In this week's episode, David, Heidi, and Tim discuss the likability (or lack thereof) of Maurice Bendrix, the protagonist of The End of the Affair; the way the book demands empathy from its reader; Green's consideration of sex, lust, and sin; and much more, of course. Remember to rate and review wherever you get podcasts.

The End of the Affair: Book 2

It's time to meet Rochester. In this episode, David, Heidi, and Karen (our very special guest) discuss the way Bronte introduces the Gothic hero of the story, the fascinating conversations that Broke and Jane share, and much more.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 12-16

In this bonus episode, which was recorded live with our Patreon supporters, David, Heidi, and Tim chatted about the two most primary cinematic adaptations of Rebecca; Alfred Hitchcock's version from 1940 and the 2020 Netflix version.

Bonus Episode: Discussing the Rebecca Movies

Join David, Heidi, and very special guest Karen Swallow Prior as they discuss Helen Burns, Charlotte Bronte's strategy for naming characters, the confluence of Bronte's life and Jane's experiences, our introduction to Ye Olde Mansion, and much more.

Jane Eyre: Chapters 6-11

Our old friend Karen Swallow Prior is back to discuss one of the great book in Western literature, Charlotte Bronte's gothic novel, Jane Eyre. In this episode, she joins David and Heidi to discuss the context of his novel, its historical place, Jane's unique voice, Charlotte Bronte's life, and much more!

Jane Eyre: Chapters 1-5

It's time to answer your questions about Rebecca. Opinions flowed freely, much debate was had. You know, it's a Close Reads episode.

Rebecca: Q&A Episode

In which a court case takes over the podcast and your friendly neighborhood hosts take up rhetorical arms against each other.

Rebecca: Final Chapters

The episode in which Tim is surprised.

Rebecca: Chapters 15-19

Let's talk about un-named narrators and their problems, young women coming of age, old(er) women who are skeletal, and other things you find in Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca.

Rebecca: Chapters 8-14

This week we invited Patreon supporters to join us for a special live episode and here it is! Join David, Heidi, and Tim (and the live audience) for a discussion of the first seven chapters of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca. Topics of conversation include the gothic nature of the novel, Du Maurier's unique writing style, and (as usual with mysteries of this sort) the question of who the antagonist is.

Rebecca: Chapters 1-7

A Podcast for the Incurable Reader

Close Reads is a book-club podcast for the incurable reader. Hosted by David Kern and featuring Tim McIntosh and Heidi White, alongside a couple of other occasional guests, we read Great Books and talk about them. This is a show for amateurs in the best sense. We’re book lovers, book enthusiasts. This is not an experts show and it’s barely literary analysis in the way that literary analysis is commonly understood. Instead it’s a show about experiences with literary urge. Join us! Close Reads is presented by Goldberry Studios. A NOTE ABOUT OLDER EPISODES: <a href="https://feed.pippa.io/public/shows/5a8c87b47780d3580eaacd1e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Since most podcast apps don't go further back than 100 episodes, you'll need to click here to listen to anything further back than that. </a> And our first 32 episodes <a href="https://feed.pippa.io/public/shows/5a8c994306c9cec7297078b9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">can be found here</a>, on the original CiRCE Institute feed.

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The End of the Affair: Book 2

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Bonus Episode: Discussing the Rebecca Movies

Jane Eyre: Chapters 6-11

Jane Eyre: Chapters 1-5