White >> NO READING REQUIRED! Lose yourself as Kimberly walks you through the genius of this CAMELOT CLASSIC. Need an escape? One that's smart, inventive and funny? Listen in!White published the four-part volume in 1938 and 1958--all in the shadow of WWII. If he only knew how well the chaos of that historical moment would mirror 2025! This 700-page novel is haunting, intelligent, absorbing and charming. NO NEED TO READ the book. Just treat yourself to Kimberly's wander through it now!
2025-03-121h 16The Foxed Page"Carpe Diem" from A MANUAL FOR CLEANING WOMEN by Lucia Berlin>> Join Kimberly for a SPECIAL look at one story by the master of the form!In this special lecture honoring a story from one of the BEST BOOKS OF THE CENTURY (according to the New York Times), Kimberly proves that it's FASCINATING to parse a five-and-a-half page story for almost an hour. In fact, there was a lot MORE she wanted to discuss. This deep dive, though, will give you an even better sense of just WHY Berlin's work is so so good.
2025-03-0454 minThe Foxed PageDON QUIJOTE de la MANCHA >> The most important book YOU DO NOT NEED TO READKimberly LOVES this classic of all classics--largely held as the first modern novel. Cervantes's 1605 masterpiece is not only colorful, hilarious, smart and unique but it includes all the elements that would go on to shape the modern novel. Let Kimberly tell you all about these crucial elements while giving you a good taste of the Spaniard's amazing prose. She also argues why this hour-long lecture might be all the Quijote you need! Listen in now!
2025-02-031h 05The Foxed PageGOOD MATERIAL by Dolly Alderton >> Witness my HOTTEST TAKE since starting the podcast. I loved Alderton's book so much I couldn't help but add some truly out-there conjecture.When The NY Times named Alderton's GOOD MATERIAL one of the best 10 books of 2024, Kimberly knew it was time to dig in. Listen as she deepens your understanding of the male narrative voice, the excellent figurative language, the supposed "double ending" and Alderton's CRUCIAL SUBVERSION of the marriage plot. Tune in to Kimberly's argument for why this (anti)-rom-com (?!) BELONGS in the company of literary heavyweights like Miranda July's ALL FOURS, Percival Everett's JAMES and Álvaro Enrigue's YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES. Finally, DO NOT MISS Kimberly's hottest of hot takes!
2025-01-171h 04The Foxed PageREPOST: Five-Minute Recommendation of James Joyce’s DUBLINERSKimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Dubliners. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2024-11-2506 minThe Foxed PageDUBLINERS by James Joyce >> It's time: Ireland's literary giant, with what *I* believe is his masterpiece. This NO-READING-REQUIRED lecture will help you appreciate Joyce--while making you feel just a little bit smarterKimberly focuses on creepy, haunting “An Encounter” before her deep dive into the keystone work, the subtle, sad, masterful “The Dead.” Find out how Joyce’s prose changed the face of literature, and how his portrayal of the Irish is actually a portrayal of EVERYONE.
2024-11-251h 36The Foxed PageREPOST: Five-Minute Recommendation for Anna Burns’s MILKMAN >> SAY NOTHING devotees, here's another AMAZING novel.Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Milkman. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2024-11-2306 minThe Foxed PageREPOST: 5-Minute Recommendation for Claire Keegan’s FOSTER >> Loving the tv series SAY NOTHING?? This masterful (very short) novel might be even more engrossing!Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Foster. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2024-11-2207 minThe Foxed PageONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE by Gabriel García Márquez >> Whether you're one of the millions who say this book is their favorite ever--or maybe you didn't quite get all the hype--let me try to convince you why it's massively important.Garcia Marquez changed literature with the 1967 publication of this surreal, ultra-popular, deeply engaging novel. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the context in which it was written, the way it fits into literary movements and why it's so groundbreaking. And if you're one of the people who couldn't keep all the generations of José Arcadios and Aurelianos straight, Kimberly will reveal a grad-school level secret that will help with this novel--and every challenging book you read.
2024-10-1453 minThe Foxed PagePRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen >> NO READING REQUIRED >> Dive into Jane's historical period--while seeing her as a true SATIRIST--to more FULLY appreciate her genius!Kimberly dips into the Regency Era--don't remember why it's called that? tune in!--then digs into Jane's use of irony and satire to appreciate why the work is so revolutionary, so deft and SO FUNNY.
