Shows
The Reader and the WriterWar and Peace | Part 4 - April ReadingHello! Welcome to April’s reading of War & Peace. In this episode, Shari and Rhea do a deep dive in the contrasts and companionships continuing to form in W&P. They spend considerable time talking about Pierre and Andrei: their arguments about what matters, their individual directions and efforts, their loves, lusts, and greatest desires. They discuss Andrei’s turn toward life after his strange and shocking encounters with beauty. They wonder why Pierre can’t be happy despite walking diligently in his Freemasonry faith. They discuss what Tolstoy is doing with Rostov and Denisov’s story, namely...2025-05-091h 16
The Reader and the WriterOdyssey | Part 4Welcome to this final episode of Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson. In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss their deep love of Odysseus and Penelope’s reunion, and their utter confusion with Book 24—why it felt random, rushed, unnecessary, etc. They talked about where the climax was, and what the story is ultimately about. They talk about story telling as the collective love language of the ancient classical world. This led to a lengthy discussion wondering what our collective love language is: Do we have one? If not, why not? Which led to a discussion about coming home, the prob...2025-04-291h 05
The Reader and the WriterOdyssey | Part 3Welcome back to the Odyssey! In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss the host-guest relationships that truly are driving the story forward at this point. They wonder why Odysseus disguises himself rather than just come home and kick everyone out. They discuss the role of fate in the story and why they keep reading if they know how it all turns out in the end. But the thing they talk about the most, is why the heck they don’t like Odysseus, the hero of the story. Is it Wilson’s translation? Or the very definition of “hero” in the clas...2025-04-231h 04
The Reader and the WriterOdyssey | Part 2Welcome to Part 2 of R&W’s discussion of The Odyssey.In this episode Rhea and Shari discuss just how complicated of a man Odysseus is. They discuss the real flavor they get of the story being originally told orally, the way it reads much like The Arabian Nights: stories within stories within stories. They also discuss all the spin offs and stories The Odyssey rhymes with and has inspired in the centuries since. They discuss Odysseus’s failure to be a good guest in multiple settings, and the ways he is responsible for his own...2025-04-1557 min
The Reader and the WriterOdyssey | Part 1Welcome to our first episode of Homer’s The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson. In this episode, Shari and Rhea take a deep dive into the history of The Odyssey and Homer… or is it Homers? They also spend a LOT of time talking about metric verse, how it was originally written in the Greek (dactylic hexameter) and how Wilson translated it into iambic pentameter. We also talk about what the heck all that means. They discuss the opening of the story, Odysseus as a “complicated man” and the importance of hospitality to this entire story.In case you...2025-04-081h 08
The Reader and the WriterWar and Peace | Episode 3-March ReadingWelcome to March’s reading of War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy. Things are heating up in 1806 Russia. Rhea and Shari have lots to discuss. They talk about the sad—and predictable—outcome at Austerlitz, Andrei’s injury and the ways it’s changed him… and ways it has not. They discuss Pierre’s sad situation: his bizarre dual with Dolokhov, and this newest way he’s come “under the influence” of a force greater than himself. Of course they talk about Dolokhov and Sonya, Denisov and Natasha, and how some characters seem to be maturing while others are regressing as they a...2025-04-041h 17
The Reader and the WriterPachinko Bonus: On Screen AdaptationsIn this bonus episode of Pachinko, Shari and Rhea share their thoughts—in broad and generous strokes—on Apple TV’s film adaption of Pachinko. In order to not give spoilers, they spend most their time talking about screen adaptations in general, focusing on how trying to compare books to their movie (or TV show) counterparts is really futile, if your purpose is to judge whether one is better than the other. It is, as the cliche goes: like comparing apples to oranges. Both are a medium of storytelling… but that’s about it. Articles referenced in this episo...2025-04-0149 min
The Reader and the WriterPachinko | Part 5Welcome back to this final episode of R&W’s deep read of Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss the way Lee brought her multigenerational tale to a beautiful close. They discuss motherhood, the grace of hearing hard truths, grace in death, grace in forgiveness, grace in suffering, grace in everything. They discuss the way Lee reveals everything in the end through a redemptive lens that is filled with hope for both today and for eternity. They talk about endings, the story’s climax, meaning and its final word. They continue to lament Noa...2025-03-2558 min
The Reader and the WriterPachinko | Part 4Welcome back to R&W’s deep read of Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. In this episode, Shari and Rhea spend most of their discussion lamenting Noa. Oh, Noa. Noa!! How could you! The pain. The agony. The heartache.But there is more to cover. They discuss Mozasu’s life, Solomon’s growing up as a Korean-Japanese, Hansu’s cracking demeanor, Haruki’s strange chapters, and everyone’s deep suffering. They discuss major themes they see continuing to develop, especially: home, fate, suffering, and—a new one—curses. They also discuss the interrelatedness of all these things and how they sha...2025-03-181h 04
The Reader and the WriterPachinko | Part 3Welcome back for Part Three of Pachinko. In this episode, Rhea and Shari connect some of their stand out quotes with major themes they see developing through the novel: suffering, love, fate, and home. They go back to the quote from Book II and continue to discuss how they see the quote being brought forth through the tensions between characters and their relationships with one another and their place. They discuss the characters and how they are developing through this part of the novel. And, they talk about how this novel is “teaching us to read it.” (A quote from...2025-03-111h 03
