The Foxed Page http://thefoxedpage.com/ en Kimberly Ford, 2023 If you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. With these deep dives into the best books, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything better. Choose from long-form lectures, quick recommendations, talks on old favorites and plenty of episodes from the archives. Listen to The Foxed Page--with Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor and Ph.D. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/5b85e0ce-0ae3-11ee-9028-531e6a338be9/image/Logo4Megaphone.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress The Foxed Page http://thefoxedpage.com/ episodic with Kimberly Ford, Ph.D. Kimberly Ford If you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. With these deep dives into the best books, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything better. Choose from long-form lectures, quick recommendations, talks on old favorites and plenty of episodes from the archives. Listen to The Foxed Page--with Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor and Ph.D. If you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. With these deep dives into the best books, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything better.

Choose from long-form lectures, quick recommendations, talks on old favorites and plenty of episodes from the archives.

Listen to The Foxed Page--with Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor and Ph.D.

]]> Kimberly Ford blueduck@blueduckmediainc.com CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata >> I returned to this one in the name of satire but came away with so much more. I can't remember the last time a novel evoked such strong--and opposing!--reactions. This 2018 novella appealed back then but my re-reading was even more satisfying. Listen in to hear the many ways Murata is a master of satire. Maybe more interestingly, take a fascinating look at sexuality in the novel via two other Murata essays. Indulge yourself in talk about this smart, unique novel now! Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford I can't remember the last time a novel evoked such strong--and opposing!--reactions. This 2018 novella appealed back then but my re-reading was even more satisfying. Listen in to hear the many ways Murata is a master of satire. Maybe more interestingly, take a fascinating look at sexuality in the novel via two other Murata essays. Indulge yourself in talk about this smart, unique novel now! I can't remember the last time a novel evoked such strong--and opposing!--reactions. This 2018 novella appealed back then but my re-reading was even more satisfying.

Listen in to hear the many ways Murata is a master of satire. Maybe more interestingly, take a fascinating look at sexuality in the novel via two other Murata essays. Indulge yourself in talk about this smart, unique novel now!

]]> 3388 TRANSCRIPTION by Ben Lerner >> Almost never do I finish a book and wonder what on earth I'll say about it. Lerner's new novel(la) is a revelation. One that deserves a LOT of our attention. It's a text that tests the limits and potentials of what fiction can do. Whether you loved it or came away wondering what the hell you just read, these ninety minutes should deepen your appreciation for this latest from one of my very favorite writers of all time. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Lerner's new novel(la) is a revelation. One that deserves a LOT of our attention. It's a text that tests the limits and potentials of what fiction can do. Whether you loved it or came away wondering what the hell you just read, these ninety minutes should deepen your appreciation for this latest from one of my very favorite writers of all time. Lerner's new novel(la) is a revelation. One that deserves a LOT of our attention. It's a text that tests the limits and potentials of what fiction can do. Whether you loved it or came away wondering what the hell you just read, these ninety minutes should deepen your appreciation for this latest from one of my very favorite writers of all time.

]]> 5053 PNIN by Vladimir Nabokov >> This is exactly why Nabokov might be my favorite writer of all time. The Russian master's slim novel from 1958--just a year after Lolita--is such a dream. Truly one of my favorite books. We dive deep into narrative stance, satire, structure, figurative language, the campus novel and SQUIRRELS. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford The Russian master's slim novel from 1958--just a year after Lolita--is such a dream. Truly one of my favorite books. We dive deep into narrative stance, satire, structure, figurative language, the campus novel and SQUIRRELS. The Russian master's slim novel from 1958--just a year after Lolita--is such a dream. Truly one of my favorite books. We dive deep into narrative stance, satire, structure, figurative language, the campus novel and SQUIRRELS.

]]> 3974 KIN by Tayari Jones >> How on earth did I not read An American Marriage?? The reading public had ridiculously high expectations for whatever followed Jones’s break-out bestseller—and wow have those expectations have been met. KIN might seem like a straightforward, delightful  page turner but the book is so good because of all the nuanced, complex ways that Jones develops structure, dialogue, plot, figurative language, minor characters, historical setting etc. Listen in to FULLY APPRECIATE this rich work.  Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:43:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford The reading public had ridiculously high expectations for whatever followed Jones’s break-out bestseller—and wow have those expectations have been met. KIN might seem like a straightforward, delightful  page turner but the book is so good because of all the nuanced, complex ways that Jones develops structure, dialogue, plot, figurative language, minor characters, historical setting etc. Listen in to FULLY APPRECIATE this rich work.  The reading public had ridiculously high expectations for whatever followed Jones’s break-out bestseller—and wow have those expectations have been met. KIN might seem like a straightforward, delightful  page turner but the book is so good because of all the nuanced, complex ways that Jones develops structure, dialogue, plot, figurative language, minor characters, historical setting etc. Listen in to FULLY APPRECIATE this rich work. 

]]> 3835 NEAR TO THE WILD HEART by Clarice Lispector >> It is ABOUT TIME we took a close look at this Brazilian genius. Wow was this rewarding. Lispector's cult following knows what it's talking about! her body of work is globally, universally acclaimed for an approach that truly feels singular. Listen in to hear how her harrowing childhood informs her writing. Together we'll dig deep into how stream of consciousness, figurative language and writing from the body all add to the genius. These slim novels are the kind of work that REALLY reward deeper analysis. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Wow was this rewarding. Lispector's cult following knows what it's talking about! her body of work is globally, universally acclaimed for an approach that truly feels singular. Listen in to hear how her harrowing childhood informs her writing. Together we'll dig deep into how stream of consciousness, figurative language and writing from the body all add to the genius. These slim novels are the kind of work that REALLY reward deeper analysis. Wow was this rewarding. Lispector's cult following knows what it's talking about! her body of work is globally, universally acclaimed for an approach that truly feels singular.

Listen in to hear how her harrowing childhood informs her writing. Together we'll dig deep into how stream of consciousness, figurative language and writing from the body all add to the genius. These slim novels are the kind of work that REALLY reward deeper analysis.

]]> 4051 VIGIL by George Saunders >> Whether you loved this--or wish you loved it a little more--this talk is for you. Saunders fans came to this with very high expectations. Rightly! The MacArthur-winning genius won the Booker for the insanely great Lincoln in the Bardo! When VIGIL fell a tiny bit short for me, I went to the source--interviews with George--to really understand what he was going for. I wanted the best experience of this book! The results were fascinating. Listen in to gain the deepest appreciation for why Saunders is always worth our while. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Saunders fans came to this with very high expectations. Rightly! The MacArthur-winning genius won the Booker for the insanely great Lincoln in the Bardo! When VIGIL fell a tiny bit short for me, I went to the source--interviews with George--to really understand what he was going for. I wanted the best experience of this book! The results were fascinating. Listen in to gain the deepest appreciation for why Saunders is always worth our while. Saunders fans came to this with very high expectations. Rightly! The MacArthur-winning genius won the Booker for the insanely great Lincoln in the Bardo!


When VIGIL fell a tiny bit short for me, I went to the source--interviews with George--to really understand what he was going for. I wanted the best experience of this book! The results were fascinating. Listen in to gain the deepest appreciation for why Saunders is always worth our while.

]]> 4308 NOW I SURRENDER by Álvaro Enrigue >> Even if "alt-western" doesn't pull you right in, this one is seriously worth your while.. Even *I*--longtime Enrigue superfan--was a little suspicious of this one. Turns out a "multifaceted war story," a "Western that Goes Where McCarthy Wouldn't," the story of the surrender of Geronimo, was RIVETING. Sat, 21 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Even *I*--longtime Enrigue superfan--was a little suspicious of this one. Turns out a "multifaceted war story," a "Western that Goes Where McCarthy Wouldn't," the story of the surrender of Geronimo, was RIVETING. Even *I*--longtime Enrigue superfan--was a little suspicious of this one. Turns out a "multifaceted war story," a "Western that Goes Where McCarthy Wouldn't," the story of the surrender of Geronimo, was RIVETING.

]]> 4649 DUBLINERS by James Joyce >> How else should anyone celebrate March 17? Happy St. Patrick's Day! Let us thank GOD for the Irishification of the American arts! This lecture explores the haunting “An Encounter” before delving into the masterpiece, “The Dead.” Find out how Joyce changed the face of literature, and how his portrayal of the Irish people is actually a portrayal of EVERYONE. Maybe Joyce seems a little heavy?? Choose from my talks on Sally Rooney's INTERMEZZO, Claire Keegan's radical SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE or FOSTER, Anna Burns's insanely great MILKMAN or a handful of other Irish masterpieces. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:04:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Happy St. Patrick's Day! Let us thank GOD for the Irishification of the American arts! This lecture explores the haunting “An Encounter” before delving into the masterpiece, “The Dead.” Find out how Joyce changed the face of literature, and how his portrayal of the Irish people is actually a portrayal of EVERYONE. Maybe Joyce seems a little heavy?? Choose from my talks on Sally Rooney's INTERMEZZO, Claire Keegan's radical SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE or FOSTER, Anna Burns's insanely great MILKMAN or a handful of other Irish masterpieces. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Let us thank GOD for the Irishification of the American arts!

This lecture explores the haunting “An Encounter” before delving into the masterpiece, “The Dead.” Find out how Joyce changed the face of literature, and how his portrayal of the Irish people is actually a portrayal of EVERYONE.

Maybe Joyce seems a little heavy?? Choose from my talks on Sally Rooney's INTERMEZZO, Claire Keegan's radical SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE or FOSTER, Anna Burns's insanely great MILKMAN or a handful of other Irish masterpieces.

]]> 5814 "DANCE IN AMERICA" by Lorrie Moore >> How on EARTH did it take this long for us to do a Moore episode?? There are dozens of reasons why Moore is one of my favorite writers of all time. Indulge yourself in the 20 minutes it takes to read (or listen to!) this story then dig DEEP with me. The work is ridiculously smart and dark and poignant and unique and HILARIOUS. I'll say it before we even start: YOU'RE WELCOME. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:56:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford There are dozens of reasons why Moore is one of my favorite writers of all time. Indulge yourself in the 20 minutes it takes to read (or listen to!) this story then dig DEEP with me. The work is ridiculously smart and dark and poignant and unique and HILARIOUS. I'll say it before we even start: YOU'RE WELCOME. There are dozens of reasons why Moore is one of my favorite writers of all time. Indulge yourself in the 20 minutes it takes to read (or listen to!) this story then dig DEEP with me. The work is ridiculously smart and dark and poignant and unique and HILARIOUS. I'll say it before we even start: YOU'RE WELCOME.

]]> 3793 STONE YARD DEVOTIONAL by Charlotte Wood >> Wow does this novel reward some close reading. Wood is a genius! This Booker Prize shortlister SEEMS quiet, spacious and spare but wow is it rich. The closer you look (allow me to guide you), the better it gets. Don't let the subtleties of this gorgeous novel be lost on you! Listen in now. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:10:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This Booker Prize shortlister SEEMS quiet, spacious and spare but wow is it rich. The closer you look (allow me to guide you), the better it gets. Don't let the subtleties of this gorgeous novel be lost on you! Listen in now. This Booker Prize shortlister SEEMS quiet, spacious and spare but wow is it rich. The closer you look (allow me to guide you), the better it gets. Don't let the subtleties of this gorgeous novel be lost on you! Listen in now.

]]> 3461 YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES by Álvaro Enrigue >> Want an even deeper understanding of this complex, hilarious, dark, unique novel?? Tune in! People! Enrigue's new novel NOW I SURRENDER comes out today in English. Before you dive into that one, brush up on all the ways the man is a genius. This exploration of YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES will give you a deeper understanding of the title, the unique narrative stance, why the book feels so dreamy, the humor and whether or not we can read this as a FEMINIST novel. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford People! Enrigue's new novel NOW I SURRENDER comes out today in English. Before you dive into that one, brush up on all the ways the man is a genius. This exploration of YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES will give you a deeper understanding of the title, the unique narrative stance, why the book feels so dreamy, the humor and whether or not we can read this as a FEMINIST novel. People! Enrigue's new novel NOW I SURRENDER comes out today in English. Before you dive into that one, brush up on all the ways the man is a genius. This exploration of YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES will give you a deeper understanding of the title, the unique narrative stance, why the book feels so dreamy, the humor and whether or not we can read this as a FEMINIST novel.

]]> 3855 OFFSHORE by Penelope Fitzgerald >> This book makes you wonder why we ever read anyone else. Ever. Much is made of this insanely great novel(la)'s economy but it's the RICHNESS that draws me back again and again and again. Everything is so perfectly dark and smart and hilarious and poignant. We dive in (no pun intended) to the unique narrative stance, the richness of her characterization and her masterful employment of figurative language. This book is SO GOOD. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Much is made of this insanely great novel(la)'s economy but it's the RICHNESS that draws me back again and again and again. Everything is so perfectly dark and smart and hilarious and poignant. We dive in (no pun intended) to the unique narrative stance, the richness of her characterization and her masterful employment of figurative language. This book is SO GOOD. Much is made of this insanely great novel(la)'s economy but it's the RICHNESS that draws me back again and again and again. Everything is so perfectly dark and smart and hilarious and poignant. We dive in (no pun intended) to the unique narrative stance, the richness of her characterization and her masterful employment of figurative language. This book is SO GOOD.

]]> 3094 DON'T BUY IT!! Prepare to be liberated. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Prepare to be liberated. Prepare to be liberated.

]]> 479 AUNT JULIA AND THE SCRIPTWRITER by Mario Vargas Llosa Leave it to a Nobel Prize winner to turn out a book that is so charming, rich, funny, complex and sophisticated. I love this novel so much. Listen in to hear how this potent mix of melodrama, fiction and memoir keeps me returning to it over and over. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Leave it to a Nobel Prize winner to turn out a book that is so charming, rich, funny, complex and sophisticated. I love this novel so much. Listen in to hear how this potent mix of melodrama, fiction and memoir keeps me returning to it over and over. Leave it to a Nobel Prize winner to turn out a book that is so charming, rich, funny, complex and sophisticated. I love this novel so much. Listen in to hear how this potent mix of melodrama, fiction and memoir keeps me returning to it over and over.

]]> 3313 "THE ALEPH" by Jorge Luis Borges >> Why has it taken so long for us to dive (back) into Borges? Listen in to find out! Finally, we tackle this GIANT of South American Literature. "The Aleph" is smart (obviously) but also self-deprecating, ultra-rich and HILARIOUS. The man's a genius. The story is genius. Indulge now and feel--in just 80 minutes--a little smarter. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Finally, we tackle this GIANT of South American Literature. "The Aleph" is smart (obviously) but also self-deprecating, ultra-rich and HILARIOUS. The man's a genius. The story is genius. Indulge now and feel--in just 80 minutes--a little smarter. Finally, we tackle this GIANT of South American Literature. "The Aleph" is smart (obviously) but also self-deprecating, ultra-rich and HILARIOUS. The man's a genius. The story is genius. Indulge now and feel--in just 80 minutes--a little smarter.

]]> 4961 NANCY DREW as Cultural Phenomenon! >> Did you know they radically rewrote the Nancy Drew books 20 years after publication? What it says about us is fascinating. NO READING REQUIRED! "1950s Nancy was a Barbie. But 1930s Nancy was a single, friendless BITCH." (Bitch in the very BEST kind of way.) This line from The Bookstore (now playing off Broadway) opens a fascinating--and somewhat damning--window onto American culture. But the best part of revisiting these books is how GOOD they are. Listen in to hear what most of us missed about these iconic bestsellers. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! "1950s Nancy was a Barbie. But 1930s Nancy was a single, friendless BITCH." (Bitch in the very BEST kind of way.) This line from The Bookstore (now playing off Broadway) opens a fascinating--and somewhat damning--window onto American culture. But the best part of revisiting these books is how GOOD they are. Listen in to hear what most of us missed about these iconic bestsellers. NO READING REQUIRED!

"1950s Nancy was a Barbie. But 1930s Nancy was a single, friendless BITCH." (Bitch in the very BEST kind of way.)

This line from The Bookstore (now playing off Broadway) opens a fascinating--and somewhat damning--window onto American culture. But the best part of revisiting these books is how GOOD they are. Listen in to hear what most of us missed about these iconic bestsellers.

]]> 2102 WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Brontë >> I have something to confess about this one. Listen in. Emerald Fennel's new movie version of Wuthering Heights (and my SON'S OFF-BROADWAY DEBUT) sent me right back to the novel and WOW is there a lot to say about this book. Allow me to break down whether it's a love story or all about revenge, why there's no sex, what the narrative stance has to do with the gothic, and SO MUCH MORE. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:52:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Emerald Fennel's new movie version of Wuthering Heights (and my SON'S OFF-BROADWAY DEBUT) sent me right back to the novel and WOW is there a lot to say about this book. Allow me to break down whether it's a love story or all about revenge, why there's no sex, what the narrative stance has to do with the gothic, and SO MUCH MORE. Emerald Fennel's new movie version of Wuthering Heights (and my SON'S OFF-BROADWAY DEBUT) sent me right back to the novel and WOW is there a lot to say about this book. Allow me to break down whether it's a love story or all about revenge, why there's no sex, what the narrative stance has to do with the gothic, and SO MUCH MORE.

]]> 2448 THE CORRESPONDENT by Virginia Evans >> This gem of a runaway best seller seems straightforward but I'll tell you what: Evans is pulling off a FEAT. I have never loved an epistolary novel (a novel in letters). But at every turn Evans avoided the pitfalls. Not only that, but The Correspondent ends up being a rich, moving read. Tune in to find out how she pulls it off, what made me put it down--only to pick it right back up--and why this work deserves a closer look. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:37:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford I have never loved an epistolary novel (a novel in letters). But at every turn Evans avoided the pitfalls. Not only that, but The Correspondent ends up being a rich, moving read. Tune in to find out how she pulls it off, what made me put it down--only to pick it right back up--and why this work deserves a closer look. I have never loved an epistolary novel (a novel in letters). But at every turn Evans avoided the pitfalls. Not only that, but The Correspondent ends up being a rich, moving read. Tune in to find out how she pulls it off, what made me put it down--only to pick it right back up--and why this work deserves a closer look.

]]> 2723 DISCONTENT by Beatriz Serrano >> If you loved this book, maybe don't listen to the last twenty minutes of this. DISCONTENT started with such potential that my very high expectations were somewhat dashed. Serrano starts so strong: she paints the work place, interrogates the internet, incorporates visual art, promotes the concept of the chosen family and more. But much hinged on the ending and for me, it didn't deliver. Listen to see what's working really well and what isn't. Discontent really helps you see why pulling off a strong novel is REALLY HARD TO DO. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford DISCONTENT started with such potential that my very high expectations were somewhat dashed. Serrano starts so strong: she paints the work place, interrogates the internet, incorporates visual art, promotes the concept of the chosen family and more. But much hinged on the ending and for me, it didn't deliver. Listen to see what's working really well and what isn't. Discontent really helps you see why pulling off a strong novel is REALLY HARD TO DO. DISCONTENT started with such potential that my very high expectations were somewhat dashed. Serrano starts so strong: she paints the work place, interrogates the internet, incorporates visual art, promotes the concept of the chosen family and more. But much hinged on the ending and for me, it didn't deliver. Listen to see what's working really well and what isn't. Discontent really helps you see why pulling off a strong novel is REALLY HARD TO DO.

]]> 2971 HANGSAMAN by Shirley Jackson >> HOW HAD I NEVER READ THIS BOOK?? Actually, probably, I'd never read it because I was scarred by "The Lottery" in grade school. I should NOT have been afraid. Hangsaman is incredible! It also has some verrrrry confusing elements that deserve the deepest of analysis. Listen in for exactly that. What a masterpiece! Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:46:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Actually, probably, I'd never read it because I was scarred by "The Lottery" in grade school. I should NOT have been afraid. Hangsaman is incredible! It also has some verrrrry confusing elements that deserve the deepest of analysis. Listen in for exactly that. What a masterpiece! Actually, probably, I'd never read it because I was scarred by "The Lottery" in grade school. I should NOT have been afraid. Hangsaman is incredible! It also has some verrrrry confusing elements that deserve the deepest of analysis. Listen in for exactly that. What a masterpiece!

]]> 3739 "ARGOS" by Joy Williams (from The Pelican Child) >> Never read Williams? Don't really love short stories? Allow me to change all that. NO READING REQUIRED! I READ IT TO YOU! Once again we dive into an entire story! In just 45 entertaining, engaging minutes, you'll end up feeling smarter and maybe a little better about DEATH. It's amazing: in three mere pages, Williams takes us well beyond Homer's Odyssey into the kind of land only Williams can create. Kick back and listen to all the reasons why speculation about Williams and the Nobel Prize doesn't seem crazy at all. Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:39:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! I READ IT TO YOU! Once again we dive into an entire story! In just 45 entertaining, engaging minutes, you'll end up feeling smarter and maybe a little better about DEATH. It's amazing: in three mere pages, Williams takes us well beyond Homer's Odyssey into the kind of land only Williams can create. Kick back and listen to all the reasons why speculation about Williams and the Nobel Prize doesn't seem crazy at all. NO READING REQUIRED! I READ IT TO YOU! Once again we dive into an entire story! In just 45 entertaining, engaging minutes, you'll end up feeling smarter and maybe a little better about DEATH. It's amazing: in three mere pages, Williams takes us well beyond Homer's Odyssey into the kind of land only Williams can create. Kick back and listen to all the reasons why speculation about Williams and the Nobel Prize doesn't seem crazy at all.

