The Brook Reading Podcast

On Episode 29 of Brook Reading, I ask the question, “What should YOU read?”, and I received a ton of responses!  Listen here to accrue an entire library’s worth of new reading recommendations from me and my listeners! Thank you to everyone for your contributions and conversations!  And, thank you, Sam, from @InvasionRemake, for the inspiration!   Check out #AllTheHorror and @Allthehorror18 on Twit...

On Episode 28 of Brook Reading, I review the acclaimed young adult novel, “Freak the Mighty” by Rodman Philbrick, and get a bit sentimental.     Shoutouts to: What Does It Matter Podcast (@WDIMPodcast on Twitter) Work/Life Imbalance Podcast (@WLImbalance on Twitter) Invasion of the Remake Podcast (@InvasionRemake on Twitter)   Check out #AllTheHorror and @Allthehorror18 on Twitter for all Spooktac...

Today, on Episode 27 of Brook Reading, I travel through the annals of American History and review the most influential U.S. Presidential speeches of all time.  (Also, this episode is "kid-friendly", so share it with your families, students, etc!)   Shoutouts include the following on Twitter: @zera77 (Subscribe to Pocket Change Productions on YouTube!)   @invasionremake @Grave_Girls @Ace_Collins @1...

This weekend, on Episode 26 of Brook Reading, I allow Jon Stewart, Wyatt Cenac, John Oliver and the former correspondents of “The Daily Show” to read you a bedtime story.  One filled with scientology, hasma, and the creation of the universe. Come check out “Earth: The Visitor’s Guide to the Human Race” along with me!   Shoutouts specifically to the gentlemen of Work/Life Imbalance Podcast, and a s...

Today, on Brook Reading, I introduce a new episode counting down the Top Ten Books Read in Middle School!  I revel in my first week of school, and look forward to a great future.     I also promote my friend's new web series, which can be found below.  You can contact Victoria on Twitter @zera77, or find her content on YouTube at Pocket Change Productions.  Please find her on YouTube and subscribe...

On Episode 24 of Brook Reading, I complete Part Two of “An American Life” by former President Ronald Reagan.  I discover not only many dreams of President Reagan’s, and his accomplishments in and out of office, but many dreams of my own as well.  I also learn how to butcher Russian surnames, how to pay my bills through the sheer will of prayer, and what the hell the Iran/Contra struggle was all ab...

Tonight, on Episode 23 of Brook Reading, I cover the first 350 pages of the over 700 page autobiography of Former President Ronald Reagan, "An American Life".  Topics covered include: ageism, communism, TKE-ism, and Reagan's affinity for prayer, horses, and diaries.  I also learn some stuff!     The introductory quote from this episode is found here:   President Reagan's Best Debate Moments   Than...

On Episode 22 of Brook Reading, Stork from the Besotted Geek Podcast and I "psychoanalyze" Holden Caulfield and his "sad" journey during "The Catcher in the Rye".  Like Holden, we go off on tangents, we reflect on our lost innocence, and we wax poetic on "where the ducks go".     Link to Salinger Videos on YouTube: J.D. Salinger Documentary Charlie Rose Interview   Shoutouts:  #WLIPodPeeps, #LadyP...

Tonight’s episode was long coming, yet so worth the wait. After I discuss Lillian Hellman’s biography, “An Unfinished Woman”, I open up the discussion to writing, philanthropy, podcasts, creativity, and gratitude. I am so grateful to be “back in the saddle” and I hope you find something in this episode that does the same!   Every podcast I’ve mentioned is on Twitter - you can find us there under t...

Welcome to our special 20th episode of Brook Reading!  This week, I analyze the critically acclaimed young adult novel, “The Outsiders” along with my first special guest host, Heather!  We rave about the casting of the film, especially Johnny Cade, unravel the secrets of “squaring up”, and discuss the sociopolitical warfare between the socs and the greasers.     Special shoutouts in tonight’s epis...

This week, Episode 19 reviews the final volume of "Persuasion" by Jane Austen.  This will be our last Austen novel for a while.  On the way to our happy ending, I reveal a sordid story from my past, and I pick MANY new books from the jar of possibilities, until I finally decide on one I like.     Thank you so much for all of your support!  Subscribe and check out my other episodes on Apple Podcast...