The Reader and the WriterWar and Peace | Episode 2Welcome to this second episode of War and Peace, R&W’s year long read. In this episode, Shari and Rhea talk and wonder about a whole host of topics. They talk about the scenes that stand out to them: Vasili’s cunning and manipulating, Old Bolkonsky’s gruff love, Nikolai’s obsession with the emperor, and Andrei’s Toulon. They do a deep dive in all study of contrasts Tolstoy is developing: Andrei - Nikolai; Vasili Kuragin - Old Bolkonsky (fathers); Pierre’s match to Hélène - Marya’s (un)match to Anatole; Scön Grabern - Austerlitz; and...2025-03-071h 24
The Reader and the WriterPachinko | Part 2Welcome back to the R&W deep read of Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss how the story is developing, and how their view of the characters is developing, too. They continue their ongoing discussion of how the opening quotes (the one by Dickens in Book I, and Park Wan-suh in Book II) are being enfleshed through the story telling for each section of the story. They discuss the “cinematic” feel of the story at times. They talk about what it means to “conjure” home. They discuss the heartbreak they felt reading this section...2025-03-041h 02
The Reader and the WriterPachinko | Part 1In this episode, Shari and Rhea dive into their new book, Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. They give some background on author, Min Jin Lee, and her motivations for writing Pachinko. They discuss the Korean Japanese conflict that is the backdrop for this generational Korean family drama. They discuss the significance of “beginnings” in this novel, as well as its almost-omniscient narrative style. They discuss characters and the variety of motives the characters are operating from: everything from personal honor to cultural standing, lust to Christian love. Links to websites, documentaries, and articles mentioned in this show:2025-02-251h 04
The Reader and the WriterCrossing The Mangrove | Part 3Welcome to this last episode on Crossing the Mangrove. In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss their thoughts on the ending: what surprised them, what annoyed them, whose narrative they were ultimately drawn toward, and what they think the story is really about. They talk about Xantippe’s character being an archtype of the first Adam, the role of “the Good” as Plato expresses it in The Republic and how the Good it is expressed throughout this CTM narrative. They spend much time talking about the women of this story, especially the two women at its heart: Vilma and Mira...2025-02-181h 03
The Reader and the WriterCrossing the Mangrove 2Welcome to Crossing the Mangrove, episode 2. In this episode, Shari and Rhea dig deeper into narration and what they think Condé’s primary concern is based on the narrative style of the story. They discuss what more they’ve learned about Francis Sancher, the characters, and the community of Rivere au Sel. They spend a long time talking about truth: small “t” truth v. “T” truth and how they see this playing out in the story. They talk about whose narrative they trust, whose they don't. And, they discuss Crossing the Mangrove’s unique narrative arc.Thanks for listening t...2025-02-1159 min
The Reader and the WriterWar & Peace 1: January ReadingWelcome to this first episode of The Reader & the Writer’s year long read: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. In this introductory episode, Shari and Rhea do a brief background of Tolstoy as it relates to his writing of W&P, talk narrative strategy with Tolstoy’s omniscient narrator—who likes to pop out from behind the curtain sometimes in the chapters from Part Two—as well as the theatrical style of the scenes and narration. They discuss the characters—oh the characters! And the families!! They talk about who they love and who they don’t, who they think w...2025-02-071h 30
The Reader and the WriterCrossing the Mangrove: Part 1Welcome to the first episode of Crossing the Mangrove, by Maryse Condé, where there is a whole host of characters, and one dead man at their center. In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss the author, Maryse Condé the unique setting of Guadeloupe, the diverse cast of characters, and the strange, mysterious death of Francis Sancher. They talk about narrative voice, this story’s ever shifting point of view, and how we think it affects the telling of the story—or if it’s too early to tell.Next episode they will be discussing the middle section of the b...2025-02-041h 01
The Reader and the WriterA repeat week: OAI - Screwtape LettersDue to unexpected travel for Shari, this week’s episode is a repeat of Shari and Rhea’s discussion of going to see a live stage production of The Screwtape Letters back in early December 2024.The Reader & the Writer will be back live next Tuesday, Feb 4th, with their first episode of Crossing the Mangrove. The episode schedule is:* Feb 4: pp 1-75* Feb 11: pp 76-151* Feb 18: 152-208 Also, look for our first War & Peace episode to drop the first week of February. Thanks for listening! I (Shari) can’...2025-01-2848 min
The Reader and the WriterThe Screwtape Letters 3Welcome to the third episode of The Screwtape Letters. In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss Screwtape’s last six letters. They continue their discussion of love and its antitheses. They discuss the tools they’ve recognized Screwtape employing in these final chapters, especially the weaponization of language. They also discuss Screwtape’s Toast at the end of the book, and what was happening in the world in 1959 to make C. S. Lewis bring Screwtape back out for an encore in an American publication. Finally, they discuss the power of Lewis’s chosen genre: the fictionalized epistolary narrative for conveyin...2025-01-2159 min
The Reader and the WriterScrewtape 2: Letters 13-24Welcome to this second episode of The Screwtape Letters. In this episode, Rhea and Shari continue their discussion of the loose narrative of the letters, the continued efforts of Screwtape and Wormwood to lure the Patient toward their “Father” and what is at the heart of this conflict—that is, love. This is where they center much of their discussion: what is love? What is it’s opposite? How is C. S. Lewis employing language, metaphor, and motif to help us understand the demon world’s utter confusion over God’s motives for acting as He does toward humans?Than...2025-01-1456 min
