The Brook Reading Podcast

This week on Brook Reading, I do a deep dive into the short story (and Netflix adaptation) of Stephen King's novella, Mr. Harrigan's Phone. Thank you so much for all the love and support these past few weeks as I navigate these unfamiliar podcasting waters! Tonight's promo is Designs by Paula J (find her on Instagram and Facebook for all your decorating and gift needs!) Warning for tonight's episo...

After a very long hiatus, Brook Reading is back. Come join me for a cup of coffee while I regale you with tales of my adventures over the past year. Thank you for listening, and as always, Happy Reading!

Tonight, I am reintroducing a very special episode. The first novel that I covered on Brook Reading over four years ago was George Orwell’s politically dystopian classic, 1984. In the spirit of my recent episodes featuring banned books and discussing censorship, I am closing out with a two-parter revisiting Orwell’s masterpiece. In classic Brook Reading fashion, I discuss several movie adaptations...

Tonight, I am reintroducing a very special episode. The first novel that I covered on Brook Reading over four years ago was George Orwell’s politically dystopian classic, 1984. In the spirit of my recent episodes featuring banned books and discussing censorship, I am closing out with a two-parter revisiting Orwell’s masterpiece. In classic Brook Reading fashion, I discuss several movie adaptations...

This week’s episode of Brook Reading reviews a novel that I have been waiting to do since I started the podcast. I am reviewing “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, which is not only such a well-written novel, one of the best, in my opinion, but also a novel that has introduced society to so many concepts. Bradbury’s classic novel takes the idea of censorship and flips it on its head, creating a univ...

This week, I am joined by my hysterically funny pal, comedian and podcaster Kendra Crump! Our conversations are always so fun, usually raunchy, and this one is no exception! Ken ALSO finally reveals to me that she is now a PUBLISHED AUTHOR! I can’t wait to have her on the show again and talk about her book. We also touch upon some serious content, and I implore you to not only listen, but to have...

This week’s episode is a look back on Banned Books Week, created by the American Library Association. As this episode was originally recorded in September of 2020, some of the references may be outdated, but the phenomenon of Banned Books Week still exists, and is incredibly necessary still today. The promo for Livestream for the Cure, however, IS current, and you can find all the information abou...

This week, I bring you another Encyclopedic episode - Volume 6! This focus is on William Wordsworth, Anne Lamott, the history of “People” magazine, and one of the most important poets and authors of our time, Maya Angelou. Happy Poetry Month, and of course, Happy Reading! Promo: Livestream for the Cure Intro Music: Sean Faust Outro Music: Victoria Timpanaro

Tonight’s episode, while a week late, is a Housekeeping episode! I feel like we haven’t talked in forever! :) I have so much to update you on, future episodes, my personal musings, and of course a promo for LIVESTREAM FOR THE CURE! It is that time of year again where my friend, Nick, of Nikoli’s kitchen, raises money for the Cancer Research Institute. You can find out more about that during tonigh...

Tonight on Brook Reading, I conclude my review of the complete series, Maus, as I cover Part 2 - A Survivor’s Tale - And Here My Troubles Began, by Art Spiegelman. These episodes have been a whirlwind, fraught with emotions, as I haven’t been able to put the book down. I hope you go out there and get yourself a copy somehow, buy it, borrow it, read the PDF (which will AGAIN be posted on the websit...

Tonight’s episode is a reading of the open letter to the McMinn County Board of Education by Gregory Paul Silber regarding the banning of “Maus” by Art Spiegelman. The link to read this letter is included here: https://www.comicsbeat.com/an-open-letter-to-the-mcminn-county-board-of-education-regarding-maus/ Stop Censorship. Read Banned Books. Educate yourselves and your children. We all must do ou...

This week, I have provided with you a classic Brook Reading episode, full of 5 minute rants, an author biography, and a review of a text that is as integral to our society as Shakespeare and as censored as Salinger. Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel, Maus, is the historically accurate tale of the author’s parents’ horrific capture and imprisonment at Auschwitz during World War II. The novel has recen...