]]> 2614 "GIRL" by Jamaica Kincaid >> NEW EXPERIENCE! Don't know this incredible short story? I'll read it to you! Complete with thoughts as to why it's soooo good. NO READING REQUIRED! Kick off 2026 with a new foxed page experience: an entire short story read to you--with my analysis--in one brief(ish) lecture! Come away feeling transported and inspired by true literary genius (Kincaid's, haha, not mine). Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:10:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Kick off 2026 with a new foxed page experience: an entire short story read to you--with my analysis--in one brief(ish) lecture! Come away feeling transported and inspired by true literary genius (Kincaid's, haha, not mine). NO READING REQUIRED! Kick off 2026 with a new foxed page experience: an entire short story read to you--with my analysis--in one brief(ish) lecture! Come away feeling transported and inspired by true literary genius (Kincaid's, haha, not mine).

]]> 2112 "A PERFECT DAY FOR BANANAFISH" by J.D. Salinger >> If you love The Catcher in the Rye or Franny AND Zooey but don't REALLY know this story, you must listen in! We all read The Catcher in high school (when it was largely wasted on us) but too few of us explore Salinger's short fiction. His stories are SO GOOD. A deep dive into "Bananfish" will not only help you appreciate the inimitable dialogue, the spareness, the characterization and all that makes Salinger one of America's best writers--but you'll end up feeling a little smarter and a little more HUMAN as we kick off 2026. Fri, 02 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford We all read The Catcher in high school (when it was largely wasted on us) but too few of us explore Salinger's short fiction. His stories are SO GOOD. A deep dive into "Bananfish" will not only help you appreciate the inimitable dialogue, the spareness, the characterization and all that makes Salinger one of America's best writers--but you'll end up feeling a little smarter and a little more HUMAN as we kick off 2026. We all read The Catcher in high school (when it was largely wasted on us) but too few of us explore Salinger's short fiction. His stories are SO GOOD. A deep dive into "Bananfish" will not only help you appreciate the inimitable dialogue, the spareness, the characterization and all that makes Salinger one of America's best writers--but you'll end up feeling a little smarter and a little more HUMAN as we kick off 2026.

]]> 3634 FLESH by David Szalay >> Just after this won the Booker NO BOOKSTORES had a copy. I got my hands on one. And I might have some VERY HOT TAKES. I fully agree with the Booker Prize judges that FLESH is "singular" and "extraordinary." I can see why it won! I do, though, have a few arguments to make. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:30:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford I fully agree with the Booker Prize judges that FLESH is "singular" and "extraordinary." I can see why it won! I do, though, have a few arguments to make. I fully agree with the Booker Prize judges that FLESH is "singular" and "extraordinary." I can see why it won! I do, though, have a few arguments to make.

]]> 2432 HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (and its SEQUEL??) >> Feeling a little Christmas crankiness? Or LOVING the season? Tune in to find out why the Grinch's ENORMOUS presence is what everyone needs. NO READING REQUIRED! Find out why we are SO DRAWN to this unlikely, enduring classic. Also: I grapple with the sequel. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Find out why we are SO DRAWN to this unlikely, enduring classic. Also: I grapple with the sequel. NO READING REQUIRED! Find out why we are SO DRAWN to this unlikely, enduring classic. Also: I grapple with the sequel.

]]> 3175 KNICK KNACK, TCHOTCHKE, OBJET D'ART?? >>Ever wonder why you prize that seashell on your windowsill? Listen in! This deep dive into the importance of our everyday objects--together with compelling reason why we homebodies love home--was such an eye-opener! Listen in to hear how our things provide crucial, existential cues. Also: allow me to GIVE YOU FULL PERMISSION to handle that not-so-wanted gift you're about to receive this holiday season. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:16:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This deep dive into the importance of our everyday objects--together with compelling reason why we homebodies love home--was such an eye-opener! Listen in to hear how our things provide crucial, existential cues. Also: allow me to GIVE YOU FULL PERMISSION to handle that not-so-wanted gift you're about to receive this holiday season. This deep dive into the importance of our everyday objects--together with compelling reason why we homebodies love home--was such an eye-opener! Listen in to hear how our things provide crucial, existential cues. Also: allow me to GIVE YOU FULL PERMISSION to handle that not-so-wanted gift you're about to receive this holiday season.

]]> 774 TRAIN DREAMS by Denis Johnson >> The movie's supposed to be the most gorgeous of the year, but what are we to make of this haunting, uncanny, beautiful novella? This work might only be 116 pages, but it feels enormous--in the very best of ways. You could study it for years and not fully comprehend its unique structure, its strange atmosphere and the uncanny originality of this prose. Listen in now to find out why Johnson is held as one of the best American writers of all time. Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:35:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This work might only be 116 pages, but it feels enormous--in the very best of ways. You could study it for years and not fully comprehend its unique structure, its strange atmosphere and the uncanny originality of this prose. Listen in now to find out why Johnson is held as one of the best American writers of all time. This work might only be 116 pages, but it feels enormous--in the very best of ways. You could study it for years and not fully comprehend its unique structure, its strange atmosphere and the uncanny originality of this prose. Listen in now to find out why Johnson is held as one of the best American writers of all time.

]]> 3671 SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid >> Did you know that Reid is a judge for this year's Booker? And that Fun Age was longlisted in 2020? Listen in to see why! Did you love this when it came out in 2020? Are you picking it up now because Reid seems even smarter after being named as a Booker judge? Either way, listen in to hear why I loved the prose, character development and general vibe of this work. She tackles BIG questions, all in a highly familiar, fraught and delicious domestic world that provides all kinds of grist for my mill. Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:47:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Did you love this when it came out in 2020? Are you picking it up now because Reid seems even smarter after being named as a Booker judge? Either way, listen in to hear why I loved the prose, character development and general vibe of this work. She tackles BIG questions, all in a highly familiar, fraught and delicious domestic world that provides all kinds of grist for my mill. Did you love this when it came out in 2020? Are you picking it up now because Reid seems even smarter after being named as a Booker judge? Either way, listen in to hear why I loved the prose, character development and general vibe of this work. She tackles BIG questions, all in a highly familiar, fraught and delicious domestic world that provides all kinds of grist for my mill.

]]> 4997 Thumbs UP?? >> Have you ever really thought about gesturing? Tune in to see why it's my recent fascination! From gladiators to babies to dogs to basketball--this quick talk touches on a LOT. All in the context of everyday gestures! Listen in to find out the best way to position yourself on a zoom call, how gestures actually make you smarter and why you should NEVER sit on your hands. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford From gladiators to babies to dogs to basketball--this quick talk touches on a LOT. All in the context of everyday gestures! Listen in to find out the best way to position yourself on a zoom call, how gestures actually make you smarter and why you should NEVER sit on your hands. From gladiators to babies to dogs to basketball--this quick talk touches on a LOT. All in the context of everyday gestures! Listen in to find out the best way to position yourself on a zoom call, how gestures actually make you smarter and why you should NEVER sit on your hands.

]]> 709 A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens >> Sure we all know it. But do we KNOW it?? Listen in to see why it's so STRANGE but so enduring. And find out who wins SCROOGE v. GRINCH! Few stories are so ingrained in our collective unconscious. But do you know how it was published? the many ways it has shaped the way we celebrate? why it has endured so masterfully and spawned so many adaptations? Listen in to either get into the holiday spirit, or to really engage your inner Scrooge! Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Few stories are so ingrained in our collective unconscious. But do you know how it was published? the many ways it has shaped the way we celebrate? why it has endured so masterfully and spawned so many adaptations? Listen in to either get into the holiday spirit, or to really engage your inner Scrooge! Few stories are so ingrained in our collective unconscious. But do you know how it was published? the many ways it has shaped the way we celebrate? why it has endured so masterfully and spawned so many adaptations?

Listen in to either get into the holiday spirit, or to really engage your inner Scrooge!

]]> 3274 DOUBLE THE WHAT?! (an entirely new foxed page experience!) This is a whole new thing! It's only 13 minutes! Thirteen being plenty of minutes for a deep dive into the MOST INSANE EXPERIENCE I had recently with English vocabulary. Listen in! You will be SHOOK. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This is a whole new thing! It's only 13 minutes! Thirteen being plenty of minutes for a deep dive into the MOST INSANE EXPERIENCE I had recently with English vocabulary. Listen in! You will be SHOOK. This is a whole new thing! It's only 13 minutes! Thirteen being plenty of minutes for a deep dive into the MOST INSANE EXPERIENCE I had recently with English vocabulary. Listen in! You will be SHOOK.

]]> 786 SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE by Claire Keegan >> Did you read this years ago and love it? Indulge in a re-immersion into this brief, wintery masterpiece! I keep wanting wintery books/shows/crafts/projects that aren't too silly or saccharine. This absolutely fits that bill. And it's a complete MASTERPIECE. It might be brief but there is sooooo much to talk about. You'll come away feeling just a little bit smarter, and way winterier. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:10:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford I keep wanting wintery books/shows/crafts/projects that aren't too silly or saccharine. This absolutely fits that bill. And it's a complete MASTERPIECE. It might be brief but there is sooooo much to talk about. You'll come away feeling just a little bit smarter, and way winterier. I keep wanting wintery books/shows/crafts/projects that aren't too silly or saccharine. This absolutely fits that bill. And it's a complete MASTERPIECE. It might be brief but there is sooooo much to talk about. You'll come away feeling just a little bit smarter, and way winterier.

]]> 4254 MIDWINTER MURDER by Agatha Christie (NO READING REQUIRED!) >> Tune in to hear how detective novels are inherently conservative but why I LOVE CHRISTIE ANYWAY. Whether you've never read her or Christie is your favorite, I like to think this'll be eye opening. You'll learn why the "queen of crime" is exceptional and why it's no surprise that she's the best-selling writer OF ALL TIME (except Shakespeare and the Bible...). It might not be quite midwinter but conjure up a little seasonal ambience with Christie's smart, charming, wintery tale. Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:30:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Whether you've never read her or Christie is your favorite, I like to think this'll be eye opening. You'll learn why the "queen of crime" is exceptional and why it's no surprise that she's the best-selling writer OF ALL TIME (except Shakespeare and the Bible...). It might not be quite midwinter but conjure up a little seasonal ambience with Christie's smart, charming, wintery tale. Whether you've never read her or Christie is your favorite, I like to think this'll be eye opening. You'll learn why the "queen of crime" is exceptional and why it's no surprise that she's the best-selling writer OF ALL TIME (except Shakespeare and the Bible...). It might not be quite midwinter but conjure up a little seasonal ambience with Christie's smart, charming, wintery tale.

]]> 3394 CLEAR by Carys Davies >> You won't believe the way this brief novel expands in depth, in breadth and in beauty when you look at it closely. Listen in now! I do not know why, but I picked up this beauty of a book a couple of times and put it down. WOW am I glad I finally read it. This novel is feels subtle, brief and--at the same time--enormous. There is so much grist for our mill! Listen in to be sure you don't miss out on those poignant depths. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford I do not know why, but I picked up this beauty of a book a couple of times and put it down. WOW am I glad I finally read it. This novel is feels subtle, brief and--at the same time--enormous. There is so much grist for our mill! Listen in to be sure you don't miss out on those poignant depths. I do not know why, but I picked up this beauty of a book a couple of times and put it down. WOW am I glad I finally read it. This novel is feels subtle, brief and--at the same time--enormous. There is so much grist for our mill! Listen in to be sure you don't miss out on those poignant depths.

]]> 3336 ULTRAMARINE by Mariette Navarro >> If you finished this eerie, gorgeous novella and didn't have questions, I'm not sure you dug in deep enough! Join me to hash through the best of it! When a novella tells you in the jacket copy that twenty sailors went swimming and twenty-one came back, you know you're in for some mystery. But that's obviously not ALL the mystery. I'm still not sure I have all the answers but wow was it fun to look for them. Including digressions about Dr. Seuss, iambic pentameter and so much more! Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:14:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford When a novella tells you in the jacket copy that twenty sailors went swimming and twenty-one came back, you know you're in for some mystery. But that's obviously not ALL the mystery. I'm still not sure I have all the answers but wow was it fun to look for them. Including digressions about Dr. Seuss, iambic pentameter and so much more! When a novella tells you in the jacket copy that twenty sailors went swimming and twenty-one came back, you know you're in for some mystery. But that's obviously not ALL the mystery. I'm still not sure I have all the answers but wow was it fun to look for them.

Including digressions about Dr. Seuss, iambic pentameter and so much more!

]]> 4030 HAMNET by Maggie O'Farrell >> I was WRECKED--in the very best of ways--by my re-reading of this masterpiece. Listen in to be sure you get the most out of this insanely great novel I re-read Hamnet because of the MOVIE adaptation, but was SHOOK by how deftly O'Farrell surmounts the MANY pitfalls of historical fiction. We dive deep into: why her vision of the era is so vivid; how Shakespeare is everywhere but also nowhere; how this is a feminist novel; and all the ways the prose transports, affects and inspires the reader. Seriously, treat yourself now. Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford I re-read Hamnet because of the MOVIE adaptation, but was SHOOK by how deftly O'Farrell surmounts the MANY pitfalls of historical fiction. We dive deep into: why her vision of the era is so vivid; how Shakespeare is everywhere but also nowhere; how this is a feminist novel; and all the ways the prose transports, affects and inspires the reader. Seriously, treat yourself now. I re-read Hamnet because of the MOVIE adaptation, but was SHOOK by how deftly O'Farrell surmounts the MANY pitfalls of historical fiction.

We dive deep into: why her vision of the era is so vivid; how Shakespeare is everywhere but also nowhere; how this is a feminist novel; and all the ways the prose transports, affects and inspires the reader. Seriously, treat yourself now.

]]> 3776 FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley >> Get this: FRANKENSTEIN is one of 10 books that have been taught in high schools basically forever. It's still taught--for very good reason. NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly explains why FRANKENSTEIN is more relevant than ever. Treat yourself to discussion of: Mary Shelley's insanely colorful life, elements of the gothic novel, what makes the prose so timeless, Percy Bysshe Shelley's role--and why we all need to hear the classic novel's CAUTIONARY TALE. Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:55:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly explains why FRANKENSTEIN is more relevant than ever. Treat yourself to discussion of: Mary Shelley's insanely colorful life, elements of the gothic novel, what makes the prose so timeless, Percy Bysshe Shelley's role--and why we all need to hear the classic novel's CAUTIONARY TALE. NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly explains why FRANKENSTEIN is more relevant than ever. Treat yourself to discussion of: Mary Shelley's insanely colorful life, elements of the gothic novel, what makes the prose so timeless, Percy Bysshe Shelley's role--and why we all need to hear the classic novel's CAUTIONARY TALE.

]]> 5195 CARRIE by Stephen King >> Find out why King deserves serious literary respect. Plus, obviously: halloween! You might think of CARRIE is just SCARY , but narrative stance, sophisticated structure, use of motif and "scientific evidence" are all integral in making it so good. Treat yourself . Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford You might think of CARRIE is just SCARY , but narrative stance, sophisticated structure, use of motif and "scientific evidence" are all integral in making it so good. Treat yourself . You might think of CARRIE is just SCARY , but narrative stance, sophisticated structure, use of motif and "scientific evidence" are all integral in making it so good. Treat yourself .

]]> 4834 THE COPENHAGEN TRILOGY (and "The Umbrella"!!) by Tove Ditlevsen >> You'll appreciate the trilogy all the more with a little FICTION under your belt. Ditlevsen's three-volume memoir has made a huge impression on American readers. When I found it slightly underwhelming, I wondered if I would appreciate the work more fully if I knew her FICTION. She's hugely critically acclaimed in her native Denmark. She's written 29 books. A look at one very short story will shift your perspective, leaving you with a much deeper appreciation of this literary icon. Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:41:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Ditlevsen's three-volume memoir has made a huge impression on American readers. When I found it slightly underwhelming, I wondered if I would appreciate the work more fully if I knew her FICTION. She's hugely critically acclaimed in her native Denmark. She's written 29 books. A look at one very short story will shift your perspective, leaving you with a much deeper appreciation of this literary icon. Ditlevsen's three-volume memoir has made a huge impression on American readers. When I found it slightly underwhelming, I wondered if I would appreciate the work more fully if I knew her FICTION. She's hugely critically acclaimed in her native Denmark. She's written 29 books. A look at one very short story will shift your perspective, leaving you with a much deeper appreciation of this literary icon.

]]> 2922 LET US DESCEND by Jesmyn Ward > > Readers, I LOVED this rewriting of Dante's Divine Comedy. Listen to why this best seller DESERVES its place on all those BEST OF 2023 lists! I was really moved by Salvage the Bones. Tune in to find out why Ward's work just keeps getting better and better. Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:01:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford I was really moved by Salvage the Bones. Tune in to find out why Ward's work just keeps getting better and better. I was really moved by Salvage the Bones. Tune in to find out why Ward's work just keeps getting better and better.

]]> 4137 SMALL MERCIES by Dennis Lehane >> Lehane has hinted this might be his last novel--tune in to hear why the crime thriller works so well in his hands. Weirdly, amazon added the subtitle "A Detective Mystery" to Small Mercies. When one of the best things about this book is that it's NOT a detective at the center. You all know this genre isn't my usual fare, but Lehane's historical focus, together with his excellent prose, and dialogue (plus plot, duh) made this so satisfying to dive into. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Weirdly, amazon added the subtitle "A Detective Mystery" to Small Mercies. When one of the best things about this book is that it's NOT a detective at the center. You all know this genre isn't my usual fare, but Lehane's historical focus, together with his excellent prose, and dialogue (plus plot, duh) made this so satisfying to dive into. Weirdly, amazon added the subtitle "A Detective Mystery" to Small Mercies. When one of the best things about this book is that it's NOT a detective at the center. You all know this genre isn't my usual fare, but Lehane's historical focus, together with his excellent prose, and dialogue (plus plot, duh) made this so satisfying to dive into.

]]> 2643 THE WHITE ALBUM by Joan Didion (part 1 of 3) > Maybe Didion is just what we need in these dark days? Didion is never afraid to stare down the most troubling parts of our country--incisively and boldly. Which somehow always makes me feel better?? Herein I argue for the importance of this seminal work, I touch on Didion’s biography ,then dig into why her engaging, dark, entirely inimitable prose deserves its iconic status. (parts 2 and 3 below) Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:21:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Didion is never afraid to stare down the most troubling parts of our country--incisively and boldly. Which somehow always makes me feel better?? Herein I argue for the importance of this seminal work, I touch on Didion’s biography ,then dig into why her engaging, dark, entirely inimitable prose deserves its iconic status. (parts 2 and 3 below) Didion is never afraid to stare down the most troubling parts of our country--incisively and boldly. Which somehow always makes me feel better?? Herein I argue for the importance of this seminal work, I touch on Didion’s biography ,then dig into why her engaging, dark, entirely inimitable prose deserves its iconic status. (parts 2 and 3 below)

]]> 1779 THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS and ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE >> Ever thought about these two classics in dialogue with one another? Want to know more about magic realism? Tune in! Isabel Allende's THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS didn't just build upon the magic realism established by García Márquez's ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. Allende's 1982 novel (published in Spain, not her native Chile for political reasons) was immensely popular with Americans when it was published in English in 1985. Indulge in a reminder of these absolute masterpieces while learning more about how they relate to one another, more about magic realism in general, and how the historical-political situations in Colombia and Chile influenced both works. Kimberly had SO much fun with this. Join in now. Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Isabel Allende's THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS didn't just build upon the magic realism established by García Márquez's ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. Allende's 1982 novel (published in Spain, not her native Chile for political reasons) was immensely popular with Americans when it was published in English in 1985. Indulge in a reminder of these absolute masterpieces while learning more about how they relate to one another, more about magic realism in general, and how the historical-political situations in Colombia and Chile influenced both works. Kimberly had SO much fun with this. Join in now. Isabel Allende's THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS didn't just build upon the magic realism established by García Márquez's ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. Allende's 1982 novel (published in Spain, not her native Chile for political reasons) was immensely popular with Americans when it was published in English in 1985. Indulge in a reminder of these absolute masterpieces while learning more about how they relate to one another, more about magic realism in general, and how the historical-political situations in Colombia and Chile influenced both works. Kimberly had SO much fun with this. Join in now.

]]> 3860 MRS. DALLOWAY by Virginia Woolf >> The novel might be 100 years old but wow do we need it today. Whether you've loved Mrs. Dalloway forever or Woolf is new to you, there's nothing more satisfying than thinking about this book for 45 minutes. We do a quick bio, a little chunk on modernism then a deep dive into the SEXY parts of the book. Indulge now and come away a little smarter. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Whether you've loved Mrs. Dalloway forever or Woolf is new to you, there's nothing more satisfying than thinking about this book for 45 minutes. We do a quick bio, a little chunk on modernism then a deep dive into the SEXY parts of the book. Indulge now and come away a little smarter. Whether you've loved Mrs. Dalloway forever or Woolf is new to you, there's nothing more satisfying than thinking about this book for 45 minutes. We do a quick bio, a little chunk on modernism then a deep dive into the SEXY parts of the book. Indulge now and come away a little smarter.