The Reader and the WriterThe Screwtape Letters 1: Letters 1-12Welcome to the R&W’s first deep read of 2025: The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. In this episode, Shari and Rhea go through some background for Lewis’s writing of Screwtape, and then dive into discussing Letters 1-12. They talk about the art of letter writing, hearing a one-sided conversation as a story, and discuss what kind of story Screwtape is, anyway. They discuss what narrative arc, if any, they see developing thus far, wonder who the main character might be, and set up some questions to consider as they continue to read. Here are link...2025-01-071h 07
The Reader and the WriterThe R&W 2024 Year in ReviewWelcome to R&W’s final episode of 2024! In this episode, Shari and Rhea ask one another a series of questions (not seen in advance) about the books they read, the podcast they’ve made, and their hopes for The Reader & the Writer in 2025 and beyond. They talk about which characters from their 2024 reads they’d invite to dinner, what settings they’d most like to visit, which books their most anticipating in 2025, and a whole lot more.If you like this episode, be sure to give R&W up to a 5-star review on your listening platform...2024-12-311h 03
The Reader and the WriterThe Big Draw Episode: 2025 Book Selection!It’s finally year. For months, Rhea and Shari have been working behind the scenes to decide how they will select their books for 2025. It’s been a lot of discussion, book lists, and finding the right hats—you have to listen to understand what this means—but they made it to the big day and through The Big Draw. Their final list spans centuries, cultures, and countries. They are pretty excited about it and hope you are, too.Note: After the episode, they made one change to the list, due to a mix up in country origin o...2024-12-241h 26
The Reader and the WriterBonus Episode: OAI-On The Screwtape LettersIn this bonus episode, Rhea and Shari share their recent experience seeing a live, stage adaptation of The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis. They also discuss some of Lewis’s opening remarks in the Preface to the 1961 Edition (found in the annotated edition), and how they saw these elements play out on stage.Links:* Fellowship for the Performing Arts* The Screwtape Letters Annotated Edition (This is the edition we will be reading from in January)Thanks for listening to The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode hit th...2024-12-1748 min
The Reader and the WriterA Christmas Carol: Part 2In this second and final episode of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Shari and Rhea discuss Staves 3-5. They talk about the sheer amount of food and feasting mentioned, the joy of the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the stern kindness of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. They talk about Scrooge’s restored imagination, and the weirdness of the children—Ignorance and Want—hiding in the Ghost of Christmas Present’s robes. And, a whole lot more. Thanks for listening to The Reader & the Writer! If you’ve loved reading A Christmas Carol, subscribe to our Substack pag...2024-12-101h 02
The Reader and the WriterA Christmas Carol: Part 1Welcome to our last book of the year: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This week Shari and Rhea discuss Staves 1-2 of this classic novella. They share background information on Dickens and his inspiration for the story. Shari praises the Muppets Christmas Carol as the best movie version ever. They discuss all the many motifs and metaphors that hint directly to the Great Story found in Scripture. And a whole lot more. Link for the Hillsdale College online course for A Christmas Carol.Next week they will discuss the rest of the story, Staves 3...2024-12-031h 03
The Reader and the WriterPersuasion Part 4This is the final episode for Persuasion, by Jane Austen. In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss some plot twists they weren’t expecting. They also discuss their final thoughts on particular characters, whether or not Anne Elliot has a flaw, what they think Austen is finally saying about persuasion, as well as other underlying themes of this story. And, of course, Wentworth’s letter, as being the most beautiful love letter ever written.The Reader & the Writer’s final book for 2024 will be A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. Shari and Rhea will take two weeks to dis...2024-11-2655 min
The Reader and the WriterPersuasion Part 3In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss the first half of Volume 2 of Persuasion. They continue to notice Austen’s character development, particularly as more characters come into the story in larger ways: Anne's father and sister, Elizabeth, Lady Russell, Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Elliot. They discuss Wentworth and Louisa’s easy break up and her whiplash-like attachment to Captain Benwick. And they delve into the issues surrounding women of that time, and what might be the equivalent concerns for women of our 21st Century time. Thank you so much for reading and wondering with us here on t...2024-11-1952 min
The Reader and the WriterPersuasion Part 2Welcome back to Persuasion. This week Rhea and Shari talk extensively about Anne’s character, what they think of the possibility of her not having a flaw, and what role the omniscient narrator may play in shaping their view of her. They also talk about the direction the story is taking, the purpose of other characters to the trajectory of the narrative, and the way the characters in this section behave as the 19th century version of Friends. Thanks for reading The Reader & the Writer! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and podcast episodes to yo...2024-11-1252 min
The Reader and the WriterPersuasion: Part 1Welcome to Persuasion by Jane Austen. In this episode, Shari and Rhea begin their four-part discussion of Austen’s last completed novel, published after her death. They do a brief biographical sketch of the author, then dive into the novel discussing the omniscient narrator, Persuasion’s main character, Anne Elliot, and whether it’s possible to be endeared to a character with no apparent flaw. We also discuss the virtues of patience, humility, and hope and how a willingness to suffer enlivens these three.Our reading schedule for Persuasion is:* Nov 5th: Chapters 1-7* No...2024-11-0554 min
