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Close Reads Podcast

Goldberry Studios
Summer Lightning
Things Fall Apart
The Warden
PG Wodehouse
A Canticle For Leibowitz
Anthony Trollope
Duty
Colonialism
Chinua Achebe
The Apartment
John Bold
Walter Miller
Billy Wilder
Victorian England
Igbo Culture
1960s Cinema
Romantic Comedy
Mr. Harding
Morality
Faith

Close Reads is a book-club podcast for the incurable reader co-hosted by David Kern, Heidi White, Sean Johnson, and occasionally Tim McIntosh. We read good books and talk about them. This is a show for amateurs in the best sense. This is not an experts show: we’re book lovers, book enthusiasts. Our goal is have empathetic and intelligent conversations about good books. Close Reads is produced by G... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes452Founded9 years ago
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Latest Episodes

As always, you had plenty of great questions about our current book and on this episode we did our best to answer a bunch of them. Thanks for tuning in to and participating in this series. Happy listening!

This is a public episode. If you'd like t... more

It’s a bit late, but better late than never, right? Apologies for the delay! The upload speeds weren’t great in the English countryside. All the same, we’ve come to the end of The Great Gatsby, which means it’s time to talk about some of the most mem... more

Welcome back to our series on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, in which we discuss his best novelistic skills, including his ability to deal in subtext while also creating mood. Plus: the way the book explores the dissonance between desire and reality, w... more

Welcome to a new series of episodes on another wonderful book. It’s our first re-read here on Close Reads and it’s timely, too, since The Great Gatsby just turned 100 years old! So join in as we discuss what’s made F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel last a ... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Greg Wilbur
Composer, conductor, and teacher with expertise on Johann Sebastian Bach
Episode: The Great Passion: Q&A Episode

Hosts

David Kern
Co-host of the Close Reads Podcast, emphasizing a love for literature and insightful analysis.
Heidi White
Co-host of the Close Reads Podcast and author, known for her thoughtful contributions to literary discussions.
Sean Johnson
Co-host of the Close Reads Podcast, engaging deeply with literature and providing unique insights.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1k ratings
  • As to many podcasts the team is just having a good time cheatchating. I have to stop at 12 minutes, so far Willa Cather is barely part of the conversation.

    Podcast Addict
    2
    abl
    a month ago
  • Hoping for better

    I love Tim and his LOVE of literature. However, It’s obvious David doesn’t read the books, which is insulting to the readers and listeners of this podcast. If you are hoping listeners learn how to read closely, I would think it’s important for the hosts to show that as they read. His treatment of Angelina in earlier episodes is alarming—how can you teach about virtue and not live it out in your daily lives?

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    LJLM21
    United States4 months ago
  • Close Reads is the best

    The hosts genuinely love literature and the universal themes within stories. I find their contextual knowledge to be extremely helpful and I really appreciate their personal insights as parents, educators, and seekers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ShannonYogabarn
    United States4 months ago
  • Would love a Heidi & Karen podcast

    Love Heidi (and guest Karen). They are very professional & thoughtful with their discussions. However, David’s “thinking outloud” rambling makes it hard to listen. His questions/thiughts feel unprepared, sometimes as if he hasn’t even read the material.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    KahlanN2095
    United States5 months ago
  • Beware when these folks don’t like a book

    I’m not sure this crowd can discuss a work of literature they don’t like. They come off pretty pretentious when they don’t. The Dickens episodes have been pretty off putting.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    2webb
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, listeners find the conversations thought-provoking and often share personal connections to the material discussed.
The podcast has been praised for its insightful literary analysis and casual style, making literature accessible and enjoyable.
Listeners appreciate the hosts' engaging discussions and their love for literature.
Some criticism mentions that the hosts can sometimes seem unprepared or overly critical of certain texts.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#72
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#183
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#164
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#38
Philippines/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#94
Philippines/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#112
China/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 4-6
Q: What do you think F. Scott Fitzgerald is best at in this book?
Fitzgerald excels in creating mood and subtext, effectively communicating complex emotional landscapes with minimal dialogue and heavy atmospheric tension.
Piranesi: Q&A Episode
Q: How does Matthew Rose Sorensen handle the trauma of discovering his former self?
There are interpretations that suggest Matthew's journey is psychologically compelling, but ultimately, the ending complicates the notion of healing and unity of self.
Piranesi: Q&A Episode
Q: Does the ending lack catharsis?
The hosts discuss whether the ending of the book is satisfying or lacks catharsis, suggesting that the catharsis might be intended to occur through the flood within the story.
O Pioneers!: Q&A Episode
Q: What is the significance of Amadei's death?
Amadei serves as a narrative device to propel Emile into a vulnerable emotional state, ultimately underscoring the larger themes of youthful passion and the fragility of life in a pioneer setting, leading to overall existential questions about love and loss.
O Pioneers!: Q&A Episode
Q: Is there a parallelism between the land and the relationship of Marie and Emile?
Yes, the untamed nature of the land reflects the rashness and uncontrolled passions of youth exemplified in Marie and Emile's relationship, suggesting that the characters' struggles are as entwined with their environment as they are with each other.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Close Reads Podcast

What is Close Reads Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A show dedicated to discussing literature, focusing on a variety of notable books, the hosts engage in thoughtful and often personal conversations about the texts they explore. From classic novels to contemporary fiction, episodes highlight deep dives into character motivations, themes, and the broader implications of narratives, combining literary analysis with reflections on the hosts' own reading experiences. The show's unique charm lies in its approachable and casual style, making it perfect for both avid readers and those looking to appreciate literature more deeply without the pressure of academic expertise.

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Which podcasts are similar to Close Reads Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Close Reads Podcast:

1. The Literary Life Podcast
2. The Daily Poem
3. Scholé Sisters: Camaraderie for Classical Homeschooling Mamas
4. The New Mason Jar with Cindy Rollins
5. Classical Stuff You Should Know

How many episodes of Close Reads Podcast are there?

Close Reads Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 452 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Close Reads Podcast?

Recent guests on Close Reads Podcast include:

1. Greg Wilbur

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