The Ritual of Reading Podcast

As the clay courts of Paris come alive for the 2025 Roland Garros tournament, this episode serves up a tribute to the spirit of tennis. I share three compelling non-fiction book recommendations that explore the sport’s beauty, discipline, and psychology—paired with personal reflections on what tennis means to me. Layered with the ambient sounds of the courts, this is an immersive listening experie...

Reading isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to come home to yourself. In this episode of The Ritual of Reading , we explore how books can become a sanctuary in the midst of busy, noisy lives. If you’ve ever felt too distracted, overwhelmed, or guilty to sit down with a book, this is your gentle reminder that reading should never feel like a chore. I’m sharing my ten commandments for a relaxing reading e...

In this heartfelt episode of The Ritual of Reading , I’m sharing six books that became anchors for me during some of life’s toughest seasons. From Deepak Chopra’s The Book of Secrets to Glennon Doyle’s Untamed , each of these works offered comfort, courage, and a renewed sense of hope when I needed it most. We’ll explore the wisdom of vulnerability with Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly , the gentle en...

Join me this week as we delve into the fascinating intersection of jewelry, literature, and everyday rituals, all sparked by the captivating "Paris, City of Pearls" exhibition at L'École, School of Jewelry Arts in Paris. This exhibition, celebrating the history and allure of pearls, has inspired a unique exploration into the worlds of three remarkable novels. In this episode, we'...

In this episode, we’re setting the table for a literary feast—one that follows the rhythm of a classic French meal: entrée, plat, and dessert. Each course is represented by a food memoir, offering stories that nourish the soul as much as they celebrate the pleasures of cooking and eating. We begin with Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant , a tender and often humorous collection of essays about t...

In this episode, we delve into Gourmet Rhapsody by Muriel Barbery, a novel that captures the fading memories and final cravings of a legendary food critic. As we unravel the lush descriptions of taste and longing, we take a detour to Île Saint-Louis for a visit to the iconic Berthillon, where a scoop of their exquisite orange sorbet mirrors the novel’s obsession with sensory pleasure. But no Paris...

Some books ask for more than just a passing glance—they invite commitment, urging us to settle in for the long haul. In this episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast , we explore the charm of literary sagas and the rewards of long-term reading, with a special focus on my journey through Elizabeth Jane Howard’s Cazalet Chronicles . And since no reading ritual is complete without a little indulgence...

In this episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast , I take you on a literary stroll through my favorite bookshops in Paris. From the historic charm of Delamain to the refined elegance of Galignani and the welcoming warmth of Smith & Son, each of these bookstores has a distinct personality—almost like stepping into different kinds of homes. Join me as I explore the cozy, cottage-like nooks, the...

In this episode of The Ritual of Reading , we explore what it truly means to live a creative life. Creativity isn’t just about painting, writing, or making art—it’s about how we see the world, how we cultivate inspiration, and how we bring beauty into our everyday routines. I’ll share my thoughts on embracing curiosity, finding joy in small creative rituals, and overcoming the fear of imperfection...

In this dreamlike episode, we journey through the echoes of ancient Mesopotamia, where myth and history intertwine. First, we step into the hushed corridors of the Louvre’s Oriental Antiquities department, where the grandeur of Babylon and Assyria lingers in stone and clay. Then, we dive into There Are Rivers in the Sky, Elif Shafak’s mesmerizing novel, unraveling its themes of memory, longing, an...

Feeling the late-February blues? In this episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast , we embrace the anticipation of spring with books, flowers, and small daily rituals to brighten the lingering winter days. I share my experiences with gardening in small spaces and review Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim—a timeless reflection on the joys of cultivating beauty. You'll also g...

In this episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast , we embark on a captivating journey through two remarkable books: 24 Hours in Ancient China by Yijie Zhuang and The Girl Who Played Go by Shan Sa. Join your host, Alexandra Poppy, as she immerses you in the rich tapestry of ancient China and the poignant drama of 20th-century conflict. Through Zhuang's vivid storytelling, we travel back to a da...

In this enlightening episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast , we delve into the profound worlds of literature and ancient practices. First, we explore Gao Xingjian's Soul Mountain , a novel that blends the personal with the philosophical, as the narrator embarks on a journey through the Chinese wilderness and the depths of self-discovery. Next, we shift to Pearl Buck's The Good Earth , a...

In this special episode of The Ritual of Reading Podcast , we celebrate the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year through a blend of literature, poetry, and tea. First, we dive into the novel Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie, reflecting on its themes of forbidden love, the power of literature, and the coming-of-age journey set against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revoluti...