]]> 2641 FROG AND TOAD by Arthur Lobel >> I hate to self-aggrandize, but this might be some of my finest work. What an honor to add my voice to the important chorus extolling everyone's favorite kid book, Frog and Toad. Allow me to explain how structure, monosyllabic word choice, vowel sounds and syntax all combine to result in PROFOUND resonance. The big bonus is that the queer elements of the work make reading Lobel not only a nostalgic delight, but an important act. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford What an honor to add my voice to the important chorus extolling everyone's favorite kid book, Frog and Toad. Allow me to explain how structure, monosyllabic word choice, vowel sounds and syntax all combine to result in PROFOUND resonance. The big bonus is that the queer elements of the work make reading Lobel not only a nostalgic delight, but an important act. What an honor to add my voice to the important chorus extolling everyone's favorite kid book, Frog and Toad. Allow me to explain how structure, monosyllabic word choice, vowel sounds and syntax all combine to result in PROFOUND resonance. The big bonus is that the queer elements of the work make reading Lobel not only a nostalgic delight, but an important act.

]]> 2643 WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT LOVE by Raymond Carver >> If you've never read Carver, tuck in to just ONE of his insanely great stories then skedaddle back here. People. Raymond Carver's short fiction is so good that it's essentially responsible for the American short fiction heyday in the 1980s. Listen in to why the content and the STYLE makes Carver entirely inimitable and so compelling. Mon, 15 Sep 2025 12:12:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford People. Raymond Carver's short fiction is so good that it's essentially responsible for the American short fiction heyday in the 1980s. Listen in to why the content and the STYLE makes Carver entirely inimitable and so compelling. People. Raymond Carver's short fiction is so good that it's essentially responsible for the American short fiction heyday in the 1980s. Listen in to why the content and the STYLE makes Carver entirely inimitable and so compelling.

]]> 3108 JAMES by Percival Everett >> Dig in to all the ways Everett's re-imagining is a HUGE IMPROVEMENT on the source material. Even if HUCK FINN is your favorite ever, you have to admit that what Everett has done is amazing. Listen in for all the nuance you need about HUCK (without spending days [re]reading Twain). Kimberly shares not only why JAMES is an insanely great revisioning of the 1884 adventure story--but why Everett's crucial text is hilarious, unique and JUST SO GOOD. Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:04:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Even if HUCK FINN is your favorite ever, you have to admit that what Everett has done is amazing. Listen in for all the nuance you need about HUCK (without spending days [re]reading Twain). Kimberly shares not only why JAMES is an insanely great revisioning of the 1884 adventure story--but why Everett's crucial text is hilarious, unique and JUST SO GOOD. Even if HUCK FINN is your favorite ever, you have to admit that what Everett has done is amazing. Listen in for all the nuance you need about HUCK (without spending days [re]reading Twain). Kimberly shares not only why JAMES is an insanely great revisioning of the 1884 adventure story--but why Everett's crucial text is hilarious, unique and JUST SO GOOD.

]]> 4511 MOBY DICK by Herman Melville >> Whether this doorstop is your favorite of all time, or whether you don't quite get the hype--listen in to why it deserves its status as one of the very best. Melville's classic is always right at the top of BEST EVER novels lists. We really dig into what is so appealing about this masterpiece: its weird structure, its likeable, unique narrator, an open-mindedness that seems pretty radical for 1851 (including some serious homoeroticism)--and, of course, the appeal of Queequeg, everyone's favorite harpooner. Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:12:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Melville's classic is always right at the top of BEST EVER novels lists. We really dig into what is so appealing about this masterpiece: its weird structure, its likeable, unique narrator, an open-mindedness that seems pretty radical for 1851 (including some serious homoeroticism)--and, of course, the appeal of Queequeg, everyone's favorite harpooner. Melville's classic is always right at the top of BEST EVER novels lists. We really dig into what is so appealing about this masterpiece: its weird structure, its likeable, unique narrator, an open-mindedness that seems pretty radical for 1851 (including some serious homoeroticism)--and, of course, the appeal of Queequeg, everyone's favorite harpooner.

]]> 4108 HEARTBURN by Nora Ephron >> Rom-com tropes and history are waaay more interesting than you think. See how Ephron blazed a trail! Before When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and Julie andJulia, Nora Ephron wrote the BEST NOVEL. Heartburn is light and funny, but also complex, nuanced and full of compassion. Kimberly runs through the history of romantic comedy--not as simple as you'd think--and all the tropes that make the genre what it is. She then takes a close look at how Ephron UPENDS so many of these rom-com conventions. For a new appreciation of this excellent art form, tune in now. Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Before When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and Julie andJulia, Nora Ephron wrote the BEST NOVEL. Heartburn is light and funny, but also complex, nuanced and full of compassion. Kimberly runs through the history of romantic comedy--not as simple as you'd think--and all the tropes that make the genre what it is. She then takes a close look at how Ephron UPENDS so many of these rom-com conventions. For a new appreciation of this excellent art form, tune in now. Before When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and Julie andJulia, Nora Ephron wrote the BEST NOVEL. Heartburn is light and funny, but also complex, nuanced and full of compassion.

Kimberly runs through the history of romantic comedy--not as simple as you'd think--and all the tropes that make the genre what it is. She then takes a close look at how Ephron UPENDS so many of these rom-com conventions. For a new appreciation of this excellent art form, tune in now.

]]> 3213 THE BOOK OF BASKETBALL by Bill Simmons >> Sure, you might need to like basketball to love this lecture--but it's a good one! NO READING REQUIRED! NO SPOILERS! (lol) Kimberly expected this to be some kind of sports encyclopedia--which, let's be honest, it is. But it's also a really compelling memoir! Simmons's prose, which she does subject to a (brief) close reading, allows fans to RELIVE and deepen iconic moments (some new to Kimberly) because of its narrative voice and structure, its selection of details and all those footnotes. She does acknowledge that this is NO FEMINIST TREATISE. But she also understands that the book knows its audience and even succeeds with someone who's really NOT the intended reader. And maybe most importantly Simmons reveals, in these pages, THE SECRET. One that has the potential (does it???) to change Kimberly's life. Listen in to find out how! Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! NO SPOILERS! (lol) Kimberly expected this to be some kind of sports encyclopedia--which, let's be honest, it is. But it's also a really compelling memoir! Simmons's prose, which she does subject to a (brief) close reading, allows fans to RELIVE and deepen iconic moments (some new to Kimberly) because of its narrative voice and structure, its selection of details and all those footnotes. She does acknowledge that this is NO FEMINIST TREATISE. But she also understands that the book knows its audience and even succeeds with someone who's really NOT the intended reader. And maybe most importantly Simmons reveals, in these pages, THE SECRET. One that has the potential (does it???) to change Kimberly's life. Listen in to find out how! NO READING REQUIRED! NO SPOILERS! (lol)

Kimberly expected this to be some kind of sports encyclopedia--which, let's be honest, it is. But it's also a really compelling memoir! Simmons's prose, which she does subject to a (brief) close reading, allows fans to RELIVE and deepen iconic moments (some new to Kimberly) because of its narrative voice and structure, its selection of details and all those footnotes.

She does acknowledge that this is NO FEMINIST TREATISE. But she also understands that the book knows its audience and even succeeds with someone who's really NOT the intended reader.

And maybe most importantly Simmons reveals, in these pages, THE SECRET. One that has the potential (does it???) to change Kimberly's life. Listen in to find out how!




]]> 1778 THE SUMMER BOOK by Tove Jansson >> Sad that summer’s ending? Quick! Treat yourself to this slim masterpiece and listen in! If you’re even remotely sad that summer’s ending, if you have any feelings about the beauty of nature, if you have aging parents, if you think even occasionally about mortality (lol), you MUST read this book. It’s slim, gorgeous, funny, sad and a complete joy. Of all Kimberly’s recommendations, The Summer Book might be the one that's most universally loved. And honestly, Kimberly must say, this deep dive is some of her very best analysis. Tove Jansson is TOO GOOD to warrant anything less. Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford If you’re even remotely sad that summer’s ending, if you have any feelings about the beauty of nature, if you have aging parents, if you think even occasionally about mortality (lol), you MUST read this book. It’s slim, gorgeous, funny, sad and a complete joy. Of all Kimberly’s recommendations, The Summer Book might be the one that's most universally loved. And honestly, Kimberly must say, this deep dive is some of her very best analysis. Tove Jansson is TOO GOOD to warrant anything less. If you’re even remotely sad that summer’s ending, if you have any feelings about the beauty of nature, if you have aging parents, if you think even occasionally about mortality (lol), you MUST read this book. It’s slim, gorgeous, funny, sad and a complete joy. Of all Kimberly’s recommendations, The Summer Book might be the one that's most universally loved. And honestly, Kimberly must say, this deep dive is some of her very best analysis. Tove Jansson is TOO GOOD to warrant anything less.

]]> 3877 THE BUCCANEERS by Edith Wharton and APPLETV >> Did you even know that the excellent, frothy AppleTV series is based on a classic?? Allow Kimberly to fill in juicy parts that only Wharton can supply! NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly is actually really NOT suggesting you read The Buccaneers. You SHOULD, though, read Wharton's The Age of Innocence or The House of Mirth. Her prose is engaging, gorgeous and so fun to read. Listen in to hear all about what happens with Nan and her men, with Laura Testvalley and Dick, with Honoria and Mabel and all the girls. Honestly, it's just such a treat to hear Wharton's writing. Indulge yourself now! Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly is actually really NOT suggesting you read The Buccaneers. You SHOULD, though, read Wharton's The Age of Innocence or The House of Mirth. Her prose is engaging, gorgeous and so fun to read. Listen in to hear all about what happens with Nan and her men, with Laura Testvalley and Dick, with Honoria and Mabel and all the girls. Honestly, it's just such a treat to hear Wharton's writing. Indulge yourself now! NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly is actually really NOT suggesting you read The Buccaneers. You SHOULD, though, read Wharton's The Age of Innocence or The House of Mirth. Her prose is engaging, gorgeous and so fun to read. Listen in to hear all about what happens with Nan and her men, with Laura Testvalley and Dick, with Honoria and Mabel and all the girls. Honestly, it's just such a treat to hear Wharton's writing. Indulge yourself now!

]]> 3316 THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODY by Muriel Spark >> Whether you've always loved Spark's sassy, ridiculously inventive prose or whether you're new to her, Kimberly will show you why she's truly a GENIUS. Ready to head back to school? DREADING back to school ? Allow Kimberly to make the most of this transition. Spark's masterpiece is brief but wow does it pack a punch. Her prose SEEMS simple but her original, sometimes startling syntax, the way she plays with time, and the unique structure of this work mean there's soooo much for Kimberly to dig in to. Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Ready to head back to school? DREADING back to school ? Allow Kimberly to make the most of this transition. Spark's masterpiece is brief but wow does it pack a punch. Her prose SEEMS simple but her original, sometimes startling syntax, the way she plays with time, and the unique structure of this work mean there's soooo much for Kimberly to dig in to. Ready to head back to school? DREADING back to school ? Allow Kimberly to make the most of this transition. Spark's masterpiece is brief but wow does it pack a punch. Her prose SEEMS simple but her original, sometimes startling syntax, the way she plays with time, and the unique structure of this work mean there's soooo much for Kimberly to dig in to.

]]> 3370 PEDRO PARAMO by Juan Rulfo >> Rulfo suggested you read his MASTERPIECE three times if you want to get it. Allow Kimberly to provide a short cut! This 1955 novella--it's slim, tricky and SO GOOD--is the bedrock of Mexican literature. Its complexities and virtuoso innovations make it particularly exciting to look at in depth. Kimberly breaks down key elements, explains the revolutionary aspects and helps you understand what the hell is going on. She likes to think she added something new to the conversation: arguing that Pedro Pàramo is NOT in fact magic realism. Listen in to see how you feel about her daring thesis, and end up feeling just a little smarter! Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This 1955 novella--it's slim, tricky and SO GOOD--is the bedrock of Mexican literature. Its complexities and virtuoso innovations make it particularly exciting to look at in depth. Kimberly breaks down key elements, explains the revolutionary aspects and helps you understand what the hell is going on. She likes to think she added something new to the conversation: arguing that Pedro Pàramo is NOT in fact magic realism. Listen in to see how you feel about her daring thesis, and end up feeling just a little smarter! This 1955 novella--it's slim, tricky and SO GOOD--is the bedrock of Mexican literature. Its complexities and virtuoso innovations make it particularly exciting to look at in depth. Kimberly breaks down key elements, explains the revolutionary aspects and helps you understand what the hell is going on. She likes to think she added something new to the conversation: arguing that Pedro Pàramo is NOT in fact magic realism. Listen in to see how you feel about her daring thesis, and end up feeling just a little smarter!

]]> 4311 10:04 by Ben Lerner >> Can you even begin to recall the warmth, the complexity, the genius of this novel from 2014?? Listen in for a deep dive into all the ways that Lerner is SO GOOD. Lerner says, "Art has to offer more than stylized despair." 10:04 offers so much more! (With, also, some excellent stylized despair.) Kimberly low-key compares the work to Slaughterhouse Five, before diving in to a close look postmodernism, narrative stance and why HUMOR adds so much to this incredible piece of auto-fiction. If you love Lerner, or WANT to love Lerner--listen in! Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Lerner says, "Art has to offer more than stylized despair." 10:04 offers so much more! (With, also, some excellent stylized despair.) Kimberly low-key compares the work to Slaughterhouse Five, before diving in to a close look postmodernism, narrative stance and why HUMOR adds so much to this incredible piece of auto-fiction. If you love Lerner, or WANT to love Lerner--listen in! Lerner says, "Art has to offer more than stylized despair." 10:04 offers so much more! (With, also, some excellent stylized despair.) Kimberly low-key compares the work to Slaughterhouse Five, before diving in to a close look postmodernism, narrative stance and why HUMOR adds so much to this incredible piece of auto-fiction. If you love Lerner, or WANT to love Lerner--listen in!

]]> 3026 THE MOBIUS BOOK by Catherine Lacey >> Whether you were wowed by this inventive fiction-memoir or a little disappointed, allow Kimberly to help you dig deeper into this original text. NO SPOILERS! Kimberly picked up this hybrid memoir-novel because she was intrigued by Lacey's inventiveness. Listen in to see which parts of the text met her high expectations and which might have fallen a bit short. And if you haven't thought through the difference between a mobius strip and the infinity symbol, Kimberly promises to add a little insight to your Mobius Book experience.. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO SPOILERS! Kimberly picked up this hybrid memoir-novel because she was intrigued by Lacey's inventiveness. Listen in to see which parts of the text met her high expectations and which might have fallen a bit short. And if you haven't thought through the difference between a mobius strip and the infinity symbol, Kimberly promises to add a little insight to your Mobius Book experience.. NO SPOILERS! Kimberly picked up this hybrid memoir-novel because she was intrigued by Lacey's inventiveness. Listen in to see which parts of the text met her high expectations and which might have fallen a bit short. And if you haven't thought through the difference between a mobius strip and the infinity symbol, Kimberly promises to add a little insight to your Mobius Book experience..

]]> 2414 SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE by Kurt Vonnegut >> Everyone, honestly, should (re)read this book. It's dark, hilarious, impactful, moving, urgent, inventive and more. Allow Kimberly to show you why the it's so important and so good. There are SO MANY REASONS why so many people love this book. Allow Kimberly to help you see how Vonnegut's deceptively simple prose does so much heavy lifting. She dives deep into the book's structure, its sci-fi elements and its humor. She really wants to share her take on why this groundbreaking, post-modern classic is so much more than its postmodern peers. Listen in now for an immersion into one of Time's best 100 novels of the past 100 years. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford There are SO MANY REASONS why so many people love this book. Allow Kimberly to help you see how Vonnegut's deceptively simple prose does so much heavy lifting. She dives deep into the book's structure, its sci-fi elements and its humor. She really wants to share her take on why this groundbreaking, post-modern classic is so much more than its postmodern peers. Listen in now for an immersion into one of Time's best 100 novels of the past 100 years. There are SO MANY REASONS why so many people love this book. Allow Kimberly to help you see how Vonnegut's deceptively simple prose does so much heavy lifting. She dives deep into the book's structure, its sci-fi elements and its humor. She really wants to share her take on why this groundbreaking, post-modern classic is so much more than its postmodern peers. Listen in now for an immersion into one of Time's best 100 novels of the past 100 years.

]]> 3654 THE TRANSIT OF VENUS by Shirley Hazzard >> People. This is one of Kimberly's very most favorite books. Her most recent trip through it felt like a GIFT. Indulge yourself now! Hazzard's 1980 novel is one of the most gorgeous, most intricate, most rewarding, most RICH novels that Kimberly has ever read. Listen in to hear her explain how its nimble narrator, its figurative language and its singular, masterful structure--among many other elements--make it SO worth your while. Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:32:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Hazzard's 1980 novel is one of the most gorgeous, most intricate, most rewarding, most RICH novels that Kimberly has ever read. Listen in to hear her explain how its nimble narrator, its figurative language and its singular, masterful structure--among many other elements--make it SO worth your while. Hazzard's 1980 novel is one of the most gorgeous, most intricate, most rewarding, most RICH novels that Kimberly has ever read. Listen in to hear her explain how its nimble narrator, its figurative language and its singular, masterful structure--among many other elements--make it SO worth your while.

]]> 4344 THE ANTIDOTE by Karen Russell >> Did this ambitious novel leave you with any questions? Allow Kimberly to maybe supply some answers! (Or—ha!—maybe more questions!) Magic realism is an excellent way to articulate the inarticulable, to assert dissent, and to question order. Historical fiction is an amazing vehicle for examination of the past! Join Kimberly for a discussion of Russell’s novel in the context of Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, and even Mary Karr. You’ll come away with a better understanding of The Antidote, while gaining a broader sense of how TRUTH sometimes functions well in fiction and sometimes falls short. Fri, 11 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Magic realism is an excellent way to articulate the inarticulable, to assert dissent, and to question order. Historical fiction is an amazing vehicle for examination of the past! Join Kimberly for a discussion of Russell’s novel in the context of Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, and even Mary Karr. You’ll come away with a better understanding of The Antidote, while gaining a broader sense of how TRUTH sometimes functions well in fiction and sometimes falls short. Magic realism is an excellent way to articulate the inarticulable, to assert dissent, and to question order. Historical fiction is an amazing vehicle for examination of the past! Join Kimberly for a discussion of Russell’s novel in the context of Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, and even Mary Karr. You’ll come away with a better understanding of The Antidote, while gaining a broader sense of how TRUTH sometimes functions well in fiction and sometimes falls short.


]]> 2425 TEAR THIS HEART OUT (ARRANCAME LA VIDA) by Angeles Mastretta >> Looking for a summer read that doesn't feel like a trifle?? This dive into the history, glamour and drama of Mexico in the 1930s is your answer! Mastretta's ultra-engaging, sex-forward, historical, feminist family romance from 1985 might be a touchstone of feminist literature, but it's also SO FUN TO READ. Kimberly dives in to the feminist underpinnings, the way our protagonist can rationalize living with a criminal (anyone interested in how Carmela Soprano did it, you should read this book!) and the literary merits of this engaging work. This is a summer read you'll remember forever! Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Mastretta's ultra-engaging, sex-forward, historical, feminist family romance from 1985 might be a touchstone of feminist literature, but it's also SO FUN TO READ. Kimberly dives in to the feminist underpinnings, the way our protagonist can rationalize living with a criminal (anyone interested in how Carmela Soprano did it, you should read this book!) and the literary merits of this engaging work. This is a summer read you'll remember forever! Mastretta's ultra-engaging, sex-forward, historical, feminist family romance from 1985 might be a touchstone of feminist literature, but it's also SO FUN TO READ. Kimberly dives in to the feminist underpinnings, the way our protagonist can rationalize living with a criminal (anyone interested in how Carmela Soprano did it, you should read this book!) and the literary merits of this engaging work. This is a summer read you'll remember forever!

]]> 2080 ORBITAL by Samantha Harvey >> For whatever reason, Kimberly was reluctant to pick up this book. She is SO glad she did. Orbital is the kind of novel that could inspire hours and hours of conversation. Kimberly can't imagine a single person who feels like they apprehended the thing with just one read. If you're curious about how she pulled it off, how she uses language to describe the undescribable, or plenty of other aspects--indulge yourself in a more fulsome experience of this gorgeous Booker Prize winner now! Tue, 24 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Orbital is the kind of novel that could inspire hours and hours of conversation. Kimberly can't imagine a single person who feels like they apprehended the thing with just one read. If you're curious about how she pulled it off, how she uses language to describe the undescribable, or plenty of other aspects--indulge yourself in a more fulsome experience of this gorgeous Booker Prize winner now! Orbital is the kind of novel that could inspire hours and hours of conversation. Kimberly can't imagine a single person who feels like they apprehended the thing with just one read. If you're curious about how she pulled it off, how she uses language to describe the undescribable, or plenty of other aspects--indulge yourself in a more fulsome experience of this gorgeous Booker Prize winner now!