The Reader and the WriterLincoln in the Bardo: Part 4This week is our last week with Lincoln in the Bardo. Rhea and Shari discuss our thoughts on the ending, themes of the story, and what we each have taken away from this time in the Bardo.Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode, hit the ❤️ button and share it with a friend.Thanks for visiting The Reader & the Writer! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and podcast episodes straight to your inbox. Get full...2024-10-2954 min
The Reader and the WriterLincoln in the Bardo: Part 3Welcome back to another episode of the Reader & the Writer! This week, Shari and Rhea continue their deep reading of Lincoln in the Bardo. They discuss the way this story—especially the place of the bardo—continues to open up to them in new ways, even this late in the story; same with the characters. They talk about continual development of the story’s themes as they discern them thus far, and ways they see the backdrop of the Civil War beginning to creep toward the front. Finally, they talk about how they, as readers, handle a story’s “truth” or...2024-10-2254 min
The Reader and the WriterLincoln in the Bardo: Part 2In this episode, Rhea and Shari continue their discussion of Lincoln in the Bardo. They discuss the ways: the characters are being enlivened, the plot is thickening, and their own understandings of the afterlife are shaping their “seeing” of the bardo.Thanks for listening to The Reader & the Writer! If you like this episode, hit the ❤️ button and share it with a friend.Thanks for reading The Reader & the Writer! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and podcasts straight to your inbox. Get full access to The R...2024-10-1551 min
The Reader and the WriterBonus Episode: Why We ReadOn this OAI bonus episode, Rhea and Shari discuss a chapter excerpt from Shannon Reed’s latest book, Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out. You can access a PDF of that chapter here.Reed, with much humor and humility, describes the first time she taught Lincoln in the Bardo to her Readings in Contemporary Fiction class at Pitt, and goes on to describe how what she thought would be a horrible experience has taught her one of the most important reasons why we read.Rhea and Shari ta...2024-10-1054 min
The Reader and the WriterLincoln in the Bardo Part 1This week Rhea and Shari begin their deep read of Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. It’s a weird one! But so worth the effort, as Rhea and Shari discuss in this first episode. They talk about Saunders’s unorthodox way of telling this story, how the novel reads almost like a play—but then again, doesn’t. They talk about the opportunities and limitations of this odd story-telling style, new ways they are discovering—or may yet discover—on how to participate with the story that other, more traditional narrating styles don’t offer, ghost personalities, and where they...2024-10-081h 00
The Reader and the WriterArabian Nights Part 4In this final episode of Arabian Nights Tales, Rhea and Shari discuss O. Henry’s short story, “A Madison Square Arabian Night.” They talk about all the ways this story conjures the Arabian Nights atmosphere through word play, character development, metaphor, mystery, and—inverted sentence structure…?? Rhea talks about how this story compares in style to O. Henry’s other short stories, and Shari forgets she’s ever read anything by O. Henry—to include one of his most well-known works (which she owns, even!): The Gift of the Magi. And, they end their discussion with a unexpected wading into sacramental...2024-10-0136 min
The Reader and the WriterArabian Nights: Part 3Rhea and Shari continue their deep reading of the Arabian Nights tales. In this episode they look closely at “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp,” a tale that comes to the Arabian Nights through the French tradition. They talk about the differences between the stories they’ve been reading v. this, first of the French tales they’ve explored, all the questions they have about the characters and their development (or lack thereof), the continual motifs running through the story, the development of the plot, what “beauty” is venerated in this story, the role of the jinni’s magic v. Aladdin acting...2024-09-241h 00
The Reader and the WriterArabian Nights: Part 2This week Rhea and Shari continue their exploration of Yasmine Seale’s new translation of The Annotated Arabian Nights. Their discussion focuses on the Three Women of Baghdad story. They talk about the crazy (R rated) beginning to the tale, the power and allure of the women over the men and the wild way the tables turn right at the end. Next week, they will be discussing the story: “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp."Their last episode on the Arabian Nights will be a discussion of O. Henry’s short story, “A Madison Square Arabian Nights.”...2024-09-171h 04
The Reader and the WriterArabian Nights: Part 1We’re spending the next several episodes exploring The Annotated Arabian Nights translated by Yasmine Seale, and edited by Paulo Lemos Horta. In this episode, we talk about the origin and history of the Arabian Nights, the tradition of Persian oral story telling, the merchant class, the difference between the Arabian Nights and European fairy tales, the frame tale of Shahrazad and her murdering husband, how relationships between men and women are expressed… and much, much more.Thanks for listening to The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode, hit the ❤️ button below. This post is publi...2024-09-101h 12
The Reader and the WriterEverything Sad is Untrue: Part 3This week on the R&W, Rhea and Shari bring their discussion of ESU to a close. They talk about the magic of Persian storytelling, shepherds, sheep, what the truest thing about a person is, and the one thing that is the truest thing of all.Our next book will be selections from The Annotated Arabian Nights, translated by Yasmine Seale. We’ll be discussing the Intro. - p. 158 on Sept. 10th.Thanks for reading The Reader & the Writer! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and podcast episodes straight to your inbox....2024-09-031h 11
