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Novel Pairings

Novel Pairings

Novel Pairings

Welcome to Novel Pairings, a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun. As two nerdy bookworms, we appreciate the role of classic lit, but we but we won’t get too academic about it. We’ll talk about the books we love and the books we loath, and help stock your TBR pile with old and new reads for every literary taste.
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Top 10 Novel Pairings Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Novel Pairings episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Novel Pairings for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Novel Pairings episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Welcome to Novel Pairings, a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun. In this welcome episode, Chelsey and Sara introduce themselves and the podcast format, and share exactly what they mean by "pairings."

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In this episode, we're discussing Jane Austen's final novel, Emma. We admit our love for Emma's sass and bossiness, debate her potentially problematic friendship with the orphan Harriet Smith, and swoon over Mr. Knightley. Plus we're offering six contemporary reads that perfectly pair with Austen's most memorable heroine.

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Reading The Custom of the Country this winter has felt like stepping into the most lush, dramatic, and marathon-worthy period piece–so today we’re sharing some of our favorite period dramas and pairing them with excellent books for cozy winter reading. We discuss the appeal of watching historical fiction versus reading it, the throughline from reading Dear America books to watching Downton Abbey as a comfort show, and the complex nature of colorblind casting. We hope you find a new, or old, TV series or novel to enjoy after listening to today’s episode.

PS: if you hear some odd background noises in this episode, just imagine little toddler feet stomping above Chelsey's head!

For more pairings, classes, and nerdy conversation join our Patreon community! Go to patreon.com/novelpairings to sign up today.

Don’t miss our FREE weekly newsletter at novelpairings.substack.com.

Shows Mentioned:

Downton Abbey

Poldark

Miss Scarlet and the Duke

Gentleman Jack

The Gilded Age

Bridgerton

Queen Charlotte

The Crown

Outlander

The Empress

The Great

The Good Lord Bird

The Underground Railroad

Reign

Books Mentioned:

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin

Longbourn by Jo Baker

Poldark series by Winston Graham

Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn

Knockout by Sarah Maclean

Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas

Sarah Waters

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

Fiona Davis

Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin

Jane Austen

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

The Countess by Sophie Jordan

Victoria by Daisy Godwin

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Shakespeare’s history plays

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton

James McBride

John Brown by W.E.B. DuBois

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

The Water Dancer by Ta Nehisi Coates

Royal Diaries series

My Lady Jane by Brodi Ashton, et al

Alison Weir

Philippa Gregory

Margaret George

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We’re excited to be back in your podcast feeds to pair highly anticipated fall book releases with beloved backlist favorites. Prepare to overload your TBR pile as we dive into an exciting fall publishing season filled with moody, atmospheric titles.

In today’s episode, we’ll share our carefully curated lists of outstanding upcoming fiction from both renowned authors and indie presses, along with a selection of diverse fiction and nonfiction we think you’ll enjoy, all paired with a backlist book to explore while you await your library holds and pre-orders.

Before diving into the books, we want to remind our community that Chelsey will be on maternity leave this fall. As a small (very small!) business, this requires significant planning and adjustments. To best manage our schedules while preserving the community we've created, we will take a short break from the main feed while focusing on providing fun, nerdy new content on Patreon at patreon.com/novelpairings.

We aim to return to the main feed in December or January with a special episode featuring the best books of 2024, along with a thrilling spring season. In the meantime, we will continue to offer bonus episodes, discussion-based classes, and book club events through our Patreon community. You can join us at either the $5 or $10 level, depending on your desired level of participation.

We are incredibly thankful for your support. Thank you for being with us!

