The Lit English English Lit Podcast

Amir learns the truth about Baba and Hassan, and starts his Quest to track down Sohrab. Kabul has changed massively under the Taliban, but an old enemy is very much the same.

Amir gets his Swap Meet Princess, negotiates the complexities of courting, and starts on his career and married life. But several pieces of bad news from the doctors, plus a phone call from Pakistan, change everything.

Featuring more insight from Ms. Sharp. Amir's betrayal of Hassan leads to a series of escalating--and heartbreaking--consequences. The Russians' invasion means Baba and Amir have to flee Kabul. Their new life in California is very different indeed!

Ms. Sharp returns to discuss Amir's relationship with Baba, the roles of Hassan and Assef, and some of the most prevalent symbols and archetypes. Plus the best quotes and golden lines from this week's reading.

A story about the transformative power of music and the importance of listening when it comes to understanding others.

A series of power shifts occurs when a corrupt mayor is in so much pain from a rotten tooth that he threatens to shoot the dentist who is reluctant to treat him.

This 1893 short story features the tragic consequences of power that is enabled by racism, privilege, and patriarchy. This conversation features fellow AP Lit teacher Ms. Sharp.

Gandalf and Bilbo travel back to the Shire, with a stop at Rivendell along the way. But even when he returns home, there are surprises and changes for Bilbo to deal with.

The battle is over, and Bilbo, longing for home once more, says his goodbyes, with one in particular especially poignant.

Last ditch talks between Thorin and Bard fail, and war between men and dwarves seems inevitable. But a sudden and unexpected arrival changes everything. Let battle commence!

Growing weary of the siege and Thorin's refusal to negotiate with the men and elves, Bilbo resorts to drastic measures.

News reaches the Company that the dragon is dead. Unfortunately for them, that also means that a great many others are now interested in this treasure, and some are laying claim to it. Thorin is not impressed.

Smaug wreaks his fury upon the men of Laketown, and a new hero emerges in our story.

With Smaug away, there is a chance for Bilbo and the dwarves to explore the dragon's lair and his amazing trove of treasure. But where has Smaug gone?

Bilbo has his first encounter with the dragon Smaug.

The company has reached the end of their journey, but seems as far as ever from completing their quest: they have reached the Lonely Mountain, but how are they to get inside without alerting the dragon?

Out of the barrels at last, and in sight of the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo, Thorin, and the dwarves are greeted royally by the people of Laketown.

Held captive by the Elvenking and his elves, the dwarves yet again find themselves relying on Bilbo to get them out of trouble.  The solution: one ring, a couple of strong flagons of wine, and thirteen empty barrels.

Hungry and despondent in the depths of the dark forest of Mirkwood and without Gandalf, the dwarves and Bilbo make the fatal mistake of straying from the path, where they encounter elvish feasts that magically disappear. They also run the risk of becoming a feast themselves for some other, more horrible creatures...

The travellers become the guests of Beorn, keeper of bees and tame animals.  Stories are told, warnings given, and who or what exactly is Beorn?

The Biblo, Gandalf, and the dwarves leave the mountains, only to be trapped by a huge pack of wolves and yet more goblins.  There's fire, lots of pine trees, and...EAGLES!!

Lost deep under the mountains, Bilbo meets Gollum, who, in between throttling goblins and chewing on fish, has lost something.  Bilbo just happens to find something...and what has it go in its pocketses, preciousss?

Capers in the dark, deep under the Misty Mountains with goblins galore!

Silly elves, important information from Elrond, and a much needed break in Rivendell.

Three trolls provide an early challenge for Bilbo and his companions.