The Reader and the WriterOAI: "Protesting the Decline of Reading"It’s a bonus episode on the R&W! For this OAI, Rhea and Shari discuss Joel J. Miller’s article, “Protesting the Decline of Reading,” published May 25, 2024, on his Substack, Miller’s Book Review. The article is about the decline of reading amongst college students and how it is effecting their ability to do complex thinking and expression of subject matters in both the classroom, and the culture. But it isn’t just college students, says Miller. It’s all of us. What’s happening? What can we do?This was a great article to discuss and think throug...2024-08-2956 min
The Reader and the WriterEverything Sad is Untrue: Part 2In this episode, Rhea and Shari continue their discussion of Everything Sad is Untrue, by Daniel Nayeri. They talk about food and poop, memories, hospitality, what makes us friends with Daniel now, whether or not writing poetry makes you brave, and whether we want a God who talks or a God who listens?Links: * Daniel and his mother baking* Everything Sad is Untrue Thanks for reading The Reader & the Writer! Subscribe for free to receive new podcasts and posts straight to your inbox. Get...2024-08-271h 00
The Reader and the WriterEverything Sad is Untrue: Part 1This week we begin a new book! Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri is astonishing, even from its opening pages. On this episode, Rhea and Shari talk about Daniel Nayeri the author and character in his own autobiographical novel that is also a memoir and also true… mostly. We talk about refugees, being good guests and good hosts, Schehrazade and her thousand tales, the coiling of stories, our slippery memories, time and storytelling, unreliable narrators, and more.We are taking three weeks to discuss this story. Next week we’ll discuss through p. 231; and the following week...2024-08-201h 18
The Reader and the WriterOccasional Article of Interest (O.A.I.)This week’s episode begins a new experiment on the Reader & the Writer, where Rhea and Shari discuss articles we find interesting on the topics we love. These are one-off episodes that we will intersperse between our regular episodes where we do careful, slow-ish readings of stories well told. For this first O.A.I (I can’t help it, I was a military wife for 14 years), we’re discussing a 2021 article written by James Wood for the New Yorker magazine, “Anthony Doerr’s Optimism Engine.” We’ll be discussing Wood’s critiques of Doerr’s Cloud Cuckoo Land, and w...2024-08-1350 min
The Reader and the WriterCloud Cuckoo Land: Part 4This week on The Reader & the Writer, Rhea and Shari bring their discussion of Cloud Cuckoo Land to a close. It is a long, winding conversation on everything from being human and part of the problem, the beauty of our broken lives, understanding that what we already have is almost always better than what we think we need, and—finally—the eternal beauty of pursuing the best kind of fool’s errand.Next week we will begin something new: occasional podcast episodes on articles we’re reading. These are one-off episodes where Rhea and I will be discussi...2024-08-061h 28
The Reader and the WriterCloud Cuckoo Land: Part 3This episode is all about captivity. Shari and Rhea discuss each of the characters’ movement into being held captive—in some cases literally, and always within themselves. We’d love to hear from you!* Email us at: readerandwriterpodcast@gmail.com* Follow us on Facebook: The Reader and the Writer* Subscribe to the podcast on Substack and these major platforms: Apple, Spotify, Google, AmazonThanks for reading The Reader & the Writer! Subscribe to receive new podcast episodes and posts to your inbox Ge...2024-07-301h 11
The Reader and the WriterCloud Cuckoo Land: Ch. 7-12We’re continuing our close reading of Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr, and, as Rhea says, it’s all about captivity. How are each of the characters being held in captivity—both outwardly and inwardly? What is holding them there? Is every idea they are held captive by bad? What about us? What are we being held captive by day in and day out? And what about poor Aethon? His story isn’t turning out as magical as he thought it would. Finally, Rhea and Shari discuss all the ways they see the characters’s stories begin to intersect...2024-07-231h 26
The Reader and the WriterCloud Cuckoo Land: Ch 1-7Hello Reader & Writer listeners! This week, Rhea and I are beginning a new book: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. In this episode we spend considerable time talking about Anthony Doerr and his “theory of everything” masterfully contained inside this book. We dive into the story’s strange structure: three time periods, five protagonists, and the magical myth of Aethon running throughout. We talk about quest stories. We fumble through the first seven chapters of the story, trying to make sense of each character’s situation and how each one rhymes with the others through simple repetitions and woven through...2024-07-161h 31
The Reader and the WriterNorth Woods: pp. 243 - endHere we are, at the final episode for North Woods. This was, by far, our favorite section of the story. Just when we thought it couldn’t be anymore of a delight to read, Mason pulls all the threads through in a most magisterial way. In this episode Shari and Rhea discuss the nature of mental illness (a motif that shows up throughout the story), mementos and their meanings, transcendence, constructs of time, and the liminal space between here and eternity. Shari gets her Hamilton quote in for the series, and we end with a C.S. Lewis quote fr...2024-07-021h 14
The Reader and the WriterNorth Woods: pp. 128-242We are in the middle of North Woods and things are getting wild. In this episode, Shari and Rhea spend a lot of time discussing the heart of the artist: the tension between vision and expectation, who one makes art for, and getting out of the way of what wants to be made. We also talk about confessing to the earth, all the ways Mason continues to bring this north woods alive for us: the wonder of these multiple points of view, images, “found texts;” the making and re-making of Eden, blights, diseases, “Harrow,” “Rupture,” and “Stitching.” And, of course, the lust...2024-06-251h 14