]]> 3746 I CAPTURE THE CASTLE by Dodie Smith >> Want to know why The Atlantic put this at the top of their summer reading list? Listen in! NO SPOILERS! Kimberly could not agree more with The Atlantic. This novel is the most crowd-pleasery of any book she ever recommends. It is SO GOOD. Rich and complex, but also light, it's gorgeous and transporting--everything  you want in a summer read! Listen in now to be sure you fully appreciate all that makes it so appealing. Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:54:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO SPOILERS! Kimberly could not agree more with The Atlantic. This novel is the most crowd-pleasery of any book she ever recommends. It is SO GOOD. Rich and complex, but also light, it's gorgeous and transporting--everything  you want in a summer read! Listen in now to be sure you fully appreciate all that makes it so appealing. NO SPOILERS! Kimberly could not agree more with The Atlantic. This novel is the most crowd-pleasery of any book she ever recommends. It is SO GOOD. Rich and complex, but also light, it's gorgeous and transporting--everything  you want in a summer read! Listen in now to be sure you fully appreciate all that makes it so appealing.

]]> 4059 TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf (part 2) >> No novel keeps giving like this one. Join me for a delicious hour digging in to this literature-changing masterpiece. People. This is when things get fun. Kimberly breaks down a bunch of aspects of the work: figurative language, the unique structure, patriarchy v. matriarchy, the very nature of creativity and the essence of what it is to be human (!!).  Want to get more out of this insanely great book? Treat yourself now.  Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford People. This is when things get fun. Kimberly breaks down a bunch of aspects of the work: figurative language, the unique structure, patriarchy v. matriarchy, the very nature of creativity and the essence of what it is to be human (!!).  Want to get more out of this insanely great book? Treat yourself now.  People. This is when things get fun. Kimberly breaks down a bunch of aspects of the work: figurative language, the unique structure, patriarchy v. matriarchy, the very nature of creativity and the essence of what it is to be human (!!). 


Want to get more out of this insanely great book? Treat yourself now. 

]]> 3764 TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf (part 1) >> Kimberly would argue that there’s no better way to usher in summer than reading this book. Tue, 27 May 2025 14:43:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford 3259 THE SCARLET LETTER >> Honestly, did your fifteen-year-old self really appreciate this insanely great classic? Listen in--NO READING REQUIRED--to why this book is SO GOOD. NO READING REQUIRED! Hawthorne's 1850 classic is the epitome of high school books that are wasted on high school students. This thing is a MASTERPIECE. Listen in as Kimberly situates it historically, talks about the framing device, digs deep into the radical FEMINISM and of course covers symbolism (did you also write your term paper on symbolism??). She wraps up the lecture by leaning into her ongoing rant about how PURITANISM really screwed this country--and how Hawthorne's gift to us all closes with a deeply anti-puritanical, deeply OPTIMISTIC message--the kind we all need today. Tue, 20 May 2025 22:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Hawthorne's 1850 classic is the epitome of high school books that are wasted on high school students. This thing is a MASTERPIECE. Listen in as Kimberly situates it historically, talks about the framing device, digs deep into the radical FEMINISM and of course covers symbolism (did you also write your term paper on symbolism??). She wraps up the lecture by leaning into her ongoing rant about how PURITANISM really screwed this country--and how Hawthorne's gift to us all closes with a deeply anti-puritanical, deeply OPTIMISTIC message--the kind we all need today. NO READING REQUIRED! Hawthorne's 1850 classic is the epitome of high school books that are wasted on high school students. This thing is a MASTERPIECE.

Listen in as Kimberly situates it historically, talks about the framing device, digs deep into the radical FEMINISM and of course covers symbolism (did you also write your term paper on symbolism??).

She wraps up the lecture by leaning into her ongoing rant about how PURITANISM really screwed this country--and how Hawthorne's gift to us all closes with a deeply anti-puritanical, deeply OPTIMISTIC message--the kind we all need today.

]]> 4495 THE HUSBANDS by Holly Gramazio >> You've heard Kimberly talk about how hard it is to write humor. Gramazio shows us how it's done! NO SPOILERS! With humor as a lens, Kimberly dives in to all the ways this bestseller functions so well. You'll learn how to think about humor more generally, while seeing all the ways that the best humor can really shape a novel. Join Kimberly for an exploration of one of the strongest elements of this smart, engaging surprisingly philosophical book! Fri, 16 May 2025 11:43:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO SPOILERS! With humor as a lens, Kimberly dives in to all the ways this bestseller functions so well. You'll learn how to think about humor more generally, while seeing all the ways that the best humor can really shape a novel. Join Kimberly for an exploration of one of the strongest elements of this smart, engaging surprisingly philosophical book! NO SPOILERS! With humor as a lens, Kimberly dives in to all the ways this bestseller functions so well. You'll learn how to think about humor more generally, while seeing all the ways that the best humor can really shape a novel. Join Kimberly for an exploration of one of the strongest elements of this smart, engaging surprisingly philosophical book!

]]> 3260 THE AWAKENING by Kate Chopin >> Remember this absolute CORNERSTONE of feminist literature?? Turns out this classic is just as important and juicy as when it was published IN 1899! Kimberly was honestly kind of shocked by how iconoclastic, gorgeous and important this novel feels. Whether it's a women's-studies-seminar favorite or new to you, indulge in this exploration of one woman's fascinating experience of society, domesticity, maternity and PASSION in late-1800s New Orleans. Thu, 01 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly was honestly kind of shocked by how iconoclastic, gorgeous and important this novel feels. Whether it's a women's-studies-seminar favorite or new to you, indulge in this exploration of one woman's fascinating experience of society, domesticity, maternity and PASSION in late-1800s New Orleans. Kimberly was honestly kind of shocked by how iconoclastic, gorgeous and important this novel feels. Whether it's a women's-studies-seminar favorite or new to you, indulge in this exploration of one woman's fascinating experience of society, domesticity, maternity and PASSION in late-1800s New Orleans.

]]> 3187 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN and the GENIUS of Cormac McCarthy >> Love McCarthy? Never read him? Tune in to see why he's just so incredibly good. NO READING REQUIRED! As soon as Kimberly dove back in to No Country for Old Men, she knew she needed to parse what makes McCarthy SO GOOD. This exploration hits on all the ways that reading McCarthy is a master class in all elements of fiction:  textured narrative voices, description of violence, sympathy for complex characters, dark humor, and others--not to mention gorgeous prose. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 04:01:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! As soon as Kimberly dove back in to No Country for Old Men, she knew she needed to parse what makes McCarthy SO GOOD. This exploration hits on all the ways that reading McCarthy is a master class in all elements of fiction:  textured narrative voices, description of violence, sympathy for complex characters, dark humor, and others--not to mention gorgeous prose. NO READING REQUIRED! As soon as Kimberly dove back in to No Country for Old Men, she knew she needed to parse what makes McCarthy SO GOOD. This exploration hits on all the ways that reading McCarthy is a master class in all elements of fiction:  textured narrative voices, description of violence, sympathy for complex characters, dark humor, and others--not to mention gorgeous prose.

]]> 4887 ANNA KARENINA >> Intimidated??? DON'T be! Just let Kimberly tell you all the reasons these 1,000 pages are great. NO READING REQUIRED! Whether this doorstop is an old favorite--or something you NEVER plan to read--treat yourself to Kimberly's take on why this classic of all classics is worth your next 40 minutes! Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:08:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Whether this doorstop is an old favorite--or something you NEVER plan to read--treat yourself to Kimberly's take on why this classic of all classics is worth your next 40 minutes! NO READING REQUIRED! Whether this doorstop is an old favorite--or something you NEVER plan to read--treat yourself to Kimberly's take on why this classic of all classics is worth your next 40 minutes!

]]> 2383 THE GREAT GATSBY >> We all need to get back to the novel that was wasted on us in high school. No rereading required! NO READING REQUIRED! Fitzgerald's genius might very well be wasted on the youth. Even if you haven't re-read this classic since you were 16, delving into for an hour is a revelation. Kimberly breaks down the innovative narrative stance, the plot-heavy structure and some master-class motif building--all while reveling in (and also subtly criticizing) this modernist MASTERPIECE. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:22:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Fitzgerald's genius might very well be wasted on the youth. Even if you haven't re-read this classic since you were 16, delving into for an hour is a revelation. Kimberly breaks down the innovative narrative stance, the plot-heavy structure and some master-class motif building--all while reveling in (and also subtly criticizing) this modernist MASTERPIECE. NO READING REQUIRED! Fitzgerald's genius might very well be wasted on the youth. Even if you haven't re-read this classic since you were 16, delving into for an hour is a revelation. Kimberly breaks down the innovative narrative stance, the plot-heavy structure and some master-class motif building--all while reveling in (and also subtly criticizing) this modernist MASTERPIECE.

]]> 4216 THE YOUNG MAN by Annie Ernaux >> Leave it to a NOBEL PRIZE WINNER to dish up some seriously inspiring prose! NO READING REQUIRED! Tune in as we unpack the many ways that Ernaux celebrates the age gap relationship. The French master offers philosophical explanations for why older people get with younger ones, incisive analysis of social norms and all the ways in which these liaisons can be empowering--all, of course, while treating us to her stark, arresting, unique prose. Listen in to one woman's fascinating world and all the ways we might rethink age difference. Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Tune in as we unpack the many ways that Ernaux celebrates the age gap relationship. The French master offers philosophical explanations for why older people get with younger ones, incisive analysis of social norms and all the ways in which these liaisons can be empowering--all, of course, while treating us to her stark, arresting, unique prose. Listen in to one woman's fascinating world and all the ways we might rethink age difference. NO READING REQUIRED! Tune in as we unpack the many ways that Ernaux celebrates the age gap relationship. The French master offers philosophical explanations for why older people get with younger ones, incisive analysis of social norms and all the ways in which these liaisons can be empowering--all, of course, while treating us to her stark, arresting, unique prose. Listen in to one woman's fascinating world and all the ways we might rethink age difference.

]]> 1755 PLAYWORLD by Adam Ross >> Another look at sex writing and the age-gap relationship! Tune in for Kimberly's breakdown of how PLAYWORLD really succeeds--and the ways she sees it falling short. With its marketing materials really pushing its 36-year-old-woman/14-year-old-boy sexualized relationship, the novel provides a fascinating look at sex writing and how the Mrs.-Robinson trope manifests itself in 2025. Join Kimberly for this second of four lectures--the only novel of the four written by a man--which maybe shouldn't matter?? But also really might. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:49:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Tune in for Kimberly's breakdown of how PLAYWORLD really succeeds--and the ways she sees it falling short. With its marketing materials really pushing its 36-year-old-woman/14-year-old-boy sexualized relationship, the novel provides a fascinating look at sex writing and how the Mrs.-Robinson trope manifests itself in 2025. Join Kimberly for this second of four lectures--the only novel of the four written by a man--which maybe shouldn't matter?? But also really might. Tune in for Kimberly's breakdown of how PLAYWORLD really succeeds--and the ways she sees it falling short. With its marketing materials really pushing its 36-year-old-woman/14-year-old-boy sexualized relationship, the novel provides a fascinating look at sex writing and how the Mrs.-Robinson trope manifests itself in 2025. Join Kimberly for this second of four lectures--the only novel of the four written by a man--which maybe shouldn't matter?? But also really might.

]]> 2707 INTERMEZZO by Sally Rooney (1 of 4 upcoming lectures on SEX and AGE-GAP RELATIONSHIPS!) With good sex writing, and TWO age-gap relationships, INTERMEZZO offers Kimberly all sorts of ways to think about female sexual desire. Listen in to hear what Kimberly LOVES about this latest Rooney, and where she thinks the novel fell SHORT. The first of a series of four lectures that will explore Adam Ross's PLAYWORLD, Annie Ernaux's THE YOUNG MAN and Kate Chopin's THE AWAKENING, Kimberly's deep dives will elucidate not only the novel at hand, but larger, timely questions about (older) women and sex. Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford With good sex writing, and TWO age-gap relationships, INTERMEZZO offers Kimberly all sorts of ways to think about female sexual desire. Listen in to hear what Kimberly LOVES about this latest Rooney, and where she thinks the novel fell SHORT. The first of a series of four lectures that will explore Adam Ross's PLAYWORLD, Annie Ernaux's THE YOUNG MAN and Kate Chopin's THE AWAKENING, Kimberly's deep dives will elucidate not only the novel at hand, but larger, timely questions about (older) women and sex. With good sex writing, and TWO age-gap relationships, INTERMEZZO offers Kimberly all sorts of ways to think about female sexual desire. Listen in to hear what Kimberly LOVES about this latest Rooney, and where she thinks the novel fell SHORT.


The first of a series of four lectures that will explore Adam Ross's PLAYWORLD, Annie Ernaux's THE YOUNG MAN and Kate Chopin's THE AWAKENING, Kimberly's deep dives will elucidate not only the novel at hand, but larger, timely questions about (older) women and sex.

]]> 4176 THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING by T. H. White >> NO READING REQUIRED! Lose yourself as Kimberly walks you through the genius of this CAMELOT CLASSIC. Need an escape? One that's smart, inventive and funny? Listen in! White published the four-part volume in 1938 and 1958--all in the shadow of WWII. If he only knew how well the chaos of that historical moment would mirror 2025! This 700-page novel is haunting, intelligent, absorbing and charming. NO NEED TO READ the book. Just treat yourself to Kimberly's wander through it now! Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford White published the four-part volume in 1938 and 1958--all in the shadow of WWII. If he only knew how well the chaos of that historical moment would mirror 2025! This 700-page novel is haunting, intelligent, absorbing and charming. NO NEED TO READ the book. Just treat yourself to Kimberly's wander through it now! White published the four-part volume in 1938 and 1958--all in the shadow of WWII. If he only knew how well the chaos of that historical moment would mirror 2025! This 700-page novel is haunting, intelligent, absorbing and charming. NO NEED TO READ the book. Just treat yourself to Kimberly's wander through it now!

]]> 4599 "Carpe Diem" from A MANUAL FOR CLEANING WOMEN by Lucia Berlin>> Join Kimberly for a SPECIAL look at one story by the master of the form! In this special lecture honoring a story from one of the BEST BOOKS OF THE CENTURY (according to the New York Times), Kimberly proves that it's FASCINATING to parse a five-and-a-half page story for almost an hour. In fact, there was a lot MORE she wanted to discuss. This deep dive, though, will give you an even better sense of just WHY Berlin's work is so so good. Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In this special lecture honoring a story from one of the BEST BOOKS OF THE CENTURY (according to the New York Times), Kimberly proves that it's FASCINATING to parse a five-and-a-half page story for almost an hour. In fact, there was a lot MORE she wanted to discuss. This deep dive, though, will give you an even better sense of just WHY Berlin's work is so so good. In this special lecture honoring a story from one of the BEST BOOKS OF THE CENTURY (according to the New York Times), Kimberly proves that it's FASCINATING to parse a five-and-a-half page story for almost an hour. In fact, there was a lot MORE she wanted to discuss. This deep dive, though, will give you an even better sense of just WHY Berlin's work is so so good.

]]> 3285 BY ANY OTHER NAME by Jodi Picoult >> Missed a few of Picoult's Shakespeare references? Want to be sure you appreciated all the reasons why this novel is so effective?? Listen in now! Join Kimberly as she discusses historical fiction as a genre--before digging in to how the structure, the pacing, the figurative language and the prose make this novel work so well. (Plus, as usual, a few quibbles.) Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:45:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Join Kimberly as she discusses historical fiction as a genre--before digging in to how the structure, the pacing, the figurative language and the prose make this novel work so well. (Plus, as usual, a few quibbles.) Join Kimberly as she discusses historical fiction as a genre--before digging in to how the structure, the pacing, the figurative language and the prose make this novel work so well. (Plus, as usual, a few quibbles.)

]]> 4539 I COULD READ THE SKY by Timothy O'Grady and Steve Pike >> Need a literary escape?? This gorgeous, elegiac novel-with-photos will transport you to Ireland and the experience of emigration. Listen in now! NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly's deep dive works well before or after reading this gem. The novel's unique reading experience derives in part from the incredible photographs throughout--combined, of course, with insanely great prose. Make sure you're getting as much as possible out of this unusual, beautiful, haunting novel. Listen in now! Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:10:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly's deep dive works well before or after reading this gem. The novel's unique reading experience derives in part from the incredible photographs throughout--combined, of course, with insanely great prose. Make sure you're getting as much as possible out of this unusual, beautiful, haunting novel. Listen in now! NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly's deep dive works well before or after reading this gem. The novel's unique reading experience derives in part from the incredible photographs throughout--combined, of course, with insanely great prose. Make sure you're getting as much as possible out of this unusual, beautiful, haunting novel. Listen in now!

]]> 3905 DON QUIJOTE de la MANCHA >> The most important book YOU DO NOT NEED TO READ Kimberly LOVES this classic of all classics--largely held as the first modern novel. Cervantes's 1605 masterpiece is not only colorful, hilarious, smart and unique but it includes all the elements that would go on to shape the modern novel. Let Kimberly tell you all about these crucial elements while giving you a good taste of the Spaniard's amazing prose. She also argues why this hour-long lecture might be all the Quijote you need! Listen in now! Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:44:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly LOVES this classic of all classics--largely held as the first modern novel. Cervantes's 1605 masterpiece is not only colorful, hilarious, smart and unique but it includes all the elements that would go on to shape the modern novel. Let Kimberly tell you all about these crucial elements while giving you a good taste of the Spaniard's amazing prose. She also argues why this hour-long lecture might be all the Quijote you need! Listen in now! Kimberly LOVES this classic of all classics--largely held as the first modern novel. Cervantes's 1605 masterpiece is not only colorful, hilarious, smart and unique but it includes all the elements that would go on to shape the modern novel. Let Kimberly tell you all about these crucial elements while giving you a good taste of the Spaniard's amazing prose. She also argues why this hour-long lecture might be all the Quijote you need! Listen in now!

]]> 3918 THE ANTHROPOLOGISTS by Aysegul Savas's >> Need an escape?? Immerse yourself in an hour of me parsing all the ways that this meditative, warm, escapist book--with its wholly unique premise--offers so much. Good books provide inspiration, compassion, consolation, edification...and ESCAPE. If you're a little weary of the world right now, dig into the very smart pages of THE ANTHROPOLOGISTS. This slim novel's unique, destabilizing premise could feel gimmicky in lesser hands, but Savas manages to intrigue, all while throwing into relief the basic desires of every reader. Kimberly found SO MUCH depth to explore. Join us now! NO PRE-READING NECESSARY! Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:59:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Good books provide inspiration, compassion, consolation, edification...and ESCAPE. If you're a little weary of the world right now, dig into the very smart pages of THE ANTHROPOLOGISTS. This slim novel's unique, destabilizing premise could feel gimmicky in lesser hands, but Savas manages to intrigue, all while throwing into relief the basic desires of every reader. Kimberly found SO MUCH depth to explore. Join us now! NO PRE-READING NECESSARY! Good books provide inspiration, compassion, consolation, edification...and ESCAPE. If you're a little weary of the world right now, dig into the very smart pages of THE ANTHROPOLOGISTS. This slim novel's unique, destabilizing premise could feel gimmicky in lesser hands, but Savas manages to intrigue, all while throwing into relief the basic desires of every reader. Kimberly found SO MUCH depth to explore. Join us now! NO PRE-READING NECESSARY!

]]> 4688 GOOD MATERIAL by Dolly Alderton >> Witness my HOTTEST TAKE since starting the podcast. I loved Alderton's book so much I couldn't help but add some truly out-there conjecture. When The NY Times named Alderton's GOOD MATERIAL one of the best 10 books of 2024, Kimberly knew it was time to dig in. Listen as she deepens your understanding of the male narrative voice, the excellent figurative language, the supposed "double ending" and Alderton's CRUCIAL SUBVERSION of the marriage plot. Tune in to Kimberly's argument for why this (anti)-rom-com (?!) BELONGS in the company of literary heavyweights like Miranda July's ALL FOURS, Percival Everett's JAMES and Álvaro Enrigue's YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES. Finally, DO NOT MISS Kimberly's hottest of hot takes! Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford When The NY Times named Alderton's GOOD MATERIAL one of the best 10 books of 2024, Kimberly knew it was time to dig in. Listen as she deepens your understanding of the male narrative voice, the excellent figurative language, the supposed "double ending" and Alderton's CRUCIAL SUBVERSION of the marriage plot. Tune in to Kimberly's argument for why this (anti)-rom-com (?!) BELONGS in the company of literary heavyweights like Miranda July's ALL FOURS, Percival Everett's JAMES and Álvaro Enrigue's YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES. Finally, DO NOT MISS Kimberly's hottest of hot takes! When The NY Times named Alderton's GOOD MATERIAL one of the best 10 books of 2024, Kimberly knew it was time to dig in. Listen as she deepens your understanding of the male narrative voice, the excellent figurative language, the supposed "double ending" and Alderton's CRUCIAL SUBVERSION of the marriage plot. Tune in to Kimberly's argument for why this (anti)-rom-com (?!) BELONGS in the company of literary heavyweights like Miranda July's ALL FOURS, Percival Everett's JAMES and Álvaro Enrigue's YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES. Finally, DO NOT MISS Kimberly's hottest of hot takes!

