The Uncommon Reader

Mark Haber is the author of the novels   Reinhardt’s Garden  (longlisted for the PEN/Hemingway Award),  Saint Sebastian’s Abyss , and his 2024 release,   Lesser Ruins . Known for his "breathless," winding sentences and a unique blend of highbrow absurdity and deep humanity, Haber’s work has been praised by The Washington Post as some of the most rigorous and serious fiction being written...

Follow Chris on Instagram here . Join the community on Patreon here . Listeners get 20% off their purchase with Seven Stories Press here . East of Eden is about to explode back into the culture, and Clare makes the case that the character everyone loves to hate may be the novel’s most important one. If you think Cathy Ames is just a one-dimensional villain, this conversation will challenge everyth...

Join The Book Club! https://www.patreon.com/readmorebooks Use code 'SPRINGBOOKS' for 50% off your first month! Uncover the hidden truths behind America’s most sensationalized cases with Heather Ann Thompson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian. This episode reveals how media narratives distort reality and shape public opinion, and offers lessons that resonate just as powerfully today. If yo...

Join the book club here --> https://www.patreon.com/readmorebooks Follow on all socials @chrisreadsbooks In this episode of the Uncommon Reader Podcast, host Chris Dougherty shares his reading journey, focusing on 'My Struggle' by Karl Öve Knausgaard. He discusses the visceral themes of death, aging, and personal growth found in literature, while also providing updates on his book club...

Join our book club! https://www.patreon.com/readmorebooksUse code 'BOOKS1' for 50% off your first month! Follow on socials:IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrisreadsbooks_TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisreadsbooksIn the inaugural episode of 2026 for the Uncommon Reader podcast, host Chris Dougherty reflects on the success of the previous season and shares his excitement for the new year. He...

Summary In this conversation, Alysha Fortune shares her deep admiration for the book 'Red Rising,' highlighting Darrow's character development and the emotional depth of the narrative. The discussion touches on the political intrigue and parallels to 'Game of Thrones,' showcasing the story's complexity and its characters. Takeaways Red Rising is Alysha's favorite book of all time. Darrow's charact...

A captivating discussion with Sam, also known as @headyreads ( Instagram & TikTok ), about his journey in the BookTok and Bookstagram niche, his viral growth, and the impact of diverse reading. The conversation explores the importance of connecting with literature, the role of social media in promoting reading, and the personal experiences that shape one's reading journey. Follow Sam on al...

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Reader podcast, host Chris Dougherty sits down with Josh Johnson, the insightful mind behind the Compendium podcast. Together, they delve into the intricacies of creating compelling content, the challenges of balancing history and literature, and their shared experience of reading Don DeLillo's "White Noise." Join them as they explore the art of storytellin...

In this episode of the Uncommon Reader podcast, hosts Chris and his wife Cate discuss their reading updates for October and their plans for November. They explore the importance of literature in fostering empathy and understanding, the role of an English teacher in cultivating a love of reading, and the impact of personal experiences on readers’ journeys. The conversation highlights the importance...

In this engaging conversation, Chris Dougherty interviews Clare, the creator behind Classically Claire, who discusses her mission to promote literature and critical reading. They explore the impact of social media on literature, the importance of intentional content creation, and the challenges of engaging with complex texts. Clare shares insights on the role of fiction in understanding humanity,...

Welcome to The Uncommon Reader Podcast, where we explore literature through the lens of study.  Today's episode will be one of three launch episodes for the show, with today's episode featuring titles such as: My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh White Noise by Don Delillo Yr Dead by Sam Sax Tombstone by Tom Clavin The Revolutionary Temper by Robert Darnton and many more.    Subscrib...