The Reader and the WriterNorth Woods: pp. 1-127This week Rhea and Shari begin North Woods by Daniel Mason. In this episode they discuss their first impressions of the story and give an overview of the characters and action in these beginning sections of the book. They talk about elegant writing, playfulness with prose, and the way Daniel Mason is masterful at creating movement and transcendence throughout the narrative. Of course, there are character transitions, p.o.v shifts, action, and the motifs they discuss as well: The Creation narrative, the Fall, and all that white space (!). Links to interviews, articles, and podcasts they discussed...2024-06-181h 14
The Reader and the WriterDavid Copperfield: Ch 43-64On this episode, Shari and Rhea wrap up their discussion of David Copperfield. They explore all the side stories and whether they were so much of “side stories” after all. They compare mother - child relationships, notice the many subtle—and not so subtle—Biblical connections, and recognize all the ways Dickens is plain old havin’ fun in this section: the theatrics, dramatic monologues, romanticism, stark contrasts of good and evil, and… the over-the-topness of Mr. Micawber’s speechifying. Oiy!! They also ask themselves who is the real hero of David’s story? And… do they still wonder if they made a mistak...2024-06-111h 27
The Reader and the WriterDavid Copperfield Ch. 23-42: Part 2On this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss lots of “big picture” topics they are recognizing as they read: deep dives into character comparisons between David Copperfield and Demon Copperhead; recurring imagery and how theses things are telling a story behind the story; developing themes; and… why we even bother to spend the time reading and writing stories at all. Oh, and a long and winding discussion on character foils! It’s getting real, dear listener!In our final episode of David Copperfield, we’ll be reading to the end. Look for this episode to drop June 11th. Also...2024-06-041h 29
The Reader and the WriterDavid Copperfield Ch. 23-42: Part 1Much is happening in this middle section of David Copperfield! So, we’ve decided to divide this middle section of the story into two parts. In Part 1 of this section, Rhea and Shari discuss the specifics of the story: development of characters, ways the story is coming into its own and separating itself from Demon Copperhead in our minds, and how much we’re enjoying the movement happening here. Music: Dawn by Ardie’s SonThanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Reader & the Writer to never miss an episode....2024-05-281h 12
The Reader and the WriterDavid Copperfield: Chapters 1-22Welcome back to our discussion of David Copperfield! In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss Chapters 1-22 of David Copperfield. They do a deep dive into the various characters that have been introduced so far and compare them (because they can’t help it) to their dopplegangers in Demon Copperhead. Beyond this, however, they discuss the peculiarities of the time and place of David Copperfield that make the characters behave and spend their days as they do. They discuss the roles of women and the wide variation of female characters in the story. And they discuss the writing trick Di...2024-05-141h 18
The Reader and the WriterDavid Copperfield - A Warm UpThis week Shari and Rhea begin reading David Copperfield. In this episode, they do a “warm up” to the reading; that is, an introduction to the time and place in which Dickens is writing. They share some of the more surprising struggles they’ve had while reading David Copperfield, and wonder if they’ve made a mistake in reading it back-to-back with Demon Copperhead. They talk about the difference between Regency and Victorian England, the messy emergence of England’s middle class, other British literature of the same era… but not exactly the same era, and how all this new understa...2024-04-301h 05
The Reader and the WriterDemon Copperhead & the Great StoryThis is our last episode on Demon Copperhead. Rhea and Shari talk about all that this story invited them--indeed, forced--them to consider in life: the difference between pity and compassion; how economic stability, or lack thereof, is directly connected to the dignity of the individual and a community; the evocation of Demon's character through his voice; the difference between focusing on problems v. solutions; and our God-given and ordained selves that are are made to love, and out of that love make new things.Thank you for reading The Reader & the Writer. This post is public...2024-04-2359 min
The Reader and the WriterDemon Copperhead: Ch 40-64In this episode of The Reader & the Writer, Rhea and Shari finish their close reading of Demon Copperhead. These are hard times for Demon, and they were difficult to read. Rhea and Shari will compare characters, discuss what causes the "wanting disease," and talk about that long dénouement and why it felt unusual to us both.Thank you for listening to The Reader & the Writer. This post is public so feel free to share it.Love what you’re hearing? Subscribe and receive episodes straight to your inbox....2024-04-161h 08
The Reader and the WriterDemon Copperhead: Ch 20-39Welcome back to The Reader & the Writer. On this episode, Rhea and Shari continue their close reading of Demon Copperhead. We call these Demon's "foster care - golden years", though not to be confused as being the same. Quite the opposite. We'll be discussing dignity, motives, and flying kites as offerings of thanksgiving.Thank you for reading The Reader & the Writer. This post is public so feel free to share it.Love what you’re hearing? Subscribe to receive episodes straight to your inbox. Get full ac...2024-04-091h 21
The Reader and the WriterA New Adventure: The Reader & the WriterWelcome to the Reader & the Writer! This is a new literary focus to the old Beauty & Arts podcast. On R&W, Rhea Forney and Shari Dragovich discuss excellent works of literature--both old and new--through close reading; and then examine how these works give witness to the Great Story, the one that finds as its opening, "In the beginning...." If you listened to their discussions of the the Narnia series on the B&A’s podcast, then you are well-acquainted with the style and format of The Reader & the Writer.In this first episode, Rhea & Shari re-introduce themselves an...2024-04-031h 13