2024-09-121h 02The Foxed PageLecture 71: THE PERFECT COUPLE!! The novel AND TV ADAPTATION! >> On Sept 5, Netflix will air what looks like an AMAZING, star-studded, darkly comic HIT! Listen in to why the NOVEL will translate so well to the small screen!Listen in to Kimberly explaining why Hilderbrand's dialogue, structuring, subplots and sense of place will make this show SO GOOD. With juicy details gleaned from lots of sleuthing, Kimberly will get you ready to watch on SEPTEMBER 5!
2024-09-021h 03The Foxed PageWHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak>> Let Kimberly reveal some very adult reasons why this "childhood" favorite has sold over 50M copies and remains a global household staple.NO READING REQUIRED! Turns out that everyone's favorite picture book is a psychologically complex, highly psychoanalytic, controversial TREASURE TROVE of literary and visual mastery. Listen in!**If you've never watched a lecture on the foxed page YouTube channel, this is a particularly good one, given the plethora of images that help elucidate the visual side of Sendak's genius.**
2024-08-291h 07The Foxed PageTHE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore >> Feel like you fully appreciated what makes this thriller so good? Kimberly wants to point out a few points when you might've been too engrossed to notice!NO SPOILERS! (Obviously. It's s thriller.) This novel was so well done that Kimberly couldn't wait to analyze all the reasons it works so well. The most fun, though, might have been picking out the exceptions that prove the rule: Liz Moore is so good!
2024-08-191h 08The Foxed PageGOODBYE, VITAMIN by Rachel Khong >> You've seen REAL AMERICANS on every bookstore front table lately? That's because Khong is SO GOOD. Listen in to hear what makes Khong's work so approachable, smart and deeply affecting.Kimberly loved GOODBYE, VITAMIN so much that she's elated to see Khong's latest getting so much attention. Until Kimberly works through her stack and gets to REAL AMERICANS, listen in to this 30-minute intro to Khong's bio, her prose, and all the ways that the opening page of GOODBYE will help you more fully appreciate her insanely great work.
2024-08-1533 minThe Foxed PageKimberly's TOP TEN books of the 21st century! >> The New York Times did NOT ask Kimberly for her top ten when they made their list, but here they are! Tune in to see how your favorites compare!It was VERY hard for Kimberly to decide on a top ten. So there are five runners-up. She assumed it would be impossible to RANK the top ten, but in a spur-of-the-moment decision, she attempts it. Tune in to see how your list compares!
2024-08-0526 minThe Foxed PageDEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver >> Have you read the NYT best of the century title #61?? Were you a reader who voted it NUMBER ONE on the readers' list? Listen in if you want to better understand WHY it's so good!NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Allow Kimberly to help you revel in this gem--all while increasing your appreciation by pointing out the echoes of Dickens's David Copperfield.
2024-08-0143 minThe Foxed PageLecture 65: FORTY-SIX of the New York Times's 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE CENTURY >> Have you read the same titles as Kimberly? Is she about to deeply offend you by panning your favorite?? Listen in to see!Kimberly zips through the 46 books she's read, giving a rating to every one. Check it OUT!
2024-07-2549 minThe Foxed PageMARTYR! (the ENDING) by Kave Akbar >> If you think you fully understood the nuance of Kaveh Akbar's (possible double) ending, you might be crazy.Allow Kimberly to point out the intricacies, the nuance, the FACTS of what Akbar is really saying at the end of his insanely great novel. Tune in to hear Kimberly argue a few sides of this coin. She follows Daniel Mendelsohn's advice to treat literature like a social science: look carefully at the DATA. If you're like all the folks on the internet who have real questions about this novel's close, you're in the right place.
2024-07-1154 minThe Foxed PageMARTYR! by Kaveh Akbar >> Anyone who thinks they've comprehended this masterpiece in one read is insane. Allow Kimberly to help you appreciate why it deserves extensive further thought!People. This is one of the most intense reading experiences Kimberly has had in ages. The book is so smart, so warm and funny and complicated, that Kimberly realized it deserves two lectures! This first one focuses on the narrative stance, the inventiveness, the humor and complicated compendium-like structure (and a possible small debt to David Foster Wallace). The SECOND lecture (coming soon) tackles the novel's insanely great, ambiguous, enigmatic ENDING.