Books Mentioned

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Guide Me Home by Attica Locke

The Headmaster by Tiffany Reisz

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia

The Professor by Charlotte Bronte

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout

Graveyard Shift by ML Rio

If We Were Villians by ML Rio

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osmond

The Wildes by Louis Bayard

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Jackie & Me by Louis Bayard

The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Don’t Be a Stranger by Susan Minot

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

All Fours by Miranda July

The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister

Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann

The Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Curdle Creek by Yvonnne Battle-Felton

Ours by Philip B. Williams

Lone Women by Victor Lavalle

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews

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What is the difference between literary historical fiction and “woman with her back turned on the cover” historical fiction? In today’s episode of Modern Readers, we’re discussing the literary landscape and rise in popularity of the historical fiction genre. We explore the definition of historical fiction, significant time periods, craft vs. plot, and “literariness” to understand whether a historical book is literary or a really entertaining read—or both! Plus, we share Novel Pairings episodes and book recommendations to pair with our nuanced conversation.

If you enjoyed today’s episode and want more conversations similar to this nerdy genre deep dive, you should check out our Patreon community where for just $5 a month, you can access weekly bonus episodes just like this one. At our $10 Literature Scholar level, patrons have access to classes and our virtual book club, where we’ll be discussing The Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat this month. To join, visit patreon.com/novelpairings.

For more updates from Novel Pairings, make sure to follow us over on our Instagram or subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter.

Timestamps

Recent Reads - 2:13

What is Historical Fiction? - 10:23

What makes a text Literary Historical Fiction? - 23:19

Novel Pairings Historical Fiction Episodes

The Remains of the Day (Episode 6)

Beloved by Toni Morrison (Episode 9)

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (Episode 98)

Books Mentioned

Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls

How Can I Help You by Laura Sims

Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson

The Fraud by Zadie Smith

Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel

Phillipa Gregory (try The Other Boleyn Girl)

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Atonement by Ian McEwan

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

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Novel Pairings - 87. Perfectly paired gifts for every bookworm
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11/16/21 • 46 min

Our penchant for pairings goes far beyond books and in today’s gift guide rerelease we’re offering a variety of suggestions for what to give the literary minded loved ones in your life. Each book and gift pairing is put together with a particular type of reader in mind to help you find the perfect holiday gift no matter who you’re shopping for this season.

Our Gift Guide: https://novelpairings.com/2020/11/10/35-a-2020-gift-guide-for-every-literary-taste/

For more bonus episodes, nerdy classes, and extra book talk, join our Classics Club: patreon.com/novelpairings.com.

Connect with us on Instagram or Twitter. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get updates and behind-the-scenes info.

Get two audiobooks for the price of one from Libro.fm. Use our Libro.fm affiliate code NOVELPAIRINGS and support independent bookstores.

Books mentioned:

Luster by Raven Leilani (9/1)

Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi (9/1)

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

Daddy by Emma Cline (9/1)

The Girls by Emma Cline

Florida by Lauren Groff

Sabrina & Corina by Kali Farjado-Anstine

Lot by Bryan Washington

Recommended for You by Laura Silverman (9/1)

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

By the Book by Amanda Sellet

Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam (9/1)

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Pride by Ibi Zoboi

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie (9/1)

Queenie by Candace Carty-Williams

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivers (9/1)

Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole (9/1)

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

Jack by Marilynne Robinson (9/15)

Lila by Marilynne Robinson

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson (9/15)

Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

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Novel Pairings - 150. Ten classic novels you should read this summer
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06/04/24 • 40 min

We’re taking it back to the classroom in today’s episode! Chelsey and Sara reflect on their experience with high school summer reading as both students and teachers: the good, the great, and the hot takes. While we aren’t assigning any reading in this episode, we are sharing 10 classics that would make for great summer reads at any age! For an enhanced reading experience, pair a past Novel Pairings episode with each of these classics to listen as you go.

Of course, our main summer reading recommendation is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, our BIG summer readalong hosted in Patreon with classes, bonus episodes, and special recaps to get the most out of this huge novel.

Novel Pairings operates on an academic calendar to keep our work sustainable. But like most teachers, just because we have summer “off” doesn’t mean we aren’t hard at work behind the scenes! This summer, we will take off from sharing new episodes on the main feed in July and August to devote more time and energy to planning for the year ahead, restoring our creativity, and strengthening our bond with Patreon community members.

If you are missing Novel Pairings in your podcast feed, we would love for you to join our community for extra nerdy summer fun.

