đNew Episode! The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Hi, listeners!
Today we have an episode about a witchy classroom staple: The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Both Chelsey and I have (limited) experience teaching The Crucible, but Chelsey was actually in her high schoolâs production of this play and her memories and insights were so fun to discuss. In todayâs episode we talk about the bad rep Abigail Williams gets, why the Salem Witch trials continue to fascinate us, and, of course, share some recommendations for pairings, which include a few witchy books and some great historical fiction. Plus I let my inner nerd really shine by revealing my utter fascination with Puritan societies. This episode is equal parts silly and academic, and itâs sure to get you in the spirit for spooky season!
Some great links for additional readingâŠ
Arthur Miller shares why he wrote The Crucible
31 Spellbinding and Wicked Books About Witches
Some of our links are Bookshop affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).
Coming up:
Next week is our Fall Short Story Club, and weâre reading âHorror Storyâ by Carmen Maria Machado. Donât worry, this story is eerie, but both Chelsey and I could tolerate its spook level and weâre both averse to true horror fiction. We had so much fun discussing this story and diving into the purpose and potential pleasure of horror. Itâs a great episode to listen to whether or not you read âHorror Storyâ along with us, but the story is a quick read filled with Machadoâs stunning imagery, so I highly recommend giving it a read.
And then on Tuesday, October 20th, weâre dropping our episode on Mary Shelleyâs Frankenstein. Itâs always fun to discuss a classic that pretty much every reader is familiar with, even if theyâve never read it! Our discussion of this classic sci-fi/horror novel definitely falls into that category.
Currently Reading:
Iâve been reading some great books recently. Most notably, I read a few of the National Book Award longlisted books, including Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam, A Childrenâs Bible by Lydia Millet, and If I Had Two Wings by Randall Kenan. For some lighterâbut still seriously goodâreading, Iâve been listening to Micaiah Johnsonâs A Space Between Worlds on Libro.fm*. Iâm not typically a sci-fi reader, but Iâm loving this inventive novel that uses parallel universes to comment on issues of race, class, and borders.
Listeners, weâre excited to be partnering with Libro.fm to offer you two audiobooks for the price of one. Just click this link to get two audiobooks for $15 all while supporting the pod and independent bookstores!Â
And click here to find a list of Black-owned bookstores to support when you sign up.
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Check out our blog for bonus pairings, reading tips, and book recommendations. Find me at @fictionmatters and my newsletter. Find Chelsey at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. We love hearing what youâre reading, so feel free to tag us in your #bookstagram posts!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
Have a lovely week, everyone!
-Sara