2024-07-081h 22The Foxed PageLecture 62: Elin Hilderbrand's SWAN SONG >> Have an extra good time with the queen of the beach read's LAST NANTUCKET NOVEL.NO SPOILERS! What's summer without a good beach read? By the QUEEN of the beach read?? Kimberly was somewhat alarmed that Hilderbrand is "hanging up her bikini" but thank god we have 26 other Nantucket novels to choose from. People, Hilderbrand is SO GOOD at this stuff. Listen in to find out why her narrative stance, atmospheric elements and structure make these books so solid. (Also: Kimberly has just a few teeny quibbles). There's no such thing as "guilty pleasure" where Hilderbrand is concerned--she's just so good at this stuff!
2024-07-051h 10The Foxed PageNORTH WOODS by Daniel Mason >> Wow is this one worth revisiting.NO READING NECESSARY! Think of this talk as a primer that will ensure you won't miss any of the ZILLION REASONS why North Woods was on all those best-of-2023 lists. This novel is so engrossing and wide reaching. It's smart and rich and just plain fun to read. Listen as Kimberly points out aspects you do not want to miss. Already read it? You'll love this even more!
2024-06-071h 24The Foxed PageTHE PASSENGER and STELLA MARIS by Cormac McCarthy >> Buckle up, readers. I'm finally indulging myself (and YOU) in an extra-deep dive on one of my favorite writers of all time.Tune in for close readings that illuminate why McCarthy's prose is so gorgeous, why his influences are key, and why Kimberly is so happy about him finally centering A WOMAN in these, his final texts.Plus! A literary PARLOR TRICK that definitively proves Kimberly's hot-take thesis about digression in The Passenger.
2024-05-241h 51The Foxed PageEAST OF EDEN by John Steinbeck >> Want to see Kimberly conjure John Steinbeck from the dead?? Ever wondered why so many people LOVE EAST OF EDEN? Allow Kimberly to explain why it deserves to be such a perennial favorite. NO RE-READING REQUIRED!NO RE-READING REQUIRED! PLUS!! SPECIAL GUEST STAR: JOHN STEINBECK!! Tune in to hear all the ways in which this 1952 classic surprised Kimberly. Its insanely great sense of place, its lessons in history, its denigration/elevation of women, its biblical underpinnings...Kimberly's list of its attributes could go on and on. Whether EAST OF EDEN is your favorite of all time, or whether you have only hazy ninth-grade memories of Lenny squeezing that bunny in OF MICE AND MEN--tune in to hear why Steinbeck really deserved that Nobel Prize.
2024-05-061h 02The Foxed PageLecture 38: R. F. Kuang's YELLOWFACEThis publishing industry thriller was SUCH GOOD grist for Kimberly's mill. Listen in to appreciate all the elements that made the novel an "instant" best seller. Its literary merit is almost as great as the important philosophical questions is raises. This book is sooooo good.
2024-05-031h 15The Foxed PageREPOST: Nancy Mitford’s THE PURSUIT OF LOVE>> Never read any Nancy Mitford?? Don't know about the six fabled Mitford sisters??!! Listen in to hear why you'll get so much out of this post-War gem!NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! This iconic novel from 1945 seems frothy and hilarious–and it is–but it's also a legitimate literary masterpiece. (Plus the BBC three-part tv series is sooooo good.) In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read the book, dip into Mitford’s fascinating biography, and dive into the opening of the work. (For parts 2 and 3 of the lecture, scroll down in the list of episodes.)
2024-04-2235 minThe Foxed PageREPOST: Dorothy Baker’s CASSANDRA AT THE WEDDING > Find out why literally NO ONE to whom Kimberly recommends this 1962 novel about identical 21-year-old twins in California is disappointed.Kimberly always describes Cassandra at the Wedding as a near-perfect novel. From Baker’s insanely great use of figurative language to nostalgia for the Berkeley and the Central Valley of the early 60s, to an incisive exploration of individuation in the case of identical twins–the novel is a huge crowd pleaser every time Kimberly teaches it. (NOTE: this lecture kind of assumes you've read (or are reading) the novel. There are likely references to spoilers. If you're trying to get a sense of the book, maybe check out the five-minute recommendation further down in the episode list!)