]]> 3851 BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by Robin Wall Kimmerer >> Did you love this when it came out? Did you mean to read it but didn't quite? Allow me to remind you of the CRUCIAL WISDOM Wall Kimmerer imparts! Braiding Sweetgrass is one of those books we should be going back to again and again. If you don't quite have the time to do that, Kimberly will give you a hand. Want to feel like you could maybe help make the world a slightly better place in some small way?? Want to feel better about the environment?? Want to feel inspired and informed--with sometimes RADICAL new ways to conceptualize the world? Listen in! Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:39:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Braiding Sweetgrass is one of those books we should be going back to again and again. If you don't quite have the time to do that, Kimberly will give you a hand. Want to feel like you could maybe help make the world a slightly better place in some small way?? Want to feel better about the environment?? Want to feel inspired and informed--with sometimes RADICAL new ways to conceptualize the world? Listen in! Braiding Sweetgrass is one of those books we should be going back to again and again. If you don't quite have the time to do that, Kimberly will give you a hand. Want to feel like you could maybe help make the world a slightly better place in some small way?? Want to feel better about the environment?? Want to feel inspired and informed--with sometimes RADICAL new ways to conceptualize the world? Listen in!

]]> 1962 REPOST: Five-Minute Recommendation of James Joyce’s DUBLINERS Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Dubliners. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 25 Nov 2024 09:30:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Dubliners. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Dubliners. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 399 REPOST: Five-Minute Recommendation for Anna Burns’s MILKMAN >> SAY NOTHING devotees, here's another AMAZING novel. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Milkman. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:14:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Milkman. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Milkman. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 401 MILKMAN by Anna Burns >> Burns's novel about Northern Ireland is an absolute MASTERPIECE. Honestly, it's one of my favorite books. One of the more rewarding books I've ever read, Milkman is dark, dense, funny and AMAZING. Join me for a more profound understanding of the novel’s political importance, its incredibly effective humor and other elements that make this book feel so IMPORTANT. Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:04:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford One of the more rewarding books I've ever read, Milkman is dark, dense, funny and AMAZING. Join me for a more profound understanding of the novel’s political importance, its incredibly effective humor and other elements that make this book feel so IMPORTANT. One of the more rewarding books I've ever read, Milkman is dark, dense, funny and AMAZING. Join me for a more profound understanding of the novel’s political importance, its incredibly effective humor and other elements that make this book feel so IMPORTANT.

]]> 6704 REPOST: 5-Minute Recommendation for Claire Keegan’s FOSTER >> Loving the tv series SAY NOTHING?? This masterful (very short) novel might be even more engrossing! Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Foster. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:46:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Foster. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Foster. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 456 FOSTER by Claire Keegan (part 1 of 3) >> If you appreciate literature at all, you owe yourself the experience of this INCREDIBLE (very short) novella. This very brief book is a masterclass of the every aspect of fiction. In part one, I argue why you should read it, take a quick dip into Keegan’s bio., and discuss the title and opening pages. Fri, 22 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This very brief book is a masterclass of the every aspect of fiction. In part one, I argue why you should read it, take a quick dip into Keegan’s bio., and discuss the title and opening pages. This very brief book is a masterclass of the every aspect of fiction. In part one, I argue why you should read it, take a quick dip into Keegan’s bio., and discuss the title and opening pages.

]]> 2467 LIE WITH ME by Philippe Besson >> translated by the one and only MOLLY RINGWALD! Kimberly had never read Besson--and didn't know Ringwald was translating!--but she loved this brief, beautiful novel. Listen in as she touches on the very un-american phenomenon of autofiction, before diving into the fascinating structural choices, the beauty of the spare prose and why Besson is SO GOOD AT SEX WRITING. She'll even offer up interesting translation differences and the novel's details that Ringwald (mostly judiciously) chose to leave out. Mon, 11 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly had never read Besson--and didn't know Ringwald was translating!--but she loved this brief, beautiful novel. Listen in as she touches on the very un-american phenomenon of autofiction, before diving into the fascinating structural choices, the beauty of the spare prose and why Besson is SO GOOD AT SEX WRITING. She'll even offer up interesting translation differences and the novel's details that Ringwald (mostly judiciously) chose to leave out. Kimberly had never read Besson--and didn't know Ringwald was translating!--but she loved this brief, beautiful novel. Listen in as she touches on the very un-american phenomenon of autofiction, before diving into the fascinating structural choices, the beauty of the spare prose and why Besson is SO GOOD AT SEX WRITING. She'll even offer up interesting translation differences and the novel's details that Ringwald (mostly judiciously) chose to leave out.

]]> 3528 GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN by James Baldwin >> This masterpiece deserves the deepest of dives. Join me as we sink in to its genius! Often considered Baldwin's masterpiece, this slim, somewhat autobiographical novel is SO GOOD. Listen in now to hear how the structure, the narrative voice and the final chapter make this an incredible, important read. Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:33:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Often considered Baldwin's masterpiece, this slim, somewhat autobiographical novel is SO GOOD. Listen in now to hear how the structure, the narrative voice and the final chapter make this an incredible, important read. Often considered Baldwin's masterpiece, this slim, somewhat autobiographical novel is SO GOOD. Listen in now to hear how the structure, the narrative voice and the final chapter make this an incredible, important read.

]]> 4594 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE by Gabriel García Márquez >> Whether you're one of the millions who say this book is their favorite ever--or maybe you didn't quite get all the hype--let me try to convince you why it's massively important. Garcia Marquez changed literature with the 1967 publication of this surreal, ultra-popular, deeply engaging novel. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the context in which it was written, the way it fits into literary movements and why it's so groundbreaking. And if you're one of the people who couldn't keep all the generations of José Arcadios and Aurelianos straight, Kimberly will reveal a grad-school level secret that will help with this novel--and every challenging book you read. Mon, 14 Oct 2024 01:57:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Garcia Marquez changed literature with the 1967 publication of this surreal, ultra-popular, deeply engaging novel. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the context in which it was written, the way it fits into literary movements and why it's so groundbreaking. And if you're one of the people who couldn't keep all the generations of José Arcadios and Aurelianos straight, Kimberly will reveal a grad-school level secret that will help with this novel--and every challenging book you read. Garcia Marquez changed literature with the 1967 publication of this surreal, ultra-popular, deeply engaging novel. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the context in which it was written, the way it fits into literary movements and why it's so groundbreaking. And if you're one of the people who couldn't keep all the generations of José Arcadios and Aurelianos straight, Kimberly will reveal a grad-school level secret that will help with this novel--and every challenging book you read.

]]> 3224 Enriched Read 8: Ann Patchett's TOM LAKE--and OUR TOWN! >> Whether you loved TOM LAKE or were underwhelmed, just wait till you see it in the light of Our Town! At the end of TOM LAKE, Ann Patchett exhorts readers to return to the work of Thornton Wilder--so Kimberly did! She LOVED her deep dive into the hugely influential 1938 classic, OUR TOWN. You'll hear analysis of the novel, with a whole section devoted to how the incredibly affecting OUR TOWN inflects Patchett's novel. Lastly? You'll then be treated to some seriously inspiring quotations by Wilder himself. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford At the end of TOM LAKE, Ann Patchett exhorts readers to return to the work of Thornton Wilder--so Kimberly did! She LOVED her deep dive into the hugely influential 1938 classic, OUR TOWN. You'll hear analysis of the novel, with a whole section devoted to how the incredibly affecting OUR TOWN inflects Patchett's novel. Lastly? You'll then be treated to some seriously inspiring quotations by Wilder himself. At the end of TOM LAKE, Ann Patchett exhorts readers to return to the work of Thornton Wilder--so Kimberly did! She LOVED her deep dive into the hugely influential 1938 classic, OUR TOWN. You'll hear analysis of the novel, with a whole section devoted to how the incredibly affecting OUR TOWN inflects Patchett's novel. Lastly? You'll then be treated to some seriously inspiring quotations by Wilder himself.

]]> 4215 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen >> NO READING REQUIRED >> Dive into Jane's historical period--while seeing her as a true SATIRIST--to more FULLY appreciate her genius! Kimberly dips into the Regency Era--don't remember why it's called that? tune in!--then digs into Jane's use of irony and satire to appreciate why the work is so revolutionary, so deft and SO FUNNY. Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly dips into the Regency Era--don't remember why it's called that? tune in!--then digs into Jane's use of irony and satire to appreciate why the work is so revolutionary, so deft and SO FUNNY. Kimberly dips into the Regency Era--don't remember why it's called that? tune in!--then digs into Jane's use of irony and satire to appreciate why the work is so revolutionary, so deft and SO FUNNY.

]]> 3727 OUTLINE by Rachel Cusk >> Maybe you have lingering questions about the insanely great, entirely original aspects of OUTLINE? Listen up! Cusk's radical approach to the novel makes OUTLINE the perfect text for serious exploration. Its innovative approach to narrative, structure and even basic description meant plenty of grist for Kimberly's mill. Whether you loved OUTLINE or were left wondering what the hell just happened--prepare for some serious edification. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Cusk's radical approach to the novel makes OUTLINE the perfect text for serious exploration. Its innovative approach to narrative, structure and even basic description meant plenty of grist for Kimberly's mill. Whether you loved OUTLINE or were left wondering what the hell just happened--prepare for some serious edification. Cusk's radical approach to the novel makes OUTLINE the perfect text for serious exploration. Its innovative approach to narrative, structure and even basic description meant plenty of grist for Kimberly's mill. Whether you loved OUTLINE or were left wondering what the hell just happened--prepare for some serious edification.

]]> 3521 Lecture 71: THE PERFECT COUPLE!! The novel AND TV ADAPTATION! >> On Sept 5, Netflix will air what looks like an AMAZING, star-studded, darkly comic HIT! Listen in to why the NOVEL will translate so well to the small screen! Listen in to Kimberly explaining why Hilderbrand's dialogue, structuring, subplots and sense of place will make this show SO GOOD. With juicy details gleaned from lots of sleuthing, Kimberly will get you ready to watch on SEPTEMBER 5! Mon, 02 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Listen in to Kimberly explaining why Hilderbrand's dialogue, structuring, subplots and sense of place will make this show SO GOOD. With juicy details gleaned from lots of sleuthing, Kimberly will get you ready to watch on SEPTEMBER 5! Listen in to Kimberly explaining why Hilderbrand's dialogue, structuring, subplots and sense of place will make this show SO GOOD. With juicy details gleaned from lots of sleuthing, Kimberly will get you ready to watch on SEPTEMBER 5!

]]> 3787 WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak>> Let Kimberly reveal some very adult reasons why this "childhood" favorite has sold over 50M copies and remains a global household staple. NO READING REQUIRED! Turns out that everyone's favorite picture book is a psychologically complex, highly psychoanalytic, controversial TREASURE TROVE of literary and visual mastery. Listen in! **If you've never watched a lecture on the foxed page YouTube channel, this is a particularly good one, given the plethora of images that help elucidate the visual side of Sendak's genius.** Thu, 29 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Turns out that everyone's favorite picture book is a psychologically complex, highly psychoanalytic, controversial TREASURE TROVE of literary and visual mastery. Listen in! **If you've never watched a lecture on the foxed page YouTube channel, this is a particularly good one, given the plethora of images that help elucidate the visual side of Sendak's genius.** NO READING REQUIRED! Turns out that everyone's favorite picture book is a psychologically complex, highly psychoanalytic, controversial TREASURE TROVE of literary and visual mastery. Listen in!

**If you've never watched a lecture on the foxed page YouTube channel, this is a particularly good one, given the plethora of images that help elucidate the visual side of Sendak's genius.**

]]> 4046 THE MYSTERY GUEST by Gregoire Bouillier >> You asked for more international books! This short French riff on Mrs. Dalloway is a REALLY GOOD ONE! NO SPOILERS! NO READING NECESSARY! Kimberly comes to you from a wine cellar with a nervous dog to discuss autofiction and how the French are more relaxed about TRUTH than Americans. The Mystery Guest is intriguing, darkly funny and SO SHORT! If you're casting about for something to read and want something different--listen in! Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:27:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO SPOILERS! NO READING NECESSARY! Kimberly comes to you from a wine cellar with a nervous dog to discuss autofiction and how the French are more relaxed about TRUTH than Americans. The Mystery Guest is intriguing, darkly funny and SO SHORT! If you're casting about for something to read and want something different--listen in! NO SPOILERS! NO READING NECESSARY! Kimberly comes to you from a wine cellar with a nervous dog to discuss autofiction and how the French are more relaxed about TRUTH than Americans. The Mystery Guest is intriguing, darkly funny and SO SHORT! If you're casting about for something to read and want something different--listen in!

]]> 2920 THE GOD OF THE WOODS by Liz Moore >> Feel like you fully appreciated what makes this thriller so good? Kimberly wants to point out a few points when you might've been too engrossed to notice! NO SPOILERS! (Obviously. It's s thriller.) This novel was so well done that Kimberly couldn't wait to analyze all the reasons it works so well. The most fun, though, might have been picking out the exceptions that prove the rule: Liz Moore is so good! Mon, 19 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO SPOILERS! (Obviously. It's s thriller.) This novel was so well done that Kimberly couldn't wait to analyze all the reasons it works so well. The most fun, though, might have been picking out the exceptions that prove the rule: Liz Moore is so good! NO SPOILERS! (Obviously. It's s thriller.) This novel was so well done that Kimberly couldn't wait to analyze all the reasons it works so well. The most fun, though, might have been picking out the exceptions that prove the rule: Liz Moore is so good!

]]> 4105 GOODBYE, VITAMIN by Rachel Khong >> You've seen REAL AMERICANS on every bookstore front table lately? That's because Khong is SO GOOD. Listen in to hear what makes Khong's work so approachable, smart and deeply affecting. Kimberly loved GOODBYE, VITAMIN so much that she's elated to see Khong's latest getting so much attention. Until Kimberly works through her stack and gets to REAL AMERICANS, listen in to this 30-minute intro to Khong's bio, her prose, and all the ways that the opening page of GOODBYE will help you more fully appreciate her insanely great work. Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly loved GOODBYE, VITAMIN so much that she's elated to see Khong's latest getting so much attention. Until Kimberly works through her stack and gets to REAL AMERICANS, listen in to this 30-minute intro to Khong's bio, her prose, and all the ways that the opening page of GOODBYE will help you more fully appreciate her insanely great work. Kimberly loved GOODBYE, VITAMIN so much that she's elated to see Khong's latest getting so much attention. Until Kimberly works through her stack and gets to REAL AMERICANS, listen in to this 30-minute intro to Khong's bio, her prose, and all the ways that the opening page of GOODBYE will help you more fully appreciate her insanely great work.

]]> 2010 LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE by Taffy Brodesser-Akner >> Is this really satire?? (also feat. Lorrie Moore, Paul Beatty and Andrew Sean Greer!) Have you got a pretty good sense of what satire's all about? But could maybe use a breakdown about WHY it works well? And WHEN it works well? Join Kimberly for a close look at Taffy Brodessor-Akner's LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE to understand this delicious literary mode. We'll take a close look at LONG ISLAND, while also getting a bit broader with Andrew Sean Greer's LESS, Lorrie Moore's SELF HELP and Paul Beatty's THE SELLOUT. Enrich yourself now! Mon, 12 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Have you got a pretty good sense of what satire's all about? But could maybe use a breakdown about WHY it works well? And WHEN it works well? Join Kimberly for a close look at Taffy Brodessor-Akner's LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE to understand this delicious literary mode. We'll take a close look at LONG ISLAND, while also getting a bit broader with Andrew Sean Greer's LESS, Lorrie Moore's SELF HELP and Paul Beatty's THE SELLOUT. Enrich yourself now! Have you got a pretty good sense of what satire's all about? But could maybe use a breakdown about WHY it works well? And WHEN it works well? Join Kimberly for a close look at Taffy Brodessor-Akner's LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE to understand this delicious literary mode. We'll take a close look at LONG ISLAND, while also getting a bit broader with Andrew Sean Greer's LESS, Lorrie Moore's SELF HELP and Paul Beatty's THE SELLOUT. Enrich yourself now!

]]> 3633 GIOVANNI'S ROOM by James Baldwin >> It's a crime that I JUST read this novel for the first time. Take a listen to more fully comprehend this masterpiece. There are SO many reasons to read (or REREAD) this slim, gorgeous, Paris-based novel. One way to more fully understand the book is to view it through Baldwin's genius use of figurative language. Listen in now! Thu, 08 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford There are SO many reasons to read (or REREAD) this slim, gorgeous, Paris-based novel. One way to more fully understand the book is to view it through Baldwin's genius use of figurative language. Listen in now! There are SO many reasons to read (or REREAD) this slim, gorgeous, Paris-based novel. One way to more fully understand the book is to view it through Baldwin's genius use of figurative language. Listen in now!

]]> 3506 Kimberly's TOP TEN books of the 21st century! >> The New York Times did NOT ask Kimberly for her top ten when they made their list, but here they are! Tune in to see how your favorites compare! It was VERY hard for Kimberly to decide on a top ten. So there are five runners-up. She assumed it would be impossible to RANK the top ten, but in a spur-of-the-moment decision, she attempts it. Tune in to see how your list compares! Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford It was VERY hard for Kimberly to decide on a top ten. So there are five runners-up. She assumed it would be impossible to RANK the top ten, but in a spur-of-the-moment decision, she attempts it. Tune in to see how your list compares! It was VERY hard for Kimberly to decide on a top ten. So there are five runners-up. She assumed it would be impossible to RANK the top ten, but in a spur-of-the-moment decision, she attempts it. Tune in to see how your list compares!

]]> 1586 DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver >> Have you read the NYT best of the century title #61?? Were you a reader who voted it NUMBER ONE on the readers' list? Listen in if you want to better understand WHY it's so good! NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Allow Kimberly to help you revel in this gem--all while increasing your appreciation by pointing out the echoes of Dickens's David Copperfield. Thu, 01 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Allow Kimberly to help you revel in this gem--all while increasing your appreciation by pointing out the echoes of Dickens's David Copperfield. NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Allow Kimberly to help you revel in this gem--all while increasing your appreciation by pointing out the echoes of Dickens's David Copperfield.

]]> 2639 A MANUAL FOR CLEANING WOMEN by Lucia Berlin >> I would basically give this an ELEVEN. Listen in as she explains why this collection deserves to be read over and over and over again! People. This collection is SO FUNNY and SO DARK. It's unlike any other writing. Whether you've read it or are considering diving in after the book was selected as one of the best of the century, listen in as Kimberly helps understand how this woman pulls it OFF. Mon, 29 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford People. This collection is SO FUNNY and SO DARK. It's unlike any other writing. Whether you've read it or are considering diving in after the book was selected as one of the best of the century, listen in as Kimberly helps understand how this woman pulls it OFF. People. This collection is SO FUNNY and SO DARK. It's unlike any other writing. Whether you've read it or are considering diving in after the book was selected as one of the best of the century, listen in as Kimberly helps understand how this woman pulls it OFF.

]]> 2955 Lecture 65: FORTY-SIX of the New York Times's 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE CENTURY >> Have you read the same titles as Kimberly? Is she about to deeply offend you by panning your favorite?? Listen in to see! Kimberly zips through the 46 books she's read, giving a rating to every one. Check it OUT! Thu, 25 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly zips through the 46 books she's read, giving a rating to every one. Check it OUT! Kimberly zips through the 46 books she's read, giving a rating to every one. Check it OUT!

]]> 2945 FRANNY AND ZOOEY (but mostly "Zooey") by J. D. Salinger >> Ever wondered why Salinger is SO ENDURING? And what's actually going on with Franny?? Kimberly's about to offer up some answers. We wrap up SALINGER WEEK with a deep dive into "Zooey" (the story) along with a good hard look at FRANNY AND ZOOEY as a whole. This third and final lecture offers up all sorts of gems--from the source of Franny's crisis to a wider look at why Salinger's prose is so incredibly ENDURING. Mon, 22 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford We wrap up SALINGER WEEK with a deep dive into "Zooey" (the story) along with a good hard look at FRANNY AND ZOOEY as a whole. This third and final lecture offers up all sorts of gems--from the source of Franny's crisis to a wider look at why Salinger's prose is so incredibly ENDURING. We wrap up SALINGER WEEK with a deep dive into "Zooey" (the story) along with a good hard look at FRANNY AND ZOOEY as a whole. This third and final lecture offers up all sorts of gems--from the source of Franny's crisis to a wider look at why Salinger's prose is so incredibly ENDURING.