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 21: Art of Letter Writing in Ephesians | Paul on RestorationIn this episode, Shari continues looking at Paul's letter to the Ephesians through the lens of a literary art form, looking specifically at Paul's emphasis of the restorative work of Christ in the life of his Gentile readers. She especially focuses on the repetition of language Paul uses, his continual weaving through of the Trinitarian reality, and ways he gives small tastes of big ideas (like "oneness" and "power") that he will more fully flesh out in the second half of his letter. Primary resource for this series: The ESV Literary Study...2023-11-0739 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 20: Art of Letter Writing--the Ephesians way of Trinitarian LoveIn this third episode of Ephesians as a letter writing art form, Shari looks at Paul's use of long sentences and exulting language to move his readers inward and upward into Trinitarian love and life.Intro and Exit music: "The Story of One Life," by Silence in the Streets Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-10-1739 min
SJL DailyOctober 17, 2023 1 Thessalon 5Shari Dragovich reflects on 1 Thessalon 52023-10-1607 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 19: The Art of Letter Writing with Ephesians: Overview of the LetterIn this episode, Shari offers reasons for why a literary reading of any book in the Bible ought be given a first priority, and addresses common fallacies associated with reading the Bible as literature. Then she gets into an overview of the letter to the Ephesians. She gives historic context to the letter, offers a picture of who the believers of Ephesus were, what Paul may have been motivated by near the end of his life, and how that shaped his letter. Finally, she offers a list of Paul's literary intentions for writing Ephesians, and explained...2023-10-0339 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 18: The Art of Letter Writing with Ephesians: A New SeriesWith this episode, Shari kicks off a new series: The Art of Letter Writing--a study of Ephesians through its literary style. Shari will give an intro to the the series, and answers the question, "Is letter writing an art form?" She also offers some tips for how to read Ephesians through a literary lens.Intro and exit music: The Story of One Life, by Silence in the Streets Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-09-2624 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 17: The Silver Chair Ch's 11-16. Enchantment & Redefining SuccessIn this final episode of The Silver Chair series, Shari and Rhea discuss what it means to reorient one's idea of success (more than life or death), the trap of enchantment, and living like a Christian even if it weren't true.For the Q&A episode, send your comment or questions to:shari@stjohnlutheran.orgOther books referenced in this series (episodes 15-17): The Truth and the Beauty, by Andrew Klavan Plato's Republic Luther's Small Catechism...2023-09-051h 06
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 16: The Silver Chair Ch's 6-10. What is the truth?In this episode, Shari and Rhea continue their close reading of The Silver Chair. They discuss the problem with distractions, how similar the Underworld is to purgatory, and the struggle of trying to discern the truth in a world full of deceptions. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-08-221h 02
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 15: The Silver Chair Ch's 1-5. Remember the SignsThis episode begins a three-part series on The Silver Chair. Shari teams up again with guest co-host, Rhea Forney for diving deep into Lewis's story of saving a prince, battling the powers of darkness, and critical importance of remembering the signs. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-08-1559 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 13: Horse and His Boy--the compelling case for doing Life TogetherIn this episode, Shari and guest co-host, Rhea Forney, continue their close reading of Horse and His Boy. In this episode, they discuss the importance of being in community, Aslan's strange behavior, and the image of Christ in the Hermit of the Southern March. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-07-1851 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 14: Horse and His Boy, Chapters 11-16Shari and Rhea finish their close reading of Horse and His Boy. They discuss the prominence of water, the silence surrounding Shasta's conversion, and Lewis's secret mercurial thread woven throughout the story. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-07-181h 00
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 12. Narnia 3.0. Horse and His Boy with guest co-host Rhea ForneyOn Episode 12, Shari invites Rhea Forney to engage in a close reading of the next book in our Narnia series: The Horse and His Boy. In this episode, Shari and Rhea will discuss the benefits of close reading, the idea of uncovering the "aboutness" of any story, and how identity keeps coming to the forefront in the first chapters of The Horse and His Boy. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-07-1152 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 11: Reepicheep the Renaissance MouseIn this episode, Shari discusses Reepicheep, the most valiant character of Narnia thus far. She talks about courage, the definition of true hope, and why Reepicheep is an honorable and worthy guide for us in these self-identity crisis times in which we live.Work Cited: Doris T. Myers, "The Compleat: Anglican, Spiritual Styles in the Chronicles of Narnia," Appendix Five of Paul Ford's book, Companion to Narnia The Bible, ESV, Matthew, GalatiansIntro and exit music: Dawn, by Ardie Son 2023-05-2331 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 10: What's up with all the dancing?In this episode, Shari discusses all the dancing in Prince Caspian. She goes through the five episodes of dancing in the story, reading some of those scenes from the book. Then she discusses why dancing plays such a prominent role in a story that is essentially about war, and how Lewis's medieval mind is at work again - this time from a medieval cosmology perspective.Resources:Planet Narnia by Michael WardCompanion to Narnia, Revised and Expanded by Paul FordIntro and Exit music by Ardie