2024-04-011h 28The Foxed PageLecture 45: Jo Baker's LONGBOURN > Have you always wanted Downton Abbey in the form of a REALLY WELL WRITTEN novel?? PLUS JANE AUSTEN ELEMENTS??!! This is it, people!Listen in as Kimberly parses the many reasons why LONGBOURN is her favorite of all Austen adaptations. You'll end up with a much deeper understanding of why this insanely novel has it all.
2024-03-2952 minThe Foxed PageLecture 44: Melinda Taub's THE SCANDALOUS CONFESSIONS OF LYDIA BENNET, WITCH > Let Kimberly (and Taub) answer all the questions about Pride and Prejudice that you didn't even know you had!Ever wondered what the Bennet family BLACK SHEEP was actually up to? Wonder no more! Taub's juicy, witchy novel is so well done. Listen as Kimberly explains how Taub's witchy-ness is an important feminist statement! Even if you aren't a huge Jane Austen fan (Kimberly herself isn't completely rabid) Taub's work is so worth your while!
2024-03-2751 min
The Foxed PageREPOST: Judy Blume's ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET>> Seriously, who needs a reason to revisit this touchstone?? Find out why this classic is such a literary feat!Your 12-year-old self will come rushing right back–in the very best of ways! Kimberly digs in to the excellent prose, why MARGARET has never been out of print, and all the ways the novel is more about deep, engaging, questions than it is about periods.
2024-03-1545 minThe Foxed PageLecture 42: Rebecca Yarros's FOURTH WING>> Two burning questions: Why is so much fantasy set in the medieval era? and Why is so much written by mormon writers??Tune in to find out some answers to these fascinating questions. Also learn why Kimberly is skeptical of bestsellers--and why Yarros is doing so much so well!
2024-03-111h 30The Foxed PageLecture 40: POOR THINGS! Readers! AHHHHH!!! The movie streams today--and Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel (the source material) is SOOO GOOD! You MUST LISTEN TO THE PODCAST AND READ THIS BOOK!Kimberly read Gray's Scottish novel (because of the movie) and was BLOWN AWAY. Listen to why this brainy, unique, super-engaging ROMP is a must read--whether or not you love Emma, Yorgos, Willem, Mark and the gang.
2024-02-271h 23The Foxed PageREPOST: Sally Rooney's BEAUTIFUL WORLD WHERE ARE YOU >> Honestly? Kimberly did not love Conversations with Friends. She dove into this to figure out why Rooney left her a tad cold. She ended up with serious appreciation–while also discovering the thing!Description: Rooney is obviously part of Kimberly's Irish lit. obsession and after watching Paul Mescal in Normal People she needed to dig back in. The deep dive did into BEAUTIFUL WORLD not disappoint! Listen to hear all she discovered.
2024-02-231h 34The Foxed PageLecture 39: Virginia Woolf's LIBERTY (A Room of One's Own)NO READING REQUIRED! Did you read "A Room of One's Own" a million years ago and can't quite recall it? Did you NEVER read it?? Listen in as Kimberly gives you the highpoints--proving why Woolf's revolutionary essay collection from 1928 is more engaging now than ever.
2024-02-161h 02The Foxed PageREPOST: Gustave Flaubert's MADAME BOVARYListen in as Kimberly explains all the ways the novel changed literature forever. She explores realism, Flaubert’s revolutionary narrative stance and just what to make of wacky Emma–this REAL HOUSEWIFE from 1856.
2024-02-121h 35The Foxed PageLecture 37: Margaret Kennedy's THE FEASTKimberly's pretty convinced that THE FEAST is a perfect novel. Published in 1950, this rich, hilarious, dark page-turner concerns a group of guests at a Cornwall inn where everything is about to go TERRIBLY WRONG. Tune in to hear Kimberly elucidate Kennedy's incredible structure, narrative voice, use of intrigue and so much more.
2024-01-291h 20The Foxed PageLecture 36: Madeline Miller’s CIRCEDid you read CIRCE in 2018 when it was an instant #1 NYT bestseller? If not, Kimberly is SO jealous of the reading experience you have in store. This re-writing of the myth (you do NOT need to love mythology to love the book) is SO GOOD. If you've read it, Kimberly will remind you of how amazing it is--all while deepening your appreciation of Miller's absolute genius.