]]> 3465 FRANNY AND ZOOEY (but really just "Franny") by J. D. Salinger >> Even if you haven't read this GEM of a book, tune in to see what makes Salinger's prose SO GOOD. This deep dive is SO deep that Kimberly needs a whole lecture just to discuss "Franny." The first 40 pages of FRANNY AND ZOOEY is not only amazing, but the perfect way to look at what makes all of Salinger's prose so unmistakably SALINGER. (A second Salinger lecture will tackle "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," then we'll dive all the way in to the hugely popular FRANNY AND ZOOEY.) Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This deep dive is SO deep that Kimberly needs a whole lecture just to discuss "Franny." The first 40 pages of FRANNY AND ZOOEY is not only amazing, but the perfect way to look at what makes all of Salinger's prose so unmistakably SALINGER. (A second Salinger lecture will tackle "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," then we'll dive all the way in to the hugely popular FRANNY AND ZOOEY.) This deep dive is SO deep that Kimberly needs a whole lecture just to discuss "Franny." The first 40 pages of FRANNY AND ZOOEY is not only amazing, but the perfect way to look at what makes all of Salinger's prose so unmistakably SALINGER. (A second Salinger lecture will tackle "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," then we'll dive all the way in to the hugely popular FRANNY AND ZOOEY.)

]]> 5798 MARTYR! (the ENDING) by Kave Akbar >> If you think you fully understood the nuance of Kaveh Akbar's (possible double) ending, you might be crazy. Allow Kimberly to point out the intricacies, the nuance, the FACTS of what Akbar is really saying at the end of his insanely great novel. Tune in to hear Kimberly argue a few sides of this coin. She follows Daniel Mendelsohn's advice to treat literature like a social science: look carefully at the DATA. If you're like all the folks on the internet who have real questions about this novel's close, you're in the right place. Thu, 11 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Allow Kimberly to point out the intricacies, the nuance, the FACTS of what Akbar is really saying at the end of his insanely great novel. Tune in to hear Kimberly argue a few sides of this coin. She follows Daniel Mendelsohn's advice to treat literature like a social science: look carefully at the DATA. If you're like all the folks on the internet who have real questions about this novel's close, you're in the right place. Allow Kimberly to point out the intricacies, the nuance, the FACTS of what Akbar is really saying at the end of his insanely great novel. Tune in to hear Kimberly argue a few sides of this coin. She follows Daniel Mendelsohn's advice to treat literature like a social science: look carefully at the DATA. If you're like all the folks on the internet who have real questions about this novel's close, you're in the right place.

]]> 3261 MARTYR! by Kaveh Akbar >> Anyone who thinks they've comprehended this masterpiece in one read is insane. Allow Kimberly to help you appreciate why it deserves extensive further thought! People. This is one of the most intense reading experiences Kimberly has had in ages. The book is so smart, so warm and funny and complicated, that Kimberly realized it deserves two lectures! This first one focuses on the narrative stance, the inventiveness, the humor and complicated compendium-like structure (and a possible small debt to David Foster Wallace). The SECOND lecture (coming soon) tackles the novel's insanely great, ambiguous, enigmatic ENDING. Mon, 08 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford People. This is one of the most intense reading experiences Kimberly has had in ages. The book is so smart, so warm and funny and complicated, that Kimberly realized it deserves two lectures! This first one focuses on the narrative stance, the inventiveness, the humor and complicated compendium-like structure (and a possible small debt to David Foster Wallace). The SECOND lecture (coming soon) tackles the novel's insanely great, ambiguous, enigmatic ENDING. People. This is one of the most intense reading experiences Kimberly has had in ages. The book is so smart, so warm and funny and complicated, that Kimberly realized it deserves two lectures! This first one focuses on the narrative stance, the inventiveness, the humor and complicated compendium-like structure (and a possible small debt to David Foster Wallace). The SECOND lecture (coming soon) tackles the novel's insanely great, ambiguous, enigmatic ENDING.

]]> 4974 Lecture 62: Elin Hilderbrand's SWAN SONG >> Have an extra good time with the queen of the beach read's LAST NANTUCKET NOVEL. NO SPOILERS! What's summer without a good beach read? By the QUEEN of the beach read?? Kimberly was somewhat alarmed that Hilderbrand is "hanging up her bikini" but thank god we have 26 other Nantucket novels to choose from. People, Hilderbrand is SO GOOD at this stuff. Listen in to find out why her narrative stance, atmospheric elements and structure make these books so solid. (Also: Kimberly has just a few teeny quibbles). There's no such thing as "guilty pleasure" where Hilderbrand is concerned--she's just so good at this stuff! Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO SPOILERS! What's summer without a good beach read? By the QUEEN of the beach read?? Kimberly was somewhat alarmed that Hilderbrand is "hanging up her bikini" but thank god we have 26 other Nantucket novels to choose from. People, Hilderbrand is SO GOOD at this stuff. Listen in to find out why her narrative stance, atmospheric elements and structure make these books so solid. (Also: Kimberly has just a few teeny quibbles). There's no such thing as "guilty pleasure" where Hilderbrand is concerned--she's just so good at this stuff! NO SPOILERS! What's summer without a good beach read? By the QUEEN of the beach read?? Kimberly was somewhat alarmed that Hilderbrand is "hanging up her bikini" but thank god we have 26 other Nantucket novels to choose from. People, Hilderbrand is SO GOOD at this stuff. Listen in to find out why her narrative stance, atmospheric elements and structure make these books so solid. (Also: Kimberly has just a few teeny quibbles). There's no such thing as "guilty pleasure" where Hilderbrand is concerned--she's just so good at this stuff!

]]> 4247 ALL FOURS by Miranda July >> Have you heard? ALL FOURS is creating a revolution! ALL FOURS is changing how we think about sex, maternity, marriage--and towels. Touted by the New York Times as "the first great peri-menopause novel," it's July's most accessible, most hilarious and most "filthy" (in the best of ways) work. Listen in while Kimberly uses the lens of humor to appreciate the pathos, the sex, the iconoclasm and the tension in this IMPORTANT BOOK. Mon, 24 Jun 2024 11:09:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford ALL FOURS is changing how we think about sex, maternity, marriage--and towels. Touted by the New York Times as "the first great peri-menopause novel," it's July's most accessible, most hilarious and most "filthy" (in the best of ways) work. Listen in while Kimberly uses the lens of humor to appreciate the pathos, the sex, the iconoclasm and the tension in this IMPORTANT BOOK. ALL FOURS is changing how we think about sex, maternity, marriage--and towels. Touted by the New York Times as "the first great peri-menopause novel," it's July's most accessible, most hilarious and most "filthy" (in the best of ways) work. Listen in while Kimberly uses the lens of humor to appreciate the pathos, the sex, the iconoclasm and the tension in this IMPORTANT BOOK.

]]> 5221 BILLY COLLINS! >> Explore POETRY (with a close reading of Lord Byron) to more appreciate our uber-popular former-poet-laureate. Who knew that Collins wrote his doctoral dissertation on the romantic poets?? Tune in to hear Kimberly break down the Romantic Movement and Byron's "She Walks in Beauty"--all in preparation to more fully appreciate our nation's "most popular poet"! Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Who knew that Collins wrote his doctoral dissertation on the romantic poets?? Tune in to hear Kimberly break down the Romantic Movement and Byron's "She Walks in Beauty"--all in preparation to more fully appreciate our nation's "most popular poet"! Who knew that Collins wrote his doctoral dissertation on the romantic poets?? Tune in to hear Kimberly break down the Romantic Movement and Byron's "She Walks in Beauty"--all in preparation to more fully appreciate our nation's "most popular poet"!

]]> 2717 THE ANTHOLOGIST by Nicholson Baker >> Do you love poetry? Do you WISH you loved poetry?? This hilarious, inspirational novel will hook you up! Kimberly does not love poetry. Which she considers a personal failure. But it turns out that she LOVES hearing Paul Chowder, narrator of this novel, teach her all about poetry. If you need a lift, and love hilarious, smart books--listen in! Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:32:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly does not love poetry. Which she considers a personal failure. But it turns out that she LOVES hearing Paul Chowder, narrator of this novel, teach her all about poetry. If you need a lift, and love hilarious, smart books--listen in! Kimberly does not love poetry. Which she considers a personal failure. But it turns out that she LOVES hearing Paul Chowder, narrator of this novel, teach her all about poetry. If you need a lift, and love hilarious, smart books--listen in!

]]> 3954 Episode 58: Alice Munro's LIVES OF GIRLS AND WOMEN >> Allow Kimberly to deepen your appreciation of this NOBEL-WINNER's only novel! LIVES OF GIRLS AND WOMEN is Munro's only novel AND it's the ideal way to really dig in to her genius. Listen in now! Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford LIVES OF GIRLS AND WOMEN is Munro's only novel AND it's the ideal way to really dig in to her genius. Listen in now! LIVES OF GIRLS AND WOMEN is Munro's only novel AND it's the ideal way to really dig in to her genius. Listen in now!

]]> 4719 NORTH WOODS by Daniel Mason >> Wow is this one worth revisiting. NO READING NECESSARY! Think of this talk as a primer that will ensure you won't miss any of the ZILLION REASONS why North Woods was on all those best-of-2023 lists. This novel is so engrossing and wide reaching. It's smart and rich and just plain fun to read. Listen as Kimberly points out aspects you do not want to miss. Already read it? You'll love this even more! Fri, 07 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING NECESSARY! Think of this talk as a primer that will ensure you won't miss any of the ZILLION REASONS why North Woods was on all those best-of-2023 lists. This novel is so engrossing and wide reaching. It's smart and rich and just plain fun to read. Listen as Kimberly points out aspects you do not want to miss. Already read it? You'll love this even more! NO READING NECESSARY! Think of this talk as a primer that will ensure you won't miss any of the ZILLION REASONS why North Woods was on all those best-of-2023 lists. This novel is so engrossing and wide reaching. It's smart and rich and just plain fun to read. Listen as Kimberly points out aspects you do not want to miss. Already read it? You'll love this even more!

]]> 5096 TRUST by Hernán Díaz >> Is it possible you missed some of the genius nuance in this four-books-in-one novel?? Whether you've read it or are gearing up to--lemme make sure you get the MOST out of it. Díaz's Pulitzer-prize-winning, Booker-nominated TRUST has the kind of complex structure Kimberly LOVES to dig into. With vastly differing narrative voices, each of the four texts informs the others, making for an insanely rich read. Also: this exploration of the American dream could not be more timely! Mon, 03 Jun 2024 11:01:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Díaz's Pulitzer-prize-winning, Booker-nominated TRUST has the kind of complex structure Kimberly LOVES to dig into. With vastly differing narrative voices, each of the four texts informs the others, making for an insanely rich read. Also: this exploration of the American dream could not be more timely! Díaz's Pulitzer-prize-winning, Booker-nominated TRUST has the kind of complex structure Kimberly LOVES to dig into. With vastly differing narrative voices, each of the four texts informs the others, making for an insanely rich read. Also: this exploration of the American dream could not be more timely!

]]> 3530 Lecture 56: Anita Brookner's HOTEL DU LAC >> Kimberly's pretty sure this will be her GO TO RECOMMENDATION for the summer. Hotel is THAT GOOD. NO SPOILERS! NO RE-READING REQUIRED! Listen in to hear how Brookner's use of narrative voice, tons of figurative language and other plot elements make this novel--set in Switzerland--a must read. Fri, 31 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO SPOILERS! NO RE-READING REQUIRED! Listen in to hear how Brookner's use of narrative voice, tons of figurative language and other plot elements make this novel--set in Switzerland--a must read. NO SPOILERS! NO RE-READING REQUIRED! Listen in to hear how Brookner's use of narrative voice, tons of figurative language and other plot elements make this novel--set in Switzerland--a must read.

]]> 3995 Lecture 55: Alice Munro part 1: the PROSE >> Have you heard of the Canadian legend and never read her? Or maybe she's your favorite writer? Listen in to hear what makes her hilarious, incisive, mold-breaking stories deserve a NOBEL. This lecture--the first in a three-part exploration of Munro--gets nitty gritty in all the best ways. Delve with Kimberly into the elements that make her prose feel like nothing else on the planet. Whether you've read everything she wrote, or you're new to her work, you'll come away with a much richer appreciation of this absolute genius. Tue, 28 May 2024 08:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This lecture--the first in a three-part exploration of Munro--gets nitty gritty in all the best ways. Delve with Kimberly into the elements that make her prose feel like nothing else on the planet. Whether you've read everything she wrote, or you're new to her work, you'll come away with a much richer appreciation of this absolute genius. This lecture--the first in a three-part exploration of Munro--gets nitty gritty in all the best ways. Delve with Kimberly into the elements that make her prose feel like nothing else on the planet. Whether you've read everything she wrote, or you're new to her work, you'll come away with a much richer appreciation of this absolute genius.

]]> 3821 THE PASSENGER and STELLA MARIS by Cormac McCarthy >> Buckle up, readers. I'm finally indulging myself (and YOU) in an extra-deep dive on one of my favorite writers of all time. Tune in for close readings that illuminate why McCarthy's prose is so gorgeous, why his influences are key, and why Kimberly is so happy about him finally centering A WOMAN in these, his final texts. Plus! A literary PARLOR TRICK that definitively proves Kimberly's hot-take thesis about digression in The Passenger. Fri, 24 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Tune in for close readings that illuminate why McCarthy's prose is so gorgeous, why his influences are key, and why Kimberly is so happy about him finally centering A WOMAN in these, his final texts. Plus! A literary PARLOR TRICK that definitively proves Kimberly's hot-take thesis about digression in The Passenger. Tune in for close readings that illuminate why McCarthy's prose is so gorgeous, why his influences are key, and why Kimberly is so happy about him finally centering A WOMAN in these, his final texts.

Plus! A literary PARLOR TRICK that definitively proves Kimberly's hot-take thesis about digression in The Passenger.

]]> 6660 Lecture 54: Joan Didion's DEMOCRACY >> Want to save democracy?? Just kidding. You'd have to do more than listen to this. But this Didion is incredibly timely--and RIVETING. If you love DIdion's inimitable prose and you're interested in any kind of history or intrigue or scandal--listen in. NO SPOILERS! Mon, 20 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford If you love DIdion's inimitable prose and you're interested in any kind of history or intrigue or scandal--listen in. NO SPOILERS! If you love DIdion's inimitable prose and you're interested in any kind of history or intrigue or scandal--listen in. NO SPOILERS!

]]> 5552 Lecture 53: Curtis Sittenfeld's ROMANTIC COMEDY >> Could you use a super-smart, hilarious, uplifting novel right about now? This is it! Sittenfeld is soooo good. Her latest delivers a fascinating, intimate look at life as a comedy writer on the world's foremost live, nighttime, sketch comedy show--all while promising that she'll work within the conventions of ROMANTIC comedy. Or will she?? Listen to Kimberly extol Sittenfeld's structure, the use of all five senses, the deft character development, excellent sex writing and, of course, the use of HUMOR. Get the most out of this novel whether you've finished it or want to see how to best approach the work. (NO SPOILERS!) Fri, 17 May 2024 09:38:05 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Sittenfeld is soooo good. Her latest delivers a fascinating, intimate look at life as a comedy writer on the world's foremost live, nighttime, sketch comedy show--all while promising that she'll work within the conventions of ROMANTIC comedy. Or will she?? Listen to Kimberly extol Sittenfeld's structure, the use of all five senses, the deft character development, excellent sex writing and, of course, the use of HUMOR. Get the most out of this novel whether you've finished it or want to see how to best approach the work. (NO SPOILERS!) Sittenfeld is soooo good. Her latest delivers a fascinating, intimate look at life as a comedy writer on the world's foremost live, nighttime, sketch comedy show--all while promising that she'll work within the conventions of ROMANTIC comedy. Or will she?? Listen to Kimberly extol Sittenfeld's structure, the use of all five senses, the deft character development, excellent sex writing and, of course, the use of HUMOR. Get the most out of this novel whether you've finished it or want to see how to best approach the work. (NO SPOILERS!)

]]> 3515 Lecture 52: André Aciman's CALL ME BY YOUR NAME and ENIGMA VARIATIONS >> Did you love the movie? Do you want to more fully comprehend the idea of the atmospheric novel before summer's upon us?? Listen in! NO RE-READING NECESSARY! Kimberly only sought out Aciman because she loved the movie Call Me by Your Name--but she loved the fiction enough to seek out more. Tune in to hear about the use of figurative language, the structure, the pacing and the choice of details that make this work so ATMOSPHERIC. Mon, 13 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO RE-READING NECESSARY! Kimberly only sought out Aciman because she loved the movie Call Me by Your Name--but she loved the fiction enough to seek out more. Tune in to hear about the use of figurative language, the structure, the pacing and the choice of details that make this work so ATMOSPHERIC. NO RE-READING NECESSARY! Kimberly only sought out Aciman because she loved the movie Call Me by Your Name--but she loved the fiction enough to seek out more. Tune in to hear about the use of figurative language, the structure, the pacing and the choice of details that make this work so ATMOSPHERIC.

]]> 3945 Lecture 51: Nicholson Baker's FINDING A LIKENESS: HOW I GOT SOMEWHAT BETTER AT ART >> Are you an intelligent, creative person--maybe contemplating a next chapter or new endeavor? Baker's about the provide ALL THE INSPIRATION YOU NEED Baker's hilarious, inventive prose melds with incredibly well curated images to produce something only Baker could produce. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the many ways in which the guy is creating literary (and visual) magic. Fri, 10 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Baker's hilarious, inventive prose melds with incredibly well curated images to produce something only Baker could produce. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the many ways in which the guy is creating literary (and visual) magic. Baker's hilarious, inventive prose melds with incredibly well curated images to produce something only Baker could produce. Kimberly LOVED diving in to the many ways in which the guy is creating literary (and visual) magic.

]]> 2643 EAST OF EDEN by John Steinbeck >> Want to see Kimberly conjure John Steinbeck from the dead?? Ever wondered why so many people LOVE EAST OF EDEN? Allow Kimberly to explain why it deserves to be such a perennial favorite. NO RE-READING REQUIRED! NO RE-READING REQUIRED! PLUS!! SPECIAL GUEST STAR: JOHN STEINBECK!! Tune in to hear all the ways in which this 1952 classic surprised Kimberly. Its insanely great sense of place, its lessons in history, its denigration/elevation of women, its biblical underpinnings...Kimberly's list of its attributes could go on and on. Whether EAST OF EDEN is your favorite of all time, or whether you have only hazy ninth-grade memories of Lenny squeezing that bunny in OF MICE AND MEN--tune in to hear why Steinbeck really deserved that Nobel Prize. Mon, 06 May 2024 11:52:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO RE-READING REQUIRED! PLUS!! SPECIAL GUEST STAR: JOHN STEINBECK!! Tune in to hear all the ways in which this 1952 classic surprised Kimberly. Its insanely great sense of place, its lessons in history, its denigration/elevation of women, its biblical underpinnings...Kimberly's list of its attributes could go on and on. Whether EAST OF EDEN is your favorite of all time, or whether you have only hazy ninth-grade memories of Lenny squeezing that bunny in OF MICE AND MEN--tune in to hear why Steinbeck really deserved that Nobel Prize. NO RE-READING REQUIRED! PLUS!! SPECIAL GUEST STAR: JOHN STEINBECK!! Tune in to hear all the ways in which this 1952 classic surprised Kimberly. Its insanely great sense of place, its lessons in history, its denigration/elevation of women, its biblical underpinnings...Kimberly's list of its attributes could go on and on. Whether EAST OF EDEN is your favorite of all time, or whether you have only hazy ninth-grade memories of Lenny squeezing that bunny in OF MICE AND MEN--tune in to hear why Steinbeck really deserved that Nobel Prize.

]]> 3770 Lecture 38: R. F. Kuang's YELLOWFACE This publishing industry thriller was SUCH GOOD grist for Kimberly's mill. Listen in to appreciate all the elements that made the novel an "instant" best seller. Its literary merit is almost as great as the important philosophical questions is raises. This book is sooooo good. Fri, 03 May 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This publishing industry thriller was SUCH GOOD grist for Kimberly's mill. Listen in to appreciate all the elements that made the novel an "instant" best seller. Its literary merit is almost as great as the important philosophical questions is raises. This book is sooooo good. This publishing industry thriller was SUCH GOOD grist for Kimberly's mill. Listen in to appreciate all the elements that made the novel an "instant" best seller. Its literary merit is almost as great as the important philosophical questions is raises. This book is sooooo good.

]]> 4523 Lecture 48: Megan Nolan's ORDINARY HUMAN FAILINGS >> Looking for a thriller that's incredibly well written? Look no further! Join Kimberly to hear how this behind-the-scenes immersion in British tabloid journalism hits all the right notes. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of why Nolan's masterful narrative stance, pacing, character development and structure make this so much more than an excellent thriller. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Join Kimberly to hear how this behind-the-scenes immersion in British tabloid journalism hits all the right notes. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of why Nolan's masterful narrative stance, pacing, character development and structure make this so much more than an excellent thriller. Join Kimberly to hear how this behind-the-scenes immersion in British tabloid journalism hits all the right notes. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of why Nolan's masterful narrative stance, pacing, character development and structure make this so much more than an excellent thriller.

