The Read Moore Podcast: Recent Episodes
Emily Caroline Moore
Welcome to The Read Moore Podcast, a literary podcast hosted by Emily Caroline Moore and her awesome English teacher mother, Anne Ferguson Stansell. Emily is an avid reader and fledgling writer, while Anne has been an English teacher for 23 years. This podcast is dedicated to all things books: reading, writing, fiction, nonfiction, classics, contemporary, and much more. Enjoy!
What happens when hundreds of thousands of American women spontaneously transform into fire-breathing dragons? You need to read When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill to find out! But before you do, listen to this quick, spoiler-free book review. In this short and sweet episode of The Read Moore Podcast, Emily flies solo to give you her reaction to and glowing review of this powerful book. Enjoy!
Ah, the high school reading list. It contained some books you loved, and some books you hated. But even if you already read a book back in your tender years, it's worth going back and giving it another go. In this episode, we talk about why rereading books as an adult is crucial, and suggest 6 reading list novels that are worth a reread today. Let us know if you want us to discuss any other high school reading list novels that deserve another visit! What book influenced you in high school?
Want to read more books in 2024? Well, this episode is...not exactly about that! Instead, we discuss how to actually read more deeply, more thoughtfully, more consistently, and how to build a lasting reading practice in the upcoming year. Books are a journey, and the journey matters WAY more than the destination (or an arbitrary book count goal). This episode includes nine tips for how to read more and get more out of reading without necessarily just woofing down more and more titles. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!
In this special episode of the Read Moore Podcast we have a chat with Polly Edwards - a former child clinical psychologist and librarian (and great friend!) - about the power of the public library. We discuss why libraries are a cornerstone of our society, how libraries play an important role in the lives of both children and adults, and different ways you can engage with your public library right now (it's so much more than just checking out a book!). Enjoy!
When we think of science fiction and fantasy books, J. R. R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, and other male authors often come to mind. In this episode we discuss the foundational and modern female authors that have and are creating incredible stories in these genres.
Want to start reading classic literature again? Not sure where to start? In this Halloween episode of the Read Moore Podcast, we discuss why Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is the perfect classic read to kick off that journey. We go into the format of the novel, Shelley's time period and backstory, the novel's themes and big questions, and concrete reading tips to help you tackle what actually isn't that scary of a monster after all. This is how to read Frankenstein.
During the 2022-2023 school year, efforts to ban certain books rose by more than 38% around the United States, sparking controversy, anger, and fear. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about the long history of book bans in this country, what is driving books bans today, and the trouble with book bans from a democratic and free perspective.
It's been over a year and a half since we've shared a podcast! In this catch-up episode we take some time to fill everyone in on what we've been up to, what our plans are for this new season of the podcast, and (of course) what we've been reading.
In this episode, Anne and Emily discuss the importance of the "beach read," or to use Anne's term, "the cotton candy read." While it's important to read for education and to engage with new ideas and other cultures and/or points of view, it is just as important to read in the pursuit of escapism and joy. Tune in to hear about why people often feel pressured to only read "hard" material, why "cotton candy reads" should make up the majority of one's book shelf, how reading for pleasure can actually help us grow as readers, and much more!
Jane Austen's stories continue to captivate the English-speaking world more than 200 years after her death. What is it about her novels that keep readers coming back for more? In the first episode of 2022, Anne and Emily discuss their own love of Austen and dive into the things that they believe contribute to Austen's "staying power," even in modern times.
November 1st marks the first day of NaNoWriMo! In this episode, Anne interviews Emily about her first NaNoWriMo experience during 2020, and how the novel writing challenge finally allowed Emily to finish her first full-length book.
In preparation for the soon-to-be releasedDenis Villeneuve movie adaptation, Emily decided to read Dune by Frank Herbert - for the first time ever! Enjoy this long-winded deep dive into one of the most iconic works of science fiction!
In this spoiler-free series review, Emily reacts to her recent reading of The Abhorsen Trilogy, or The Old Kingdom series as it's known outside of North America. Garth Nix's YA fantasy world is rich, unique, and chilling, an original tale of necromancy and magic. Enter Death and enjoy!
In the first episode back from summer break, Emily interviews Anne regarding her latest fiction read: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. Revisit England during the time of the Black Death and look again at The Bard through a very different perspective, one that is seldom given center stage.
What Anne's reading: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37969723-the-silence-of-the-girls
What Emily's reading (listening to): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3EIHDrxBn8
Remember to buy from your local indie booksellers whenever possible!
Emily is all alone again in this quick little book review of the novella Binti by Nnedi Okorafor. Pop in to hear how this little book reignited Emily's interest in science fiction.
In the latest episode, Anne and Emily - along with an impromptu cameo by the great Garland Stansell (aka Dad) - discuss the literary device of allegory. Tune in to hear about how allegorical works essentially shaped the Western literary canon, and how difficult allegory can be to define when compared to other literary devices!
In this short review, Emily reacts to her first encounter with book one of The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson: The Way of Kings. SPOILER ALERT: she freaking loved it.
In this episode of The Read Moore Podcast, Anne takes Emily through her summary of the greatest archetype in all of literature: The Hero's Journey. Prepare for a nerdy round of literary "Where's Waldo" as the two look for the monomyth in practically every genre, era, medium and movement!
What Anne's reading: https://www.amazon.com/All-Creatures-Great-Small-Memoirs/dp/1250057833
What Emily's reading: https://www.amazon.com/Chronicle-Foretold-Gabriel-Garc%C3%ADa-M%C3%A1rquez/dp/140003471X
Welcome to the ramblin' rose of a fifteenth episode of The Read Moore Podcast! In this episode, Anne and Emily discuss formula fiction, and the different formulas which compile most of the stories that we know and love. Stay tuned to the end for a ramble-fest about various and sundry matters, including why veering off-formula for GOT works in the books...but NOT in the show!