2024-01-191h 20The Foxed PageLecture 35: Madeline Miller's GALATEAGalatea MUST be your next book club pick. At just 50 pages, the book is essentially a short story. But it's sweeping and immediate and GORGEOUS. It is just so so good. Kimberly digs in to all the ways that Miller (author of the #1 best-selling CIRCE) re-envisions Ovid's (totally misogynist) myth. This book is a page-turning inspirational, super-smart gem. Treat yourself (and everyone else you know!) to a deep dive into this amazing work.
2024-01-161h 09The Foxed PageLecture 34: Gayl Jones's CorregidoraThis novel--published in 1975 when Jones was only 25--is a supremely important piece of literature. A full, complex and super-engaging look at Ursa Corregidora's experience of being a Black woman in the South, the novel is a must read that Kimberly LOVED exploring.
2024-01-151h 09The Foxed PageSO LATE IN THE DAY by Claire KeeganMORE CLAIRE KEEGAN! Kimberly dives deep into the title story of this new collection to further reveal Claire Keegan's GENIUS.
2024-01-081h 28The Foxed PageHow to Read 3: Why reading is NECESSARY NOT INDULGENT!NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly lays out a very persuasive argument for why reading is REALLY GOOD for you. Featuring wisdom from Virginia Woolf (and Maryanne Wolf), Jia Tolentino, Lydia Davis and Vladimir Nabokov, the lecture will give you all the rationale you need to read a LOT MORE THIS YEAR.
2024-01-0252 minThe Foxed PageLecture 32: Lessons in ChemistryBeaming in from her pantry, Kimberly explains why she wasn't drawn to this run-away bestseller--and why she ultimately found it so satisfying! If you loved the book, or the tv show, listen in to see WHY Lessons is actually a very solid literary achievement.
2023-12-111h 15The Foxed PageLecture 28: Like Water for Chocolate (now in English!)This gem from 1992 REALLY HOLDS UP. Allow Kimberly to remind you why this entertaining novel--built around a matriarchal, domestic romance during the Mexican Revolution--was such a bestseller. With a weird number of funny and PRACTICAL digressions, the lecture celebrates this part-soap-opera (think Jane the Virgin!), part-cookbook (try a recipe!), part-send-up and part-family-saga.
2023-11-091h 07The Foxed PageLecture 27: the foxed page EN ESPANOL: Como aqua para chocolateGet Kimberly's take on this early-90s classic while PRACTICING YOUR SPANISH! This soapopera-esque matriarchal saga set against the Mexican revolution really holds up. Listen in to find out why. ¡Ándate pues!
2023-11-0641 minThe Foxed PageDEADWOOD the TELEVISION SHOW; David Milch, Pete Dexter and SHAKESPEAREIn this PLATINUM AGE of television, Kimberly looks at the masterful language, the deft historical elements and the incredible Shakespearean airs of one of the best TV series of all time: David Milch's DEADWOOD.
2023-11-0150 minThe Foxed PageDEADWOOD by Pete Dexter (the novel):Kimberly hates to be self-aggrandizing but she honestly thinks this might be some of her VERY BEST WORK. Pete Dexter's DEADWOOD is an absolutely gorgeous, warm, violent and super-engaging book. If you loved it, listen now. Kimberly couldn't help but discuss some spoilers, so if you haven't read it, do that and come right back here. DEADWOOD is SO GOOD.
2023-10-281h 27The Foxed PageEnriched Read II: The Covenant of WaterNO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Kimberly breaks down the first dozen pages to reveal WHY this tome is such a hit. Explore Verghese's use of language, sense of place, narrative voice and incorporation of history--to see why you loved the book OR to see how you can GET MORE out of this epic.
2023-09-1854 minThe Foxed PageEpisode 11: Didion, Babitz . . . and Cline?Kimberly explores the similarities and profound differences between oft-compared literary GENIUSES Joan Didion and Eve Babitz . . . before digging in to why people keep lumping Emma Cline, and her new novel, in with these legends.
2023-09-051h 07The Foxed PageLecture 10: Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way to Think about AbortionKimberly breaks down the GENIUS in Gabrielle Blair's crucial book. Urgent and funny at times, the lecture also touches on Kimberly's own book. If you listen to one podcast here at the foxed page, MAKE IT THIS ONE.
