Novel Conversations

"Mansfield Park" tells the story of Fanny Price, a young girl whose overburdened and impoverished family sends her to live in the household of her wealthy aunt and uncle at the age of ten. As Fanny grows up, she must learn how to cope with the hypocrisy of wealthy socialites as she searches for a husband. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Pat and Jennifer, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Mansfield Park.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz.

The Grapes of Wrath centers around a poor family of tenant farmers driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, and bank foreclosures with hints of a hopeful future beyond the Dust Bowl. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott and Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel “The Grapes of Wrath.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz.

"For Whom The Bell Tolls" tells the story of a young American soldier and his tumultuous task of blowing up a bridge while fighting against the fascists during the Spanish Civil War. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott and Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz.

Through Emma, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women in Regency England, creating a lively comedy of manners highlighting the dangers of meddling in other people’s lives. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Jennifer Weinbrecht & Patricia Fernberg, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Emma.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz.

"Babbitt" follows a midwestern man and his strife with the vacuity of middle-class life and the social pressure toward conformity. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Babbitt.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz.

"Animal Farm" tells the tale of oppressed farm animals who revolt against their human dictators and grapple with the powers of corruption that ensue from their newfound freedom. It is often interpreted as a reflection of Soviet Russia. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Animal Farm.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz.

"Lord of the Flies" focuses on a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Lord of the Flies.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz.

"The Sun Also Rises" follows a group of American and British expatriates who travel from Paris to the Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona to watch the running of the bulls. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott and Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel “The Sun Also Rises.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz.

"Of Mice and Men," tells the story of two migrant farm hands during the Great Depression, one of whom struggles to overcome mental and physical difficulties. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott & Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel.

In "The House of Mirth," an aging, single woman realizes the corrupt nature of the upper classes of society. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Jennifer Weinbrecht & Patricia Fernberg, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "The House of Mirth."

In "Darkness at Noon," a once-communist leader awaits sentencing from his own beloved "party" in prison. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "Darkness at Noon."

In "White Fang," a young pup called White Fang explores his wolf and dog natures, choosing between the call of man and the call of the wild. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "White Fang."

Elmer Gantry is a satire that follows Elmer Gantry, a poor Kansas man who is encouraged to become a preacher and pursue success. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "Elmer Gantry." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Sinclair Lewis and his writings.

A Confederacy of Dunces follows the life and misadventures of Ignatius Jacques Riley, whom Walker Percy described as a "slob extraordinary, a mad Oliver Hardy, a fat Don Quixote, a perverse Thomas Aquinas rolled into one." Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick Andrews and Scott Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole. Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Toole's life and the publication of his novel.

"A Farewell to Arms" follows the life and war experiences of Frederic Henry, an American Lieutenant serving in the Italian campaign during World War I, as well as his passionate love affair with nurse Catherine Barkley. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott and Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "A Farewell to Arms," by Ernest Hemingway. Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Hemingway and the inspiration for his writing.