A Well Read Life

I hope you're enjoying the early days of summer. Today, I'm sharing the delightful, heartwarming story of Hickory by Palmer Brown. It is a new-to-me book, but it has quickly become a well-loved classic in our home. 

Today, I'm tackling one of the most well-known and beloved fairy tales of all time in its original form, Beauty and the Beast. Written in the 18th century by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, much of the story will be familiar, but this version has many unexpected twists and turns. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by it. 

Once again, I'm continuing down the fairy tale rabbit hole. Today, I'm sharing about Snow White. It is a new-to-me version retold by the irreplaceable Joan Aiken, with lovely illustrations by Belinda Downes. And I credit it with changing my view of the story.

I'm out of town traveling this week and next--so look for a new episode the first week of April. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this beautiful weather and a good book!

Recently, I sat down and had a bookish conversation with Brittany Cuenin. Brittany is also a keen lover of children's literature and fairy tales, and when I found that out, I knew I had to have her on the show. I had so much fun talking with Brittany about all things fairy tales, and I hope you enjoy it as well. Brittany's Blog: Tales of a Bookworm

It's been a while since I've featured a fairy tale on the podcast, but I've wanted to do another series on them for some time. Recently, I've enjoyed re-immersing myself in the world of fairy stories, and I hope you'll join me on this adventure. Today, I'm starting with Hans Christian Anderson's beautiful fairy tale, The Nightingale.   Books mentioned in this episode: The Fairy Tales of Hans Chris...

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe have captured the hearts and imaginations of countless children (and adults). Most recently, Lewis's magical story has enthralled my daughter. Because of her love of the story, I re-read the beautiful classic and share it with you today.

Welcome back! It's been far too long since my last podcast. I'm so happy to be back with you in the new year. Today, I'm sharing a letter that my mom wrote years ago. A letter I've affectionately named Ode to a Used Book. Enjoy!

I'm starting the Advent season with a lovely book by Elizabeth Goudge, Sister of the Angels. It is a book that will delight and enchant you. And one which will cause you to contemplate this season of waiting more profoundly. Sister of the Angels- Girls Gone by Publishers

I am back after an unintended multi-month break. (Thank you for your patience in my absence.) Today, I'm sharing the children's classic Heidi by Johanna Spyri. It's a dear book. If you haven't read it, I hope you will soon.

Today, I'm welcoming back the wonderful Whitney Boroski to the podcast. Whitney joins me to discuss the Olive Ann Burns southern classic novel, Cold Sassy Tree. You won't want to miss the fun we have sharing this book!

Today, Mae Sullens joins me on the podcast. Mae is a bookseller at The Story Shop, a wonderful children's bookstore. In today's episode, Mae shares the joys of working at an independent bookstore and her favorite classic literature. It was a delightful conversation, and I can't wait for you to join in.

Today, I'm sharing the second part of my interview with Danny Delgado of Stick Man Reads. Danny and I discuss family book clubs and book recommendations for boys. It was such a fun conversation, and I can't wait to share it with you. Danny's Website Danny's YouTube Help the Fellas Out

Today I have Danny Delgado on the podcast. Danny is a self-described reading hypeman, and when you listen today, you will understand why. Danny's passion for reading and reading aloud is unparalleled, and we had so much fun talking all things books. Danny's website Danny's Youtube Help the Fellas Out Article Tips on How to Select Books to Read to Kids Article

You may be familiar with the story of the Von Trapp family from the 1960s musical The Sound of Music. Today I'm sharing about the book that inspired the movie, The Story of the Von Trapp Family Singers. It is a story of sacrifice, love, and beautiful music. I adore this book. I hope you will join me in reading it.  

Today I'm joined by my dear friend and kindred spirit, Olga Pyshnyak-Lawrence. Recently, I invited Olga to the podcast to talk about the first two books in the Anne of Green Gables series. We're both huge fans of the series and had so much fun revisiting the books together. Olga's Etsy Shop Olga's Blog Olga's Books: Out of the Wilderness: My Journey to the Land Called Heaven An Everyday Mama Finds...

Today my dear friend Kristyn Boyett joins me to discuss Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte's classic gothic novel. Kristyn loves the story of Jane Eyre (she reads it every year), and she has such beautiful insight into the story and characters. We discuss ways Jane's character and virtue can inspire us, our like (or dislike) of Mr. Rochester, and the infamous plot twist. It was a delightful conversation...

I am thrilled to welcome Rachel Atkinson back to the podcast. Today we're talking all things motherhood and reading. We talk about prioritizing what to read, the power of a good book club, and the bonding power of good books. We also share a few of our favorite books for fun. It was a delight, as always, to have Rachel join me, and I can't wait for you to listen.

Forbidden love. Family honor. Devotion to God. Temptation of the flesh. All are themes in H.F.M. Prescott's medieval epic, The Son of Dust. Join me today for the second conversation of this classic novel rife with the foibles of human nature.  

Forbidden love. Family honor. Devotion to God. Temptation of the flesh. All are themes in H.F.M. Prescott's medieval epic, The Son of Dust. Join me today for an introduction to this classic novel rife with the foibles of human nature.

Today my friend Julia Seymour joins me to continue the conversation on Far From the Madding Crowd. We discuss how our love of the story has grown with each reading, our mutual love of Gabriel Oak, and our newfound respect for Thomas Hardy's writing. My conversation with Julia was an absolute delight, and I can't wait to share it with you!   Bookshop.org affiliate link to books mentioned in the epi...

I've recently re-read one of my favorite books of the last twenty years, Far From the Madding Crowd. I have to admit that I started reading it with some trepidation. Would I love it as much this time as the last? I am happy to report that I loved it as much, if not more, on this reading. Join me as I introduce part one of this sweeping, tragic romantic classic. Bookshop.org affiliate link to today...

If you've listened to the podcast for a while, you know that Elizabeth Goudge is one of my favorite writers. Her writing is so peaceful and calming. So, you may not be surprised that I'm featuring one of her books again on the podcast. Today I have my friend Whitney Boroski on the podcast to talk about The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge. Whitney has some beautiful insight into this rich story, a...

Today I'm sharing another favorite read from 2022, Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy by Rumer Godden. Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy is the story of Lise Fanshawe, a former prostitute, Madame, and murderer. Lise enters the religious life of the Sisters of Bethany after being released from prison. Her life is a beautiful story of salvation and redemption.    Bookshop.org affiliate link: Five for Sorrow, T...

One of my favorite books that I read this past year was The Devil’s Advocate by Morris West. The Devil’s Advocate is the story of a dying priest sent to a rural Italian village to investigate a man for possible martyrdom and sainthood. What follows is a novel rife with mystery, intrigue, and the depths of human nature. Find me at- awellreadlife.com Affiliate link to Bookshop.org: The Devil's Advoc...