Books Mentioned:

The Once and Future King by T.H. White

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

The Joyluck Club by Amy Tan

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Passing by Nella Larsen

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

James by Percival Everett

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

Novel Pairings Episodes

Episode 86: Palpable tension and shocking twists in Passing by Nella Larsen

Episode 136: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Episode 117: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Episode 114: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Episode 68: The Summer Book by Tove Jansson and contemplative books for moody summer reading

Episode 66: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende Part Two

Episode 64: The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende Part One

Episode 61: The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery, plus books about complicated families, romance, and boundaries

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Today, Chelsey and Sara discuss a melodramatic classroom staple: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. We relive our classroom experiences, investigate why this play is still taught, and dig into the iconic characters made famous by Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh in the 1951 film adaptation. Plus, as always, we offer six contemporary pairings that capture similar themes.

For more bonus episodes, nerdy classes, and extra book talk, join our Classics Club: patreon.com/novelpairings.com.

Connect with us on Instagram or Twitter. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get updates and behind-the-scenes info.

Get two audiobooks for the price of one from Libro.fm. Use our Libro.fm affiliate code NOVELPAIRINGS and support independent bookstores.

Skip to the pairings: [43:50]

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Books mentioned:

Thank you for supporting the show by shopping our affiliate links!

Chelsey

Sara

Picks of the Week:

You Must Remember This: On the Waterfront and Eliza Kazan

The Morgan Tennessee Williams Exhibit

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Novel Pairings - 134. Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat
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10/24/23 • 74 min

If a dark and twisty stream of consciousness narrative in translation sounds like an intriguing read, Blind Owl by Sadeq Hedayat is perfect for you. Penned by the forefather of the Modernist movement in Iranian literature, this surrealist story blends Western influences, Iranian folklore, and psychology. In today’s episode, we discuss key themes and questions raised by Hedayat’s text (so. many. questions). Today’s pairings include a contemporary Iranian work in translation, a Persian fairy tale retelling, and a polarizing love-it-or-hate-it novel that is perfect for group discussions.

If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would also love our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart, eclectic group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings.

Listeners can also stay in the loop with all things Novel Pairings by giving us a follow on Instagram and subscribing to our weekly newsletter on Substack. Thank you for supporting public scholarship!

Books Mentioned:

Girl Serpent Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

Disoriental by Negar Djavadi

The Queue by Basma Abdel Aziz

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

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On today’s Modern Readers episode, we’re placing “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift in context with pieces of contemporary political satire. We'll explore how satire is being used today to comment on politics and social issues, and the power, or limits, of its influence. Throughout our discussion, we discuss the lasting legacy of Swift’s essay, the rise of satirical media, and how satire is used as a rhetorical tool. Listen to the end for contemporary satirical examples in TV, online media, and comedy.

We’re also excited to announce our Summer Big Book Read Along: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. We’re looking forward to digging into this classic with you! This Big Book Read Along includes 5 recaps spread over June, July, and August, 3 book club meet ups to discuss along the way, an active Discord chat for support and motivation, classes and bonus content. The summer is a great time to join our scholarly community!

Find more details on our summer plans in our free Substack newsletter or head to patreon.com/novelpairings to join our community.

Books Mentioned:

A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

The Odyssey by Homer

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

Also Mentioned:

A Modern Proposal on Project Gutenberg

Little Women Musical

Jo Musical

A Point of View: What’s the point of satire?

The Onion

Saturday Night Live

The Daily Show

The Colbert Report

White Lotus

Abbott Elementary

Veep

The West Wing

John Oliver

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FAQ

How many episodes does Novel Pairings have?

Novel Pairings currently has 159 episodes available.

What topics does Novel Pairings cover?

The podcast is about Leisure, Hobbies, Podcasts, Books and Arts.

What is the most popular episode on Novel Pairings?

The episode title '1. Emma by Jane Austen and our favorite modern romantic heroines' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Novel Pairings?

The average episode length on Novel Pairings is 57 minutes.

How often are episodes of Novel Pairings released?

Episodes of Novel Pairings are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Novel Pairings?

The first episode of Novel Pairings was released on Mar 3, 2020.

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