This week, I finally tackle "Persuasion" by Jane Austen - Volume One.  I clear up some technical and emotional issues, lay out the groundwork for the next couple of weeks, and share my love for Anthony Stewart Head.     Thank you so much for all of your support!  Subscribe and check out my other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher, or download directly from http://brookr...

This week is a very special episode of "Brook Reading", where I dissect, along with MANY virtual guest stars, the ins and outs of podcasting.     A special thanks to everyone who took part in this journey with me.  Shoutouts and promos for the following podcasts are included in this episode: The What Are You Worried About? Podcast The Besotted Geek Podcast That's KC Podcast What Does It Matter? Po...

This weekend, I cover Part 2 of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde.  I discuss the "art" of turning 40 and wish a HUGE Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there, including my own.     Our promos this week are from the following podcasts: What Are You Worried About? Podcast Fan Film Boyz Podcast   Thank you so much for all of your support!  Subscribe and check out my other episodes o...

Tonight, I tackle the first 10 chapters of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde.  I jump right into the themes of vanity and betrayal of one's own soul, and bare my own as I highlight my favorite aspects of teaching.  I also discuss my favorite iteration of "DG", wonder why I haven't watched Colin Firth play Lord Henry, and mourn the loss of two cultural icons.  Lastly, I referred to this e...

On this Memorial Day Weekend, we find out what happens when Republicans stop being polite, Democrats start getting real, and immortalize the legacy that is President Woodrow Wilson.   Thank you so much for all of your support!  Subscribe and check out my other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher, or download directly from http://brookreading.libsyn.com .  You can also leave comments,...

Tonight's episode is Brook Reading's first two-parter!  I am discussing the biography, "Wilson" by A. Scott Berg.  It is quite a long book, so I've decided to break it up.  Get ready to travel with me from Virginia, where "Tommy" was born and raised, to New Jersey, where he studied, to his greatest venture, Washington D.C.  Part Two will be up next week!  Thanks for joining me! Thank you so much f...

On this week's episode, I discuss and review "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells.  I also delve into the concept of misuse of school property, and incorporate other "men out of time". Thank you so much for all of your support!  Subscribe and check out my other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher, or download directly from http://brookreading.libsyn.com .  You can also leave comments, qu...

This week, we swim the dark waters of film noir as we review the master of all detective novels, "The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett.  We talk communists, femme fatales, fall guys, and rant a little about the recent movie, "I feel pretty".  (Warning:  5 Minute Rant includes SPOILERS!) Our promo break includes the promos from the We Watched a Thing Podcast and, my fellow murder mystery aficion...

This week on Brook Reading, I finally tackle my "white whale", "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.  With the help of Lizzy and Darcy, I highlight my favorite scenes, complete a VERY specific plot timeline, and review MANY of the movie adaptations.  I also give many special shoutouts to the #podernfamily.   Thank you so much for all of your support!  Subscribe and check out my other episodes on i...

This week, on a shorter than usual episode of the Brook Reading Podcast, I let Tim Curry and the cast of the cult classic "Clue" help me explain the plot twists and "red herrings" of the children's novel, "The Westing Game".  

Today, after filling my belly with matzoh and chocolate bunnies, I review the novel "The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant.  I quote and discuss passages from the Bible, introduce a new segment called the "5 Minute Rant", and pontificate on motherhood.  Thanks for listening!

Tonight, we review my favorite Judy Blume novel, "Tiger Eyes".  I attempt Spanish, fail at understanding the geography of New Mexico, and contemplate growing up.  Looking forward to hearing your comments and questions!  

On our second episode in the SAME WEEKEND, we cover Octavia Butler's "Kindred", discuss the usage of Science Fiction as a metaphor for family relations, and reveal some good news!  And now, I'm going to take a nap... Happy Sunday!  #DaylightSavingsTime

This week, we discuss my top ten most influential female authors, the difference between feminism and female centric, and I reveal the meanings behind one of my tattoos.  Also, I apparently know lots about biology!