2023-08-2842 minThe Foxed PageLecture 9: Vladimir Nabokov’s LolitaBuilding on Claire Dederer’s defense of this incredible novel, Kimberly walks you through this new way to think about the misunderstood classic. She delves into why the prose is so insanely great and wraps up with a look at the genius sleight-of-hand that makes the book not only deeply engaging but also important.
2023-08-2134 minThe Foxed PageLecture 7: Joan Didion’s The White Album Part 2In part two, Kimberly focuses on the titular essay, “The White Album.”
2023-08-0731 minThe Foxed PageLecture 6: Elena Ferrante’s The Lost Daughter Part 1Kimberly might not have loved Ferrante’s My Beautiful Friend, but she’s OBSESSED with The Lost Daughter. (Plus, the movie’s great.) In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read this creepy little gem, discuss names in the novel, and dive into the opening of the book.
2023-07-3131 minThe Foxed PageLecture 6: Elena Ferrante’s The Lost Daughter Part 2In part two, Kimberly analyzes the uncanny, strange feel of the novel, and the important pattern of proliferation of mothers, daughters and dolls.
2023-07-3127 minThe Foxed PageLecture 6: Elena Ferrante’s The Lost Daughter Part 3In part three, Kimberly digs into the depiction of maternity in the novel, and the close of the work.
2023-07-3134 minThe Foxed PageEnriched Read 1: Demon Copperhead, David Copperfield and DickensNo reading required! In this Dickens crash-course, Kimberly equips you to get even more out of Barbara Kingsolver’s incredible Demon Copperhead. Or to decide if you want to tackle this new bestseller! You’ll find out why Demon fits so well into a long literary tradition and why Kingsolver was SUCH a genius to choose this insanely effective scaffolding for her recent gem.
2023-07-2851 minThe Foxed PageLecture 5: Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love Part 2In part two, Kimberly discusses the peripheral, third-person (“sidekick”) narrator, Mitford’s world-class dialogue and the novel’s pacing.
2023-07-2428 minThe Foxed PageLecture 5: Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love Part 3In part three, Kimberly discusses the artful depiction of maternity, Mitford’s humor, the novel’s blend of comedy/tragedy and the close of the book.
2023-07-2441 minThe Foxed PageLecture 4: Rachel Khong’s Goodbye, Vitamin Part 3In part three, Kimberly explores the plot, motifs of memory, and the important inversion that makes the novel so moving
2023-07-1734 minThe Foxed PageLecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 1Some of you might be a little surprised at this title popping up here but tune in to find out how Hilderbrand’s serious talent means that this book rose to Kimberly’s very high standards. In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read the book, take a quick dip into Hilderbrand’s bio., and explore the opening pages.
2023-07-1125 minThe Foxed PageLecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 2In part two, Kimberly discusses narrative voice, the deftly crafted plot, Hilderbrand’s impressive range, and her use of music and intertexts.
2023-07-1130 minThe Foxed PageLecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 3In part three, Kimberly explores figurative language, the satisfying character arcs, a few quibbles, and the close of the novel.
2023-07-1133 minThe Foxed PageLecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 1Some of you might be a little surprised at this title popping up here but tune in to find out how Hilderbrand’s serious talent means that this book rose to Kimberly’s very high standards. In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read the book, take a quick dip into Hilderbrand’s bio., and explore the opening pages.
2023-07-1025 minThe Foxed PageLecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 2In part two, Kimberly discusses narrative voice, the deftly crafted plot, Hilderbrand’s impressive range, and her use of music and intertexts.
2023-07-1030 minThe Foxed PageLecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 3In part three, Kimberly explores figurative language, the satisfying character arcs, a few quibbles, and the close of the novel.
2023-07-1033 minThe Foxed PageFOSTER by Claire Keegan (part 3 of 3)In part three, Kimberly discusses the spare richness of the prose, figurative language, desire, and the close of the novel.
2023-07-0333 minThe Foxed PageFOSTER by Claire Keegan (part 2 of 3)In part two, Kimberly discusses structure, the deft dialogue, the unusual voice of Edna, and why the plot is so well done.
2023-07-0333 minThe Foxed PageLecture 1: Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart Part 3In the final part, Kimberly discusses the issues of race, the use of the Korean language, and the close of the novel.
2023-06-2631 minThe Foxed PageLecture 1: Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart Part 2In Part 2, Kimberly discusses the prose, the limits of memoir, structure, and figurative language.