]]> 4415 REPOST: Dorothy Baker’s CASSANDRA AT THE WEDDING > Find out why literally NO ONE to whom Kimberly recommends this 1962 novel about identical 21-year-old twins in California is disappointed. Kimberly always describes Cassandra at the Wedding as a near-perfect novel. From Baker’s insanely great use of figurative language to nostalgia for the Berkeley and the Central Valley of the early 60s, to an incisive exploration of individuation in the case of identical twins–the novel is a huge crowd pleaser every time Kimberly teaches it. (NOTE: this lecture kind of assumes you've read (or are reading) the novel. There are likely references to spoilers. If you're trying to get a sense of the book, maybe check out the five-minute recommendation further down in the episode list!) Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:20:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly always describes Cassandra at the Wedding as a near-perfect novel. From Baker’s insanely great use of figurative language to nostalgia for the Berkeley and the Central Valley of the early 60s, to an incisive exploration of individuation in the case of identical twins–the novel is a huge crowd pleaser every time Kimberly teaches it. (NOTE: this lecture kind of assumes you've read (or are reading) the novel. There are likely references to spoilers. If you're trying to get a sense of the book, maybe check out the five-minute recommendation further down in the episode list!) Kimberly always describes Cassandra at the Wedding as a near-perfect novel. From Baker’s insanely great use of figurative language to nostalgia for the Berkeley and the Central Valley of the early 60s, to an incisive exploration of individuation in the case of identical twins–the novel is a huge crowd pleaser every time Kimberly teaches it. (NOTE: this lecture kind of assumes you've read (or are reading) the novel. There are likely references to spoilers. If you're trying to get a sense of the book, maybe check out the five-minute recommendation further down in the episode list!)

]]> 5309 Lecture 45: Jo Baker's LONGBOURN > Have you always wanted Downton Abbey in the form of a REALLY WELL WRITTEN novel?? PLUS JANE AUSTEN ELEMENTS??!! This is it, people! Listen in as Kimberly parses the many reasons why LONGBOURN is her favorite of all Austen adaptations. You'll end up with a much deeper understanding of why this insanely novel has it all. Fri, 29 Mar 2024 12:44:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Listen in as Kimberly parses the many reasons why LONGBOURN is her favorite of all Austen adaptations. You'll end up with a much deeper understanding of why this insanely novel has it all. Listen in as Kimberly parses the many reasons why LONGBOURN is her favorite of all Austen adaptations. You'll end up with a much deeper understanding of why this insanely novel has it all.

]]> 3147 Lecture 46: Janice Hadlow's THE OTHER BENNET SISTER > Ever wondered what MARY Bennet was up to?? Wonder no more! Jane Austen week continues! Janice Hadlow gives us a new perspective on familiar parts of Pride and Prejudice--then goes beyond to imagine a whole new world. Join Kimberly for insights on history, usage of the source material and levity in the original. Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Jane Austen week continues! Janice Hadlow gives us a new perspective on familiar parts of Pride and Prejudice--then goes beyond to imagine a whole new world. Join Kimberly for insights on history, usage of the source material and levity in the original. Jane Austen week continues! Janice Hadlow gives us a new perspective on familiar parts of Pride and Prejudice--then goes beyond to imagine a whole new world. Join Kimberly for insights on history, usage of the source material and levity in the original.

]]> 3353 Lecture 44: Melinda Taub's THE SCANDALOUS CONFESSIONS OF LYDIA BENNET, WITCH > Let Kimberly (and Taub) answer all the questions about Pride and Prejudice that you didn't even know you had! Ever wondered what the Bennet family BLACK SHEEP was actually up to? Wonder no more! Taub's juicy, witchy novel is so well done. Listen as Kimberly explains how Taub's witchy-ness is an important feminist statement! Even if you aren't a huge Jane Austen fan (Kimberly herself isn't completely rabid) Taub's work is so worth your while! Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Ever wondered what the Bennet family BLACK SHEEP was actually up to? Wonder no more! Taub's juicy, witchy novel is so well done. Listen as Kimberly explains how Taub's witchy-ness is an important feminist statement! Even if you aren't a huge Jane Austen fan (Kimberly herself isn't completely rabid) Taub's work is so worth your while! Ever wondered what the Bennet family BLACK SHEEP was actually up to? Wonder no more! Taub's juicy, witchy novel is so well done. Listen as Kimberly explains how Taub's witchy-ness is an important feminist statement! Even if you aren't a huge Jane Austen fan (Kimberly herself isn't completely rabid) Taub's work is so worth your while!

]]> 3108 Lecture 43: Virginia Woolf's ORLANDO>> This fantastical ROMP--what with Orlando living 400 years, and both as a man and a woman--has never been more crucial! Listen in to see how to get the most out of Woolf's most hilarious, inventive, ground-breaking novel--while reveling in some of the best prose in the English language. Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Listen in to see how to get the most out of Woolf's most hilarious, inventive, ground-breaking novel--while reveling in some of the best prose in the English language. Listen in to see how to get the most out of Woolf's most hilarious, inventive, ground-breaking novel--while reveling in some of the best prose in the English language.

]]> 4787 REPOST: Judy Blume's ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET>> Seriously, who needs a reason to revisit this touchstone?? Find out why this classic is such a literary feat! Your 12-year-old self will come rushing right back–in the very best of ways! Kimberly digs in to the excellent prose, why MARGARET has never been out of print, and all the ways the novel is more about deep, engaging, questions than it is about periods. Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:52:58 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Your 12-year-old self will come rushing right back–in the very best of ways! Kimberly digs in to the excellent prose, why MARGARET has never been out of print, and all the ways the novel is more about deep, engaging, questions than it is about periods. Your 12-year-old self will come rushing right back–in the very best of ways! Kimberly digs in to the excellent prose, why MARGARET has never been out of print, and all the ways the novel is more about deep, engaging, questions than it is about periods.

]]> 2728 Lecture 42: Rebecca Yarros's FOURTH WING>> Two burning questions: Why is so much fantasy set in the medieval era? and Why is so much written by mormon writers?? Tune in to find out some answers to these fascinating questions. Also learn why Kimberly is skeptical of bestsellers--and why Yarros is doing so much so well! Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Tune in to find out some answers to these fascinating questions. Also learn why Kimberly is skeptical of bestsellers--and why Yarros is doing so much so well! Tune in to find out some answers to these fascinating questions. Also learn why Kimberly is skeptical of bestsellers--and why Yarros is doing so much so well!

]]> 5415 Lecture 40: POOR THINGS! Readers! AHHHHH!!! The movie streams today--and Alasdair Gray's 1992 novel (the source material) is SOOO GOOD! You MUST LISTEN TO THE PODCAST AND READ THIS BOOK! Kimberly read Gray's Scottish novel (because of the movie) and was BLOWN AWAY. Listen to why this brainy, unique, super-engaging ROMP is a must read--whether or not you love Emma, Yorgos, Willem, Mark and the gang. Tue, 27 Feb 2024 18:09:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly read Gray's Scottish novel (because of the movie) and was BLOWN AWAY. Listen to why this brainy, unique, super-engaging ROMP is a must read--whether or not you love Emma, Yorgos, Willem, Mark and the gang. Kimberly read Gray's Scottish novel (because of the movie) and was BLOWN AWAY. Listen to why this brainy, unique, super-engaging ROMP is a must read--whether or not you love Emma, Yorgos, Willem, Mark and the gang.

]]> 4987 REPOST: Sally Rooney's BEAUTIFUL WORLD WHERE ARE YOU >> Honestly? Kimberly did not love Conversations with Friends. She dove into this to figure out why Rooney left her a tad cold. She ended up with serious appreciation–while also discovering the thing! Description: Rooney is obviously part of Kimberly's Irish lit. obsession and after watching Paul Mescal in Normal People she needed to dig back in. The deep dive did into BEAUTIFUL WORLD not disappoint! Listen to hear all she discovered. Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Description: Rooney is obviously part of Kimberly's Irish lit. obsession and after watching Paul Mescal in Normal People she needed to dig back in. The deep dive did into BEAUTIFUL WORLD not disappoint! Listen to hear all she discovered. Description: Rooney is obviously part of Kimberly's Irish lit. obsession and after watching Paul Mescal in Normal People she needed to dig back in. The deep dive did into BEAUTIFUL WORLD not disappoint! Listen to hear all she discovered.

]]> 5644 Lecture 39: Virginia Woolf's LIBERTY (A Room of One's Own) NO READING REQUIRED! Did you read "A Room of One's Own" a million years ago and can't quite recall it? Did you NEVER read it?? Listen in as Kimberly gives you the highpoints--proving why Woolf's revolutionary essay collection from 1928 is more engaging now than ever. Fri, 16 Feb 2024 12:04:04 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Did you read "A Room of One's Own" a million years ago and can't quite recall it? Did you NEVER read it?? Listen in as Kimberly gives you the highpoints--proving why Woolf's revolutionary essay collection from 1928 is more engaging now than ever. NO READING REQUIRED! Did you read "A Room of One's Own" a million years ago and can't quite recall it? Did you NEVER read it?? Listen in as Kimberly gives you the highpoints--proving why Woolf's revolutionary essay collection from 1928 is more engaging now than ever.

]]> 3741 REPOST: Gustave Flaubert's MADAME BOVARY Listen in as Kimberly explains all the ways the novel changed literature forever. She explores realism, Flaubert’s revolutionary narrative stance and just what to make of wacky Emma–this REAL HOUSEWIFE from 1856. Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:05:08 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Listen in as Kimberly explains all the ways the novel changed literature forever. She explores realism, Flaubert’s revolutionary narrative stance and just what to make of wacky Emma–this REAL HOUSEWIFE from 1856. Listen in as Kimberly explains all the ways the novel changed literature forever. She explores realism, Flaubert’s revolutionary narrative stance and just what to make of wacky Emma–this REAL HOUSEWIFE from 1856.

]]> 5742 TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin People. This book is soooooo good. Listen in to learn about the genius of the title, the impact of Zevin’s intertexts and the nuance of the structure. But almost more importantly, find out how I ALMOST MISSED THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK because I don't give a shit about teenaged gamers. Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:59:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford People. This book is soooooo good. Listen in to learn about the genius of the title, the impact of Zevin’s intertexts and the nuance of the structure. But almost more importantly, find out how I ALMOST MISSED THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK because I don't give a shit about teenaged gamers. People. This book is soooooo good. Listen in to learn about the genius of the title, the impact of Zevin’s intertexts and the nuance of the structure. But almost more importantly, find out how I ALMOST MISSED THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK because I don't give a shit about teenaged gamers.

]]> 6555 Lecture 37: Margaret Kennedy's THE FEAST Kimberly's pretty convinced that THE FEAST is a perfect novel. Published in 1950, this rich, hilarious, dark page-turner concerns a group of guests at a Cornwall inn where everything is about to go TERRIBLY WRONG. Tune in to hear Kimberly elucidate Kennedy's incredible structure, narrative voice, use of intrigue and so much more. Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly's pretty convinced that THE FEAST is a perfect novel. Published in 1950, this rich, hilarious, dark page-turner concerns a group of guests at a Cornwall inn where everything is about to go TERRIBLY WRONG. Tune in to hear Kimberly elucidate Kennedy's incredible structure, narrative voice, use of intrigue and so much more. Kimberly's pretty convinced that THE FEAST is a perfect novel. Published in 1950, this rich, hilarious, dark page-turner concerns a group of guests at a Cornwall inn where everything is about to go TERRIBLY WRONG. Tune in to hear Kimberly elucidate Kennedy's incredible structure, narrative voice, use of intrigue and so much more.

]]> 4805 Lecture 36: Madeline Miller’s CIRCE Did you read CIRCE in 2018 when it was an instant #1 NYT bestseller? If not, Kimberly is SO jealous of the reading experience you have in store. This re-writing of the myth (you do NOT need to love mythology to love the book) is SO GOOD. If you've read it, Kimberly will remind you of how amazing it is--all while deepening your appreciation of Miller's absolute genius. Fri, 19 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Did you read CIRCE in 2018 when it was an instant #1 NYT bestseller? If not, Kimberly is SO jealous of the reading experience you have in store. This re-writing of the myth (you do NOT need to love mythology to love the book) is SO GOOD. If you've read it, Kimberly will remind you of how amazing it is--all while deepening your appreciation of Miller's absolute genius. Did you read CIRCE in 2018 when it was an instant #1 NYT bestseller? If not, Kimberly is SO jealous of the reading experience you have in store. This re-writing of the myth (you do NOT need to love mythology to love the book) is SO GOOD. If you've read it, Kimberly will remind you of how amazing it is--all while deepening your appreciation of Miller's absolute genius.

]]> 4851 Lecture 35: Madeline Miller's GALATEA Galatea MUST be your next book club pick. At just 50 pages, the book is essentially a short story. But it's sweeping and immediate and GORGEOUS. It is just so so good. Kimberly digs in to all the ways that Miller (author of the #1 best-selling CIRCE) re-envisions Ovid's (totally misogynist) myth. This book is a page-turning inspirational, super-smart gem. Treat yourself (and everyone else you know!) to a deep dive into this amazing work. Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Galatea MUST be your next book club pick. At just 50 pages, the book is essentially a short story. But it's sweeping and immediate and GORGEOUS. It is just so so good. Kimberly digs in to all the ways that Miller (author of the #1 best-selling CIRCE) re-envisions Ovid's (totally misogynist) myth. This book is a page-turning inspirational, super-smart gem. Treat yourself (and everyone else you know!) to a deep dive into this amazing work. Galatea MUST be your next book club pick. At just 50 pages, the book is essentially a short story. But it's sweeping and immediate and GORGEOUS. It is just so so good. Kimberly digs in to all the ways that Miller (author of the #1 best-selling CIRCE) re-envisions Ovid's (totally misogynist) myth. This book is a page-turning inspirational, super-smart gem. Treat yourself (and everyone else you know!) to a deep dive into this amazing work.

]]> 4165 Lecture 34: Gayl Jones's Corregidora This novel--published in 1975 when Jones was only 25--is a supremely important piece of literature. A full, complex and super-engaging look at Ursa Corregidora's experience of being a Black woman in the South, the novel is a must read that Kimberly LOVED exploring. Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This novel--published in 1975 when Jones was only 25--is a supremely important piece of literature. A full, complex and super-engaging look at Ursa Corregidora's experience of being a Black woman in the South, the novel is a must read that Kimberly LOVED exploring. This novel--published in 1975 when Jones was only 25--is a supremely important piece of literature. A full, complex and super-engaging look at Ursa Corregidora's experience of being a Black woman in the South, the novel is a must read that Kimberly LOVED exploring.

]]> 4155 SO LATE IN THE DAY by Claire Keegan MORE CLAIRE KEEGAN! Kimberly dives deep into the title story of this new collection to further reveal Claire Keegan's GENIUS. Sun, 07 Jan 2024 23:04:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford MORE CLAIRE KEEGAN! Kimberly dives deep into the title story of this new collection to further reveal Claire Keegan's GENIUS. MORE CLAIRE KEEGAN! Kimberly dives deep into the title story of this new collection to further reveal Claire Keegan's GENIUS.

]]> 5301 How to Read 3: Why reading is NECESSARY NOT INDULGENT! NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly lays out a very persuasive argument for why reading is REALLY GOOD for you. Featuring wisdom from Virginia Woolf (and Maryanne Wolf), Jia Tolentino, Lydia Davis and Vladimir Nabokov, the lecture will give you all the rationale you need to read a LOT MORE THIS YEAR. Tue, 02 Jan 2024 02:37:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly lays out a very persuasive argument for why reading is REALLY GOOD for you. Featuring wisdom from Virginia Woolf (and Maryanne Wolf), Jia Tolentino, Lydia Davis and Vladimir Nabokov, the lecture will give you all the rationale you need to read a LOT MORE THIS YEAR. NO READING REQUIRED! Kimberly lays out a very persuasive argument for why reading is REALLY GOOD for you. Featuring wisdom from Virginia Woolf (and Maryanne Wolf), Jia Tolentino, Lydia Davis and Vladimir Nabokov, the lecture will give you all the rationale you need to read a LOT MORE THIS YEAR.

]]> 3132 Lecture 32: Lessons in Chemistry Beaming in from her pantry, Kimberly explains why she wasn't drawn to this run-away bestseller--and why she ultimately found it so satisfying! If you loved the book, or the tv show, listen in to see WHY Lessons is actually a very solid literary achievement. Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Beaming in from her pantry, Kimberly explains why she wasn't drawn to this run-away bestseller--and why she ultimately found it so satisfying! If you loved the book, or the tv show, listen in to see WHY Lessons is actually a very solid literary achievement. Beaming in from her pantry, Kimberly explains why she wasn't drawn to this run-away bestseller--and why she ultimately found it so satisfying! If you loved the book, or the tv show, listen in to see WHY Lessons is actually a very solid literary achievement.

]]> 4526 Old Favorite 3: From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler This running-away-to-the-Met novella from 1967 really holds up! Listen in for a good dose of nostalgia, surprisingly great prose and some excellent crone energy! Sat, 18 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This running-away-to-the-Met novella from 1967 really holds up! Listen in for a good dose of nostalgia, surprisingly great prose and some excellent crone energy! This running-away-to-the-Met novella from 1967 really holds up! Listen in for a good dose of nostalgia, surprisingly great prose and some excellent crone energy!

]]> 4039 Lecture 29: Why Nicholson Baker MUST be your new mindfulness guru NO READING NECESSARY! This introduction to Baker's hilarious and ultra-smart The Mezzanine will convince you how easy--and beneficial--it is to slooooow doooown. In this day and age, we ALL need a fat dose of Nicholson Baker. Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:01 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING NECESSARY! This introduction to Baker's hilarious and ultra-smart The Mezzanine will convince you how easy--and beneficial--it is to slooooow doooown. In this day and age, we ALL need a fat dose of Nicholson Baker. NO READING NECESSARY! This introduction to Baker's hilarious and ultra-smart The Mezzanine will convince you how easy--and beneficial--it is to slooooow doooown. In this day and age, we ALL need a fat dose of Nicholson Baker.

]]> 3198 Lecture 28: Like Water for Chocolate (now in English!) This gem from 1992 REALLY HOLDS UP. Allow Kimberly to remind you why this entertaining novel--built around a matriarchal, domestic romance during the Mexican Revolution--was such a bestseller. With a weird number of funny and PRACTICAL digressions, the lecture celebrates this part-soap-opera (think Jane the Virgin!), part-cookbook (try a recipe!), part-send-up and part-family-saga. Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This gem from 1992 REALLY HOLDS UP. Allow Kimberly to remind you why this entertaining novel--built around a matriarchal, domestic romance during the Mexican Revolution--was such a bestseller. With a weird number of funny and PRACTICAL digressions, the lecture celebrates this part-soap-opera (think Jane the Virgin!), part-cookbook (try a recipe!), part-send-up and part-family-saga. This gem from 1992 REALLY HOLDS UP. Allow Kimberly to remind you why this entertaining novel--built around a matriarchal, domestic romance during the Mexican Revolution--was such a bestseller. With a weird number of funny and PRACTICAL digressions, the lecture celebrates this part-soap-opera (think Jane the Virgin!), part-cookbook (try a recipe!), part-send-up and part-family-saga.

]]> 4078 Lecture 27: the foxed page EN ESPANOL: Como aqua para chocolate Get Kimberly's take on this early-90s classic while PRACTICING YOUR SPANISH! This soapopera-esque matriarchal saga set against the Mexican revolution really holds up. Listen in to find out why. ¡Ándate pues! Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:54:35 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Get Kimberly's take on this early-90s classic while PRACTICING YOUR SPANISH! This soapopera-esque matriarchal saga set against the Mexican revolution really holds up. Listen in to find out why. ¡Ándate pues! Get Kimberly's take on this early-90s classic while PRACTICING YOUR SPANISH! This soapopera-esque matriarchal saga set against the Mexican revolution really holds up. Listen in to find out why. ¡Ándate pues!

]]> 2499 DEADWOOD the TELEVISION SHOW; David Milch, Pete Dexter and SHAKESPEARE In this PLATINUM AGE of television, Kimberly looks at the masterful language, the deft historical elements and the incredible Shakespearean airs of one of the best TV series of all time: David Milch's DEADWOOD. Wed, 01 Nov 2023 22:49:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In this PLATINUM AGE of television, Kimberly looks at the masterful language, the deft historical elements and the incredible Shakespearean airs of one of the best TV series of all time: David Milch's DEADWOOD. In this PLATINUM AGE of television, Kimberly looks at the masterful language, the deft historical elements and the incredible Shakespearean airs of one of the best TV series of all time: David Milch's DEADWOOD.

]]> 3016 DEADWOOD by Pete Dexter (the novel): Kimberly hates to be self-aggrandizing but she honestly thinks this might be some of her VERY BEST WORK. Pete Dexter's DEADWOOD is an absolutely gorgeous, warm, violent and super-engaging book. If you loved it, listen now. Kimberly couldn't help but discuss some spoilers, so if you haven't read it, do that and come right back here. DEADWOOD is SO GOOD. Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:13:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly hates to be self-aggrandizing but she honestly thinks this might be some of her VERY BEST WORK. Pete Dexter's DEADWOOD is an absolutely gorgeous, warm, violent and super-engaging book. If you loved it, listen now. Kimberly couldn't help but discuss some spoilers, so if you haven't read it, do that and come right back here. DEADWOOD is SO GOOD. Kimberly hates to be self-aggrandizing but she honestly thinks this might be some of her VERY BEST WORK. Pete Dexter's DEADWOOD is an absolutely gorgeous, warm, violent and super-engaging book. If you loved it, listen now. Kimberly couldn't help but discuss some spoilers, so if you haven't read it, do that and come right back here. DEADWOOD is SO GOOD.