Welcome back, Brookworms! I am SO happy to welcome back my friend, comedian and podcaster Kyndra Crump! We always have such fun conversations, and this one is no different! We discuss salons and upselling, our own personal angels, and Ken’s eternal quest to find Mr. or Ms. Right! Come along for the ride, and join me next week as I review the graphic novel, Maus, and the controversy surrounding its...

This week’s episode is such a special one for me! I had the distinct honor and pleasure to interview Emme Lund, the author of “The Boy With a Bird in His Chest”. Emme and I had such an amazing conversation, and the novel was such a joyous, emotional roller coaster of a read. I hope you enjoy our conversation, the review, AND go out there and pick yourself up a copy! “The Boy With a Bird in His Che...

TONIGHT’S episode is a crazy ride! For the first time in the history of Brook Reading, I’m LIVE! I have released this episode right after I recorded, mainly due to the timely content of the conversation. I wanted to touch upon the current conversation regarding Spotify, and I also included some housekeeping and schedule information for upcoming shows, so I hope you enjoy the show! As always, Happy...

This week’s episode is a blast from the past, an oldie but a goodie, and another love letter to my favorite author, Stephen King. Listen along as I review the novella and film, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption”, GUSH over all of it, and even have a chance to interview my parents! They both loved that film, and it was such fun watching it with them and reviewing it. I am gearing up for a...

This week was a landmark for the Brook Reading Podcast - my first interview with a comedian! I had the opportunity to chat with the hysterical, fantastically funny Kyndra Crump! Ken hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and has been performing in clubs in and around her area. She has also been featured on a YouTube show on the Rise Up Worldwide channel called “Laugh at Home” and hosts her own podcast, The...

Tonight’s episode of Encyclopedia Brooktanica has been brought to you by the Church of England! I bring you the fascinating histories of such literary powerhouses as A.A. Milne, Edgar Allen Poe, Patricia Highsmith, George Orwell, and Marcus Parks! I also provide you with the origin story of “The New Yorker” magazine, as well as shoutout some of my pals! Thank you for listening, and Happy Reading!...

Welcome back to the Brook and Happy 2022! My first episode back from holiday break is the fourth in my Encyclopedia Brooktanica series! This week, I cover Lucille Ball’s involvement in “Star Trek”, the life of James Joyce, Ernest J. Gaines, Susan Sontag, and many others, and the origin of “National Geographic” magazine! I have also included a promo for you for Nikoli’s Kitchen, a truly inspiring p...

This episode of Brook Reading is the last episode of the year and my special Holiday episode! I want to dedicate this episode to ALL of you! Thank you for listening and supporting Brook Reading throughout the course of this year, and I wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season! I look forward to seeing you in 2022 and, as always, Happy Reading! Promos: 2 Girls on a Bench Cinematic...

This week, I continue my new series, Encyclopedia Brooktanica! Join me as I share fun and interesting tidbits about major players in the literary world, and feature a brief history of the nationally acclaimed magazine, Variety. Promo: Forgotten News Podcast Intro music: Sean Faust Outro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, I continue my new series, Encyclopedia Brooktanica! Join me as I share fun and interesting tidbits about major players in the literary world, and feature a brief history of the nationally acclaimed magazine, Inked. Promo: Brunch with the Halliwells Intro music: Sean Faust Outro music: Victoria Timpanaro

This week, I am SO PROUD to introduce a new series, Encyclopedia Brooktanica! Join me as I share fun and interesting tidbits about major players in the literary world, and feature a brief history of the nationally acclaimed magazine, Ebony. I also relish in the fact that our move is OVER, and read comments from some of my favorite people! Shoutouts: The Deuce Podcast, Always Up Network, Ali, Vic,...

This week's episode will be my last recorded by the namesake of the show, the infamous Brook! Next week, we are moving, but I will be back with plenty more episodes and content once we get started! You can always find me on social media or at www.brookreadingpodcast.com for more information. As always, Happy Reading!

This week’s episode of Brook Reading is a long time coming! I present to you an extra special, chock full episode celebrating one of the most revered creations in literary history, and one of the most terrifying monsters in film history, Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece, “Frankenstein”!! Not only is this episode long-awaited and special to me, as “Frankenstein” is one of my favorite novels of all...