What Anne's reading: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7JG8MX/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
What Emily's reading: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/669121/el-ultimo-regalo-de-villa--villas-last-gift-by-carmen-olivas/
In this episode of The Read Moore Podcast, Anne and Emily discuss Emily's personal journey as a bilingual reader of English and Spanish, and ways that listeners can begin and enjoy their own journey to bilingual reading!
What Anne's Reading: https://juliaquinn.com/books/the-duke-and-i/
What Emily's Reading: https://www.brandonsanderson.com/the-stormlight-archive-series/
Lucky episode number thirteen! In this week's episode, Emily is on her own again as she reviews her first fantasy read of 2021, "The Rage of Dragons" by Evan Winter. Find out what she liked, what she didn't, and decide if this is a fantasy novel you'd like to pick up for yourself!
Anne and Emily are back (and together!) to discuss some of the books they just had to put down. They also talk about why the dreaded "DNF" is not a defeat, and how readers can tell if a book is just not for them vs when they should push through to the finish.
A quick nod in honor of Sharon Kay Penman, Anne's favorite author, who passed away just last week (https://sharonkaypenman.com/)
What Emily's Reading: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003EH18SE/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
In this episode, Emily strikes out on her own to provide the first full book(s) review of the podcast, reviewing Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy.
In this episode of the podcast, Anne and Emily go back in time to discuss how they became such tremendous readers at a young age. Anne recalls how her mother raised her to love reading, and how she in turn raised Emily to love literature and books! The discussion includes tips on how parents can encourage reading and a love of books in their Littles!
What Anne's reading: http://www.dianagabaldon.com/books/outlander-series/written_in_my_own_hearts_blood/
https://jemartisby.com/books/the-color-of-compromise
What Emily's reading: https://www.minasamuels.com/books/run-like-a-girl/
Characters living with mental health challenges or mental illnesses have had a place in fiction for a long time, but the portrayal of these characters has not always been compassionate or de-stigmatizing. In this episode, Emily and Anne talk about how mental health challenges have been written in a disrespectful and ignorant way in the past, and how many contemporary YA novels are now portraying these characters in a respectful, helpful way.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion of suicidal ideation and self-harm in fiction.
What Anne's reading: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Y0N198/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
What Emily's reading: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JE1KLU/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
In this episode, we go over some of our favorite nonfiction books and authors, and talk about why reading nonfiction is important, even for die hard fiction fans.
What Anne's reading: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079Z661B7/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
What Emily's reading: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Just-Stop-Investigation-Compulsions-ebook/dp/B01HMXV0VU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YG2CA1Q89XMY&dchild=1&keywords=can%27t+just+stop&qid=1606155374&s=digital-text&sprefix=can%27t+jus%2Cdigital-text%2C189&sr=1-1
In this episode of The Read Moore Podcast, we discuss a few more of our favorite books, all of which have something in common: they've all been either challenged or completely banned in the United States at some point in time! CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains mention and/or discussion of sensitive subject matter, including domestic abuse and sexual assault.
What Anne's reading: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/6399/persuasion-by-jane-austen/
What Emily's reading: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/royal-assassin-robin-hobb/1100623210
In the sixth episode of the podcast, Anne and Emily discuss their favorite book series, and their tastes couldn't be more different! Enjoy!
What Anne's reading: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622081/a-long-petal-of-the-sea-by-isabel-allende/
What Emily's reading: http://juliekagawa.com/?page_id=345
Try to find these reads on the author's site or at your local bookstore!
Some people love a good Halloween horror movie, but others prefer to take in their spooks in the form of books! In this special edition of The Read Moore Podcast, Emily and Anne talk about the classic and contemporary books and short stories that are perfect for feeling creeped out on Halloween. Readers beware!
What Emily's reading: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/207428/the-wolf-gift-by-anne-rice/
What Anne's reading: YOU listen and decide!
13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey: https://www.alabamabooksmith.com/signed-copies/13-alabama-ghosts-and-jeffrey
You asked and we answered! Anne and Emily spent some time answering questions from listeners and friends about books, reading and writing. Thank you to all of the listeners who contributed a question!
What Anne's reading: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/11-22-63-stephen-king/1108810190
What Emily's reading: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-poppy-war-r-f-kuang/1126314377
Anne explains how she went from reading a sweet Jan Karon novel to diving right into a gripping Stephen King book. Emily and Anne discuss why it's always important to read outside of one's preferred genre, and give tips on how to venture out into other books unknown.
What Anne's reading: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AK4ZX7Q/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
What Emily's reading: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14935.Sense_and_Sensibility
"The Outsider" by Stephen King: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792D4MWR/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
"The Mitford Series" by Jan Karon: http://www.mitfordbooks.com/
In this episode, Anne and Emily tackle the ways that listeners can build the habit of reading into their daily lives.
What Anne's reading: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081DK7FX9/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
What Emily's reading: http://www.garthnix.com/books/the-old-kingdom/sabriel/
Connect with us: @emilyc_moore (twitter), @emilycarolinemoore @lulu_the_lit_lover (Instagram)
In the first episode of The Read Moore Podcast, Emily and Anne kick things off by complaining about the classic books that many English teachers (and English students) love to hate!
What Anne's reading: https://www.patticallahanhenry.com/becoming-mrs-lewis
What Emily's reading: https://www.amazon.com/Fire-High-Elizabeth-Acevedo/dp/006266283X
Connect with us: @emilyc_moore @emilycarolinemoore @lulu_the_lit_lover