]]> 5265 LECTURE 12: Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton Tuck into analysis of this slim novel to be TRANSPORTED by gorgeous prose, excellent historical ambiance and a wholly inspirational, sassy, independent MARGARET. Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Tuck into analysis of this slim novel to be TRANSPORTED by gorgeous prose, excellent historical ambiance and a wholly inspirational, sassy, independent MARGARET. Tuck into analysis of this slim novel to be TRANSPORTED by gorgeous prose, excellent historical ambiance and a wholly inspirational, sassy, independent MARGARET.

]]> 5147 Enriched Read II: The Covenant of Water NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Kimberly breaks down the first dozen pages to reveal WHY this tome is such a hit. Explore Verghese's use of language, sense of place, narrative voice and incorporation of history--to see why you loved the book OR to see how you can GET MORE out of this epic. Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Kimberly breaks down the first dozen pages to reveal WHY this tome is such a hit. Explore Verghese's use of language, sense of place, narrative voice and incorporation of history--to see why you loved the book OR to see how you can GET MORE out of this epic. NO PRE-READING REQUIRED! Kimberly breaks down the first dozen pages to reveal WHY this tome is such a hit. Explore Verghese's use of language, sense of place, narrative voice and incorporation of history--to see why you loved the book OR to see how you can GET MORE out of this epic.

]]> 3283 How to Read II: PLOT (feat. Virginia Woolf, Eve Babitz, Gustave Flaubert and others) NO READING REQUIRED! PLOT seems simple but understanding its nuances can make a huge impact on how you read. Treat yourself to this discussion featuring Madame Bovary, Orlando, Kennedy's The Feast and Babitz's Slow Days, Fast Company. Mon, 11 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford NO READING REQUIRED! PLOT seems simple but understanding its nuances can make a huge impact on how you read. Treat yourself to this discussion featuring Madame Bovary, Orlando, Kennedy's The Feast and Babitz's Slow Days, Fast Company. NO READING REQUIRED! PLOT seems simple but understanding its nuances can make a huge impact on how you read. Treat yourself to this discussion featuring Madame Bovary, Orlando, Kennedy's The Feast and Babitz's Slow Days, Fast Company.

]]> 2353 Episode 11: Didion, Babitz . . . and Cline? Kimberly explores the similarities and profound differences between oft-compared literary GENIUSES Joan Didion and Eve Babitz . . . before digging in to why people keep lumping Emma Cline, and her new novel, in with these legends. Tue, 05 Sep 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly explores the similarities and profound differences between oft-compared literary GENIUSES Joan Didion and Eve Babitz . . . before digging in to why people keep lumping Emma Cline, and her new novel, in with these legends. Kimberly explores the similarities and profound differences between oft-compared literary GENIUSES Joan Didion and Eve Babitz . . . before digging in to why people keep lumping Emma Cline, and her new novel, in with these legends.

]]> 4045 Lecture 10: Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way to Think about Abortion Kimberly breaks down the GENIUS in Gabrielle Blair's crucial book. Urgent and funny at times, the lecture also touches on Kimberly's own book. If you listen to one podcast here at the foxed page, MAKE IT THIS ONE. Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly breaks down the GENIUS in Gabrielle Blair's crucial book. Urgent and funny at times, the lecture also touches on Kimberly's own book. If you listen to one podcast here at the foxed page, MAKE IT THIS ONE. Kimberly breaks down the GENIUS in Gabrielle Blair's crucial book. Urgent and funny at times, the lecture also touches on Kimberly's own book. If you listen to one podcast here at the foxed page, MAKE IT THIS ONE.

]]> 2571 Lecture 9: Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita Building on Claire Dederer’s defense of this incredible novel, Kimberly walks you through this new way to think about the misunderstood classic. She delves into why the prose is so insanely great and wraps up with a look at the genius sleight-of-hand that makes the book not only deeply engaging but also important. Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Building on Claire Dederer’s defense of this incredible novel, Kimberly walks you through this new way to think about the misunderstood classic. She delves into why the prose is so insanely great and wraps up with a look at the genius sleight-of-hand that makes the book not only deeply engaging but also important. Building on Claire Dederer’s defense of this incredible novel, Kimberly walks you through this new way to think about the misunderstood classic. She delves into why the prose is so insanely great and wraps up with a look at the genius sleight-of-hand that makes the book not only deeply engaging but also important.

]]> 2078 Lecture 8: Claire Dederer’s Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma If you don’t know what to do with great art made by horrible people, you need Monsters. Dederer’s surprisingly personal look at the issue is insightful and soooo smart. Her thoughts on Woody Allen, Michael Jackson, Virginia Woolf—and Nabokov’s Lolita—are fascinating and revelatory. Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford If you don’t know what to do with great art made by horrible people, you need Monsters. Dederer’s surprisingly personal look at the issue is insightful and soooo smart. Her thoughts on Woody Allen, Michael Jackson, Virginia Woolf—and Nabokov’s Lolita—are fascinating and revelatory. If you don’t know what to do with great art made by horrible people, you need Monsters. Dederer’s surprisingly personal look at the issue is insightful and soooo smart. Her thoughts on Woody Allen, Michael Jackson, Virginia Woolf—and Nabokov’s Lolita—are fascinating and revelatory.

]]> 2301 Lecture 7: Joan Didion’s The White Album Part 2 In part two, Kimberly focuses on the titular essay, “The White Album.” Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:05:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part two, Kimberly focuses on the titular essay, “The White Album.” In part two, Kimberly focuses on the titular essay, “The White Album.”

]]> 1892 Lecture 7: Joan Didion’s The White Album Part 3 In part three, we dive into aspects of the later essays that make this collection so important. Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part three, we dive into aspects of the later essays that make this collection so important. In part three, we dive into aspects of the later essays that make this collection so important.

]]> 1607 Lecture 6: Elena Ferrante’s The Lost Daughter Part 3 In part three, Kimberly digs into the depiction of maternity in the novel, and the close of the work. Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part three, Kimberly digs into the depiction of maternity in the novel, and the close of the work. In part three, Kimberly digs into the depiction of maternity in the novel, and the close of the work.

]]> 2067 Lecture 6: Elena Ferrante’s The Lost Daughter Part 1 Kimberly might not have loved Ferrante’s My Beautiful Friend, but she’s OBSESSED with The Lost Daughter. (Plus, the movie’s great.) In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read this creepy little gem, discuss names in the novel, and dive into the opening of the book. Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly might not have loved Ferrante’s My Beautiful Friend, but she’s OBSESSED with The Lost Daughter. (Plus, the movie’s great.) In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read this creepy little gem, discuss names in the novel, and dive into the opening of the book. Kimberly might not have loved Ferrante’s My Beautiful Friend, but she’s OBSESSED with The Lost Daughter. (Plus, the movie’s great.) In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read this creepy little gem, discuss names in the novel, and dive into the opening of the book.

]]> 1873 Lecture 6: Elena Ferrante’s The Lost Daughter Part 2 In part two, Kimberly analyzes the uncanny, strange feel of the novel, and the important pattern of proliferation of mothers, daughters and dolls. Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part two, Kimberly analyzes the uncanny, strange feel of the novel, and the important pattern of proliferation of mothers, daughters and dolls. In part two, Kimberly analyzes the uncanny, strange feel of the novel, and the important pattern of proliferation of mothers, daughters and dolls.

]]> 1672 Enriched Read 1: Demon Copperhead, David Copperfield and Dickens No reading required! In this Dickens crash-course, Kimberly equips you to get even more out of Barbara Kingsolver’s incredible Demon Copperhead. Or to decide if you want to tackle this new bestseller! You’ll find out why Demon fits so well into a long literary tradition and why Kingsolver was SUCH a genius to choose this insanely effective scaffolding for her recent gem.  Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford No reading required! In this Dickens crash-course, Kimberly equips you to get even more out of Barbara Kingsolver’s incredible Demon Copperhead. Or to decide if you want to tackle this new bestseller! You’ll find out why Demon fits so well into a long literary tradition and why Kingsolver was SUCH a genius to choose this insanely effective scaffolding for her recent gem.  No reading required! In this Dickens crash-course, Kimberly equips you to get even more out of Barbara Kingsolver’s incredible Demon Copperhead. Or to decide if you want to tackle this new bestseller! You’ll find out why Demon fits so well into a long literary tradition and why Kingsolver was SUCH a genius to choose this insanely effective scaffolding for her recent gem. 

]]> 3097 Lecture 5: Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love Part 2 In part two, Kimberly discusses the peripheral, third-person (“sidekick”) narrator, Mitford’s world-class dialogue and the novel’s pacing. Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:05:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part two, Kimberly discusses the peripheral, third-person (“sidekick”) narrator, Mitford’s world-class dialogue and the novel’s pacing. In part two, Kimberly discusses the peripheral, third-person (“sidekick”) narrator, Mitford’s world-class dialogue and the novel’s pacing.

]]> 1725 Lecture 5: Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love Part 3 In part three, Kimberly discusses the artful depiction of maternity, Mitford’s humor, the novel’s blend of comedy/tragedy and the close of the book. Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part three, Kimberly discusses the artful depiction of maternity, Mitford’s humor, the novel’s blend of comedy/tragedy and the close of the book. In part three, Kimberly discusses the artful depiction of maternity, Mitford’s humor, the novel’s blend of comedy/tragedy and the close of the book.

]]> 2480 Lecture 4: Rachel Khong’s Goodbye, Vitamin Part 2 In part two, we look at structure, digression, narrative voice, and the use of found objects. Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:05:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part two, we look at structure, digression, narrative voice, and the use of found objects. In part two, we look at structure, digression, narrative voice, and the use of found objects.

]]> 2009 Lecture 4: Rachel Khong’s Goodbye, Vitamin Part 3 In part three, Kimberly explores the plot, motifs of memory, and the important inversion that makes the novel so moving Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part three, Kimberly explores the plot, motifs of memory, and the important inversion that makes the novel so moving In part three, Kimberly explores the plot, motifs of memory, and the important inversion that makes the novel so moving

]]> 2094 Lecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 1 Some of you might be a little surprised at this title popping up here but tune in to find out how Hilderbrand’s serious talent means that this book rose to Kimberly’s very high standards. In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read the book, take a quick dip into Hilderbrand’s bio., and explore the opening pages. Tue, 11 Jul 2023 19:23:50 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Some of you might be a little surprised at this title popping up here but tune in to find out how Hilderbrand’s serious talent means that this book rose to Kimberly’s very high standards. In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read the book, take a quick dip into Hilderbrand’s bio., and explore the opening pages. Some of you might be a little surprised at this title popping up here but tune in to find out how Hilderbrand’s serious talent means that this book rose to Kimberly’s very high standards. In part one, Kimberly will argue why you should read the book, take a quick dip into Hilderbrand’s bio., and explore the opening pages.

]]> 1554 Lecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 2 In part two, Kimberly discusses narrative voice, the deftly crafted plot, Hilderbrand’s impressive range, and her use of music and intertexts. Tue, 11 Jul 2023 19:16:53 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part two, Kimberly discusses narrative voice, the deftly crafted plot, Hilderbrand’s impressive range, and her use of music and intertexts. In part two, Kimberly discusses narrative voice, the deftly crafted plot, Hilderbrand’s impressive range, and her use of music and intertexts.

]]> 1857 Lecture 3: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 Part 3 In part three, Kimberly explores figurative language, the satisfying character arcs, a few quibbles, and the close of the novel. Tue, 11 Jul 2023 19:07:45 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part three, Kimberly explores figurative language, the satisfying character arcs, a few quibbles, and the close of the novel. In part three, Kimberly explores figurative language, the satisfying character arcs, a few quibbles, and the close of the novel.

]]> 2025 How to Read 1: Narrative Stance Get more out of reading by understanding the importance of which voice is telling the story and why it makes all the difference. Not only will you feel smarter and read better, but you’ll get to luxuriate in prose by true geniuses like Cervantes, Jane Austen, Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf and others. Tue, 11 Jul 2023 19:02:27 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Get more out of reading by understanding the importance of which voice is telling the story and why it makes all the difference. Not only will you feel smarter and read better, but you’ll get to luxuriate in prose by true geniuses like Cervantes, Jane Austen, Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf and others. Get more out of reading by understanding the importance of which voice is telling the story and why it makes all the difference. Not only will you feel smarter and read better, but you’ll get to luxuriate in prose by true geniuses like Cervantes, Jane Austen, Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf and others.

]]> 2688 FOSTER by Claire Keegan (part 2 of 3) In part two, Kimberly discusses structure, the deft dialogue, the unusual voice of Edna, and why the plot is so well done. Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part two, Kimberly discusses structure, the deft dialogue, the unusual voice of Edna, and why the plot is so well done. In part two, Kimberly discusses structure, the deft dialogue, the unusual voice of Edna, and why the plot is so well done.

]]> 2017 FOSTER by Claire Keegan (part 3 of 3) In part three, Kimberly discusses the spare richness of the prose, figurative language, desire, and the close of the novel. Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In part three, Kimberly discusses the spare richness of the prose, figurative language, desire, and the close of the novel. In part three, Kimberly discusses the spare richness of the prose, figurative language, desire, and the close of the novel.

]]> 2023 Lecture 1: Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart Part 3 In the final part, Kimberly discusses the issues of race, the use of the Korean language, and the close of the novel. Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:02:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In the final part, Kimberly discusses the issues of race, the use of the Korean language, and the close of the novel. In the final part, Kimberly discusses the issues of race, the use of the Korean language, and the close of the novel.

]]> 1918 Lecture 1: Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart Part 2 In Part 2, Kimberly discusses the prose, the limits of memoir, structure, and figurative language. Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:01:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford In Part 2, Kimberly discusses the prose, the limits of memoir, structure, and figurative language. In Part 2, Kimberly discusses the prose, the limits of memoir, structure, and figurative language.

]]> 2483 Lecture 1: Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart Part 1 You guys. You must tune in to find out why Zauner is worth all the hype. If you’re in the mood for a memoir, and you like cool people and excellent prose, join Kimberly to see why H-Mart is moving, engaging and frankly delicious. Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford You guys. You must tune in to find out why Zauner is worth all the hype. If you’re in the mood for a memoir, and you like cool people and excellent prose, join Kimberly to see why H-Mart is moving, engaging and frankly delicious. You guys. You must tune in to find out why Zauner is worth all the hype. If you’re in the mood for a memoir, and you like cool people and excellent prose, join Kimberly to see why H-Mart is moving, engaging and frankly delicious.


]]> 1962 Welcome to the Foxed Page with Kimberly Ford If you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. The Foxed Page podcast is built around entertaining deep dives into the best books. You’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything . . . a little better. You can expect 3 part lecture series, 5-minute recommendations, talks on old favorites, and even some old episodes from the archives. So listen to The Foxed Page, with me, Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor, and Ph.D. Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford If you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. The Foxed Page podcast is built around entertaining deep dives into the best books. You’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything . . . a little better. You can expect 3 part lecture series, 5-minute recommendations, talks on old favorites, and even some old episodes from the archives. So listen to The Foxed Page, with me, Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor, and Ph.D. If you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. The Foxed Page podcast is built around entertaining deep dives into the best books. You’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything . . . a little better. You can expect 3 part lecture series, 5-minute recommendations, talks on old favorites, and even some old episodes from the archives. So listen to The Foxed Page, with me, Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor, and Ph.D.

]]> 93 From the Archives: Annie Ernaux’s The Years parts 1, 2 & 3 A close analysis of the Nobel Prize winner’s masterpiece, the lecture delves deep into Ernaux’s prose, structure, use of popular culture and broad span. Kimberly explains why she thinks the Prize committee was apt in recognizing Ernaux’s “clinical acuity”–a term that doesn’t sound all that amazing, but really is. Listen in as Kimberly reveals how she decided to skim over some of the more abstruse French cultural references–but then COULDN’T! Because this prose is SO GOOD. Tue, 20 Jun 2023 17:32:04 -0000 full Kimberly Ford A close analysis of the Nobel Prize winner’s masterpiece, the lecture delves deep into Ernaux’s prose, structure, use of popular culture and broad span. Kimberly explains why she thinks the Prize committee was apt in recognizing Ernaux’s “clinical acuity”–a term that doesn’t sound all that amazing, but really is. Listen in as Kimberly reveals how she decided to skim over some of the more abstruse French cultural references–but then COULDN’T! Because this prose is SO GOOD. A close analysis of the Nobel Prize winner’s masterpiece, the lecture delves deep into Ernaux’s prose, structure, use of popular culture and broad span. Kimberly explains why she thinks the Prize committee was apt in recognizing Ernaux’s “clinical acuity”–a term that doesn’t sound all that amazing, but really is. Listen in as Kimberly reveals how she decided to skim over some of the more abstruse French cultural references–but then COULDN’T! Because this prose is SO GOOD.

]]> 5361 From The Archives: Jeannette Haiens' The All of It parts 1, 2 & 3 This very brief novel is a STUNNER. It's moving, unique and absolutely fascinating. It's worth reading for the amazing structure alone! Join Kimberly to understand the masterful way that Haien aligns the reader with certain characters--and why that literary sleight of hand becomes so powerful. This is the juicy kind of lecture that will have you heading right back to re-read The All of It as soon as Kimberly's done. Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:15:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford This very brief novel is a STUNNER. It's moving, unique and absolutely fascinating. It's worth reading for the amazing structure alone! Join Kimberly to understand the masterful way that Haien aligns the reader with certain characters--and why that literary sleight of hand becomes so powerful. This is the juicy kind of lecture that will have you heading right back to re-read The All of It as soon as Kimberly's done. This very brief novel is a STUNNER. It's moving, unique and absolutely fascinating. It's worth reading for the amazing structure alone! Join Kimberly to understand the masterful way that Haien aligns the reader with certain characters--and why that literary sleight of hand becomes so powerful. This is the juicy kind of lecture that will have you heading right back to re-read The All of It as soon as Kimberly's done.

]]> 5753 From the Archives: Louise Erdrich's The Sentence parts 1, 2 & 3 Kimberly has read a number of covid novels. She loved how Erdrich sets super-lovable characters and plenty of tension not only during the pandemic but in a Minneapolis that is rocked by the murder of George Floyd. Join Kimberly to see why Erdrich’s excellent prose makes this much more than a novel about a moment in time. Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:03:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly has read a number of covid novels. She loved how Erdrich sets super-lovable characters and plenty of tension not only during the pandemic but in a Minneapolis that is rocked by the murder of George Floyd. Join Kimberly to see why Erdrich’s excellent prose makes this much more than a novel about a moment in time. Kimberly has read a number of covid novels. She loved how Erdrich sets super-lovable characters and plenty of tension not only during the pandemic but in a Minneapolis that is rocked by the murder of George Floyd. Join Kimberly to see why Erdrich’s excellent prose makes this much more than a novel about a moment in time.

]]> 5646 From the Archives: Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half parts 1, 2 & 3 The Vanishing Half is a bestseller for all the right reasons. Kimberly explores Bennett’s rich and wide-reaching portrayal of race, family, homecoming and legacy–all while examining prose in ways that will make you a better reader. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:21:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford The Vanishing Half is a bestseller for all the right reasons. Kimberly explores Bennett’s rich and wide-reaching portrayal of race, family, homecoming and legacy–all while examining prose in ways that will make you a better reader. The Vanishing Half is a bestseller for all the right reasons. Kimberly explores Bennett’s rich and wide-reaching portrayal of race, family, homecoming and legacy–all while examining prose in ways that will make you a better reader.

]]> 6254 Five-Minute Recommendation: Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:54:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 411 From the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The Pursuit of Love. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:53:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The Pursuit of Love. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The Pursuit of Love. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 312 From the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Jeanette Winterson and Jeanette Haien’s The All of It Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The All of It. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:52:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The All of It. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The All of It. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 332 From the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Eve Babitz’s Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, the Flesh, and L.A. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, the Flesh, and L.A.. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:51:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, the Flesh, and L.A.. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, the Flesh, and L.A.. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 305 From the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of 69 Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Summer of 69. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:51:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Summer of 69. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Summer of 69. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 559 From the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation of Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Madame Bovary. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:49:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Madame Bovary. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Madame Bovary. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 452 From the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Annie Ernaux’s The Years. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The Years. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:48:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The Years. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into The Years. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 450 From the Archives: Five-Minute Recommendation for Jeannette Winterson’s Frankisstein Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Frankisstein. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:47:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Frankisstein. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Frankisstein. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

]]> 445 5-Minute Recommendation: Dorothy Baker’s CASSANDRA AT THE WEDDING Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Cassandra. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture! Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:44:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Cassandra. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture! Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into Cassandra. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense of the work, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture!

]]> 463 5-Minute Recommendation: Michelle Zauner’s CRYING IN H-MART Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into this memoir. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Wed, 14 Jun 2023 21:36:00 -0000 full Kimberly Ford Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into this memoir. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture. Kimberly will share whether you should—or should not—dig into this memoir. She’ll treat you to a snippet of the prose to give you a sense, but for a deeper analysis, check out the lecture.

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