There are only a handful of podcasts that I really enjoy listening to with regularity. A few lifestyle authors I like such as Emily P Freeman, and Kendra Adachi, who speak to the trials and tribulations of where I am in my life regularly make my list. I thoroughly enjoyed The West Wing Weekly with Hrishikesh Hirway and Josh Malina. Alan Alda is one of my favorite human beings in the entire world and so I dip in and out of his podcast Clear and Vivid.
In 2023 I discovered a podcast that I quickly became obsessed with. There was no dipping in and out. I listened to this in the car whenever I could, at work whenever the task at hand permitted, and in the kitchen while making supper, which is usually where I get my Law and Order SVU fix on.
Novel Pairings is a podcast by Sara Hildreth and Chelsey F. In their own words it is “a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun.” Both High School English teachers, they definitely scratch that English major itch I left behind in college.
The podcast has been around for a couple of years, and has definitely changed from their original content. I enjoy their new shows, and their archive, which is great, because I have plenty of episodes to be getting through.
Their podcast takes several different formats. My favorite kind of episode is where they discuss a single book. They will take one classic book, discuss it at length, and then share some recommendations for more contemporary reads. Occasionally they will have a guest, who has a passion for the book in question. It’s a very “if you like this then try that” approach, but whilst figuring out how to bridge the gap between a love of classic literature and more modern reads. It also works in reverse, as they occasionally connect a current read that I have loved, to something classic that I haven’t read before.
As two nerdy bookworms, we appreciate the role of classic lit, 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.
Because a weekly read of a classic novel is a big ask, and because this podcast started during the pandemic, the podcast has evolved in many ways and they now do several kinds of themed episodes.
They will do publishing summary episodes. In these episodes they talk about upcoming new releases, or at the end of the year, their favorite new releases of a particular year. They will include highly anticipated books from well known authors, but also any titles they find intriguing from smaller presses. These summary episodes will include a variety of other assorted fiction and non-fiction that they love and think the listeners will love. And as always, each title they preview is paired with a book from the “backlist”, giving you the option to explore additional books while waiting for publication dates or library holds to come in.
Episodes are also available as part of their Short Story Club, which is exactly what it says. They will focus on a particular short story, providing context and deeper analysis than there is time for with a novel. Because the stories are short, these episodes are inevitably full of spoilers, but on the flip side, being short means they are easy to obtain and read prior to listening to the episode.
Being High School English Teachers, they also release a smattering of episodes that focus a little more on theory to help you enjoy the deep dives more. They have done a modern reader’s guide to historical fiction, a guide to what is public scholarship, and an episode on how to find literary allusions among many others. These episodes really tickle the English major in me, and help remind me of things once learned, and introduce me to new or updated concepts.
As this is a podcast by two people who wholeheartedly love the written word, they don’t limit themselves to their own structures, and so there are also a whole host of one off episodes in which they might discuss the legacy of The Odyssey, or books that fly under the radar, or even how to pair your favorite period drama with a selection of books or new period dramas! Aside from the singular focus on one novel, these episodes are amongst my favorites, partly because the randomness appeals to me, but partly because you can really hear the joy in their voices when they talk about something that allows them to be a little more “off script.”
The pairings bring their own loves and interests into the selections, but they are not shy about discussing their dislikes. They will pair with something that they did not like, because it is a good connection even if the book itself was not their cup of tea. They have hosted entire episodes on books they don’t like, most notably Little Women, and will bring in guest hosts to add the perspective of someone who likes a book that they didn’t.
Month by month they will post what is coming up so that you can get up to date on the reading if you want to read along with the posts. I do find that I get more enjoyment out of episodes where I am familiar with the text.
Currently there are 142 episodes available wherever you listen to your podcasts, but there is also a thriving Patreon community with bonus conversations, episodes, and chat groups. They have three tiers of sponsorship each with extra content and the top tier gives you access to add your input on the upcoming book selections. Joining Patreon will give you access to nearly double the content available on the regular podcast.
I am several months into this community now, still not tiring of their content, still working through the back catalog. I am finding that it is rekindling in me that part of my love of reading that was so vibrant in my teen years and twenties. Consumption and contemplation in perfect harmony. Listening to this podcast has enhanced for me what was already a vibrant reading life, and each time I tune in, I feel transported to a living room or coffee shop, and it truly feels like I am chatting with these ladies. I am excited for the upcoming season.
I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! – Jane Austen
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