Son...2023-05-0134 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 9: Narnia Series 2.0 - Old and New Narnia & C. S. Lewis's Medieval MindWe're heading back to Narnia on the podcast. In this episode, Shari introduces Prince Caspian and discusses the difference between Old Narnia and New Narnia. She then takes a look at what C. S. Lewis may be up to in contrasting the two - in particular with regards to his love of the medieval mind.Article referenced: Louis Markos (2001), "Apologist for the Past: The Medieval Vision of C.S. Lewis's "Space Trilogy" and Chronicles of Narnia", MythloreBook referenced: C. S. Lewis (1964), The Discarded ImageMusic by Ardie Son, Dawn2023-04-2525 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 8: Lenten Series - Jonah and the Creation-Fall storiesOn this final episode in the Lenten series, Shari discusses how the story of Jonah is deeply connected to the narratives of Genesis 1-3; and suggests some big ideas we, as readers, might pick up on by reading the two stories side-by-side.Questions or Comments? Email: shari@stjohnlutheran.org Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-04-0425 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 7: Lenten Series - More on Jonah & SatireIn this episode, Shari dives deeper into the genre of satire, its history and its elements. She discusses the four elements of satire, and how these are expressed in Jonah's story. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-03-2128 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 6: Lenten Series - on Jonah & GenreOn this episode, Shari takes the long and winding road to discovering Jonah's genre, why it's hard to determine, and why it really does matter. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-03-0838 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 5: New Lenten Series - Art & Beauty of Storytelling in Jonah: IntroWith this episode, Shari begins a new podcast series: The Art & Beauty of Storytelling in Jonah. Join her in exploring the old biblical story of Jonah from a literary point-of-view; uncovering greater treasures tucked within this story so masterfully written.Notes: Intro and Exit Music: The Story of One Life by Aleksey ChistilinQuestions or comments? Email: shari@stjohnlutheran.org Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-02-2714 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 4 - Narnia Series. On Climax & ContrastsIn this episode, Shari finishes the first of the Beauty & the Arts, Narnia Series, with a discussion of the climax moment in Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. She also talks about how C.S. Lewis uses contrasts to make his big ideas come better alive to readers.You can find a Discussion Guide for LWW at stjohnlutheran.org; Under the Resources Tab. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-02-1426 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 3 - Narnia Series. Food & Eating: Acts of Communion in NarniaIn this third episode in the Beauty & the Arts' Narnia series, Shari discusses food and eating in Narnia, and what other meanings they might contain beyond - but not excluding - the act of eating, itself. Resources used in this podcast: Companion to Narnia by Paul Ford How to Read Like a Professor by Thomas FosterQuestions to ask when examining a food scene in a story (novel, short story, play, etc): Who all is sharing in the meal together? What is the meal being s...2023-02-0736 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 2: Narnia: Let's Talk About EdmundOn this episode, Shari dives into the wardrobe... from Edmund's point-of-viewTo have Shari send you a Discussion Guide for LWW, email her at: shari@stjohnlutheran.org Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2023-01-2420 min
The Reader and the WriterEpisode 1: Narnia: Allegory or Fantasy?In this episode, Shari will discuss the difference between allegory and fantasy, and why C.S. Lewis was so adamant that the Narnia Chronicles were one and not the other. She will also talk about Lewis' love for fairy story and why this was his chosen form in writing the Chronicles of Narnia.Resources used in this episode: Companion to Narnia, by Paul Ford C.S. Lewis Companion and Guide, by Walter Hooper Of Other Worlds, Essays and Stories, by C. S. Lewis Letters to Children, by C.S. Lewis...2023-01-1527 min
The Reader and the WriterIntroduction to Beauty & the ArtsIn this brief episode, Shari will give an overview of what listeners can expect when tuning into Beauty & the Arts. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe2022-12-3105 minSJL DailyDecember 19, 2022 Advent Week 4Shari Dragovich reflects on the theme of Love for Advent Week 4.2022-12-1608 minSJL DailyAdvent Week 3 December 12, 2022Shari Dragovich reflects on the third week of Advent2022-12-0809 minSJL DailyDecember 5, 2022 Advent Week 2Shari Dragovich reflects on Bethlehem and peace.2022-12-0209 minSJL DailyAdvent Week 1 Beauty & Arts MinistryShari Dragovich, Director of Beauty and Arts Ministry, provides the first of four weekly messages this Advent season.2022-11-2208 minSJL DailyOctober 25, 2022 Jeremiah 38-40Shari Dragovich reflects on Jeremiah 38-402022-10-2306 minSJL DailyOctober 21, 2022 Jeremiah 27-29Shari Dragovich reflects on Jeremiah 27-29.2022-10-1605 minSJL DailyOctober 10, 2022 Psalm 48Shari Dragovich reflects on Psalm 48.2022-10-1006 minSJL DailySeptember 26, 2022 Romans 12-13Shari Dragovich reflects on Romans 12-132022-09-2305 minSJL DailySeptember 14, 2022 Psalm 42Shari Dragovich reflects on Psalm 422022-09-1205 minSJL DailyAugust 30, 2022 2 Chronicles 24-26Shari Dragovich reflects on 2 Chronicles 24-262022-08-2804 minSJL DailyAugust 17, 2022 1 Chronicles 24-26Shari Dragovich reflects on 1 Chronicles 24-262022-08-1605 minSJL DailyAugust 10, 2022 Titus 1-3Shari Dragovich reflects on Titus 1-3.2022-08-0804 minSJL DailyAugust 2, 2022 Amos 4-7Shari Dragovich reflects on Amos 4-72022-07-2904 min
SJL DailyJune 16, 2022 Isaiah 36-38Shari Dragovich reflects on Isaiah 36-38.2022-06-1406 minSJL DailyJune 6, 2022 Isaiah 14-16Shari Dragovich reflects on Isaiah 14-162022-06-0506 minSJL DailyGenesis 23Shari Dragovich discusses Sarah's faithfulness through Genesis 23.2021-12-3103 minSJL DailyGenesis 2Shari Dragovich reads and reflects on the second chapter of Genesis, specifically the concept of "dwelling."2021-11-3005 min