Hello, listeners!
Last night, I baked a loaf of sourdough that took two full days to create. It. was. worth. it. I’m ready for my debut on the Great British Bake Off. Shake my hand, Paul!
In podcast news, we released our first short story episode today, and we’re loving your responses. We read and discussed the dishy, gossipy, and glamorous “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton. This bonus episode contains spoilers, so read the short story here before listening.
As we reviewed the gasp-inducing twists and turns of this dramatic story, we came up with several recommendations for shows, authors, and books to pair with Wharton’s work. We also share some of the short story collections that have been sitting on our shelves (much like our poetry collections, which get overlooked for the latest fiction).
If you read “Roman Fever” and need more Edith Wharton in your life (and don’t we all?!) here are some links:
The Mount, Edith Wharton’s House (I’m dying to visit someday)
Where to start reading Edith Wharton
Why authors and readers are falling for Gilded Age romance and Five fantastic Gilded Age romances to read (I cannot recommend Joanna Shupe and Maya Rodale enough!)
Some of these links are Bookshop affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).
May Preview:
Our main episodes will focus on The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan and Beloved by Toni Morrison. We’re also recording a bonus episode to share which books we’ve selected for the upcoming summer season. It’s an eclectic mix, and we can’t wait to reveal our picks!
Currently Reading:
I’m almost finished reading Unscripted by my teacher-friend Nicole Kronzer. This perfectly summery YA novel follows Zelda as she attends comedy improv camp and navigates the pitfalls of being the only girl on the Varsity sketch team. I sent Nicole a message that sums up the book: “I am so angry but I’m laughing!” Feminist and timely, I’m so invested in Zelda’s story. I especially love how essentially Midwestern the book is, which is hard to explain. It just is.
I have some audiobooks on hold at the library, and I’m scrolling my *Libro.fm queue. Eventually I’ll decide what to listen to next, but for now I’m catching up on podcasts and rewatching Parks and Rec when I need comforting entertainment.
*Listeners, we’re excited to be partnering with Libro.fm to offer you three audiobooks for the price of one. Just click this link to get three audiobooks for $15 all while supporting the pod and independent bookstores!
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and my blog. Find me at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. We love hearing what you’re reading so feel free to tag us!
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!
-Chelsey