2023-06-2641 minThe Foxed PageLecture 1: Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart Part 1You guys. You must tune in to find out why Zauner is worth all the hype. If you’re in the mood for a memoir, and you like cool people and excellent prose, join Kimberly to see why H-Mart is moving, engaging and frankly delicious.
2023-06-2632 minThe Foxed PageWelcome to the Foxed Page with Kimberly FordIf you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. The Foxed Page podcast is built around entertaining deep dives into the best books. You’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything . . . a little better. You can expect 3 part lecture series, 5-minute recommendations, talks on old favorites, and even some old episodes from the archives. So listen to The Foxed Page, with me, Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor, and Ph.D.
2023-06-2101 minThe Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Annie Ernaux’s The Years parts 1, 2 & 3A close analysis of the Nobel Prize winner’s masterpiece, the lecture delves deep into Ernaux’s prose, structure, use of popular culture and broad span. Kimberly explains why she thinks the Prize committee was apt in recognizing Ernaux’s “clinical acuity”–a term that doesn’t sound all that amazing, but really is. Listen in as Kimberly reveals how she decided to skim over some of the more abstruse French cultural references–but then COULDN’T! Because this prose is SO GOOD.
2023-06-201h 29The Foxed PageFrom The Archives: Jeannette Haiens' The All of It parts 1, 2 & 3This very brief novel is a STUNNER. It's moving, unique and absolutely fascinating. It's worth reading for the amazing structure alone! Join Kimberly to understand the masterful way that Haien aligns the reader with certain characters--and why that literary sleight of hand becomes so powerful. This is the juicy kind of lecture that will have you heading right back to re-read The All of It as soon as Kimberly's done.
2023-06-201h 35The Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Louise Erdrich's The Sentence parts 1, 2 & 3Kimberly has read a number of covid novels. She loved how Erdrich sets super-lovable characters and plenty of tension not only during the pandemic but in a Minneapolis that is rocked by the murder of George Floyd. Join Kimberly to see why Erdrich’s excellent prose makes this much more than a novel about a moment in time.
2023-06-201h 34The Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Annie Ernaux’s The Years parts 1, 2 & 3 A close analysis of the Nobel Prize winner’s masterpiece, the lecture delves deep into Ernaux’s prose, structure, use of popular culture and broad span. Kimberly explains why she thinks the Prize committee was apt in recognizing Ernaux’s “clinical acuity”–a term that doesn’t sound all that amazing, but really is. Listen in as Kimberly reveals how she decided to skim over some of the more abstruse French cultural references–but then COULDN’T! Because this prose is SO GOOD.
2023-06-191h 30The Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half parts 1, 2 & 3The Vanishing Half is a bestseller for all the right reasons. Kimberly explores Bennett’s rich and wide-reaching portrayal of race, family, homecoming and legacy–all while examining prose in ways that will make you a better reader.
2023-06-191h 44The Foxed PageFrom the Archives: James Joyce’s Dubliners parts 1, 2 & 3Kimberly argues why you should read the collection, before taking a deep dive into creepy, haunting “An Encounter” and the keystone work, James’s subtle and sad and masterful “The Dead.” She looks carefully at why Joyce’s prose changed the face of literature, and why his portrayal of the Irish is actually a portrayal of everyone.
2023-06-191h 37The Foxed PageFive-Minute Recommendation: Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and TomorrowKimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1906 minThe Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of LoveKimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The Pursuit of Love. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1905 minThe Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Jeanette Winterson and Jeanette Haien’s The All of ItKimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The All of It. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1905 minThe Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Eve Babitz’s Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, the Flesh, and L.A.Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, the Flesh, and L.A.. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1905 minThe Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of 69Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Summer of 69. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1909 minThe Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation of Gustave Flaubert’s Madame BovaryKimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Madame Bovary. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1907 minThe Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Annie Ernaux’s The Years.Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The Years. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1907 minThe Foxed PageFrom the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Jeannette Winterson’s FrankissteinKimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Frankisstein. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1907 minThe Foxed Page5-Minute Recommendation: Dorothy Baker’s CASSANDRA AT THE WEDDINGKimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Cassandra. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture!
2023-06-1907 minThe Foxed Page5-Minute Recommendation: Michelle Zauner’s CRYING IN H-MARTKimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into this memoir. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.
2023-06-1406 min