Novel Conversations

In "Pride and Prejudice," we follow the lives of the Bennet family in 19th century England, and with 5 unwed daughters, Mrs. Bennet has only one thing on her mind: marriage. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Jennifer Weinbrecht and Patricia Fernberg, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about the life and family of Austen.

In "How Green Was My Valley," Huw Morgan reflects on his life growing up in a coal mining town in a valley in Wales. His memories range everywhere from coal union disputes to the romances of various siblings. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Joan and Patrick Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "How Green Was My Valley." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Richard Llewellyn and the inspiration for his writings.

"Sense and Sensibility" is the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and their different experiences of life and loss. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Jennifer Weinbrecht and Patricia Fernberg, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen. Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about the life and motives of Austen.

In "Cannery Row," a group of kind-hearted miscreants struggle in their attempts to throw a surprise party for their role model. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott and Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "Cannery Row" Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Steinbeck and the inspiration for his writings.

A summary and exploration of Aldous Huxley's 1932 dystopian novel about the role of human nature in a technological society. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "Brave New World." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Huxley and the inspiration for his writings.

In "Anthem," a streetsweeper uses extreme measures after learning the true nature of his collectivist, dystopian society. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novella, "Anthem." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Rand and the inspiration for her writings.

"Little Women" chronicles the transition of four sisters from children into women. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Jennifer Weinbrecht and Patricia Fernberg, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "Little Women." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Alcott and her writings.

In this novella, a man finds a pearl in his attempt to provide for his sick son, but greed and corruption play a hand in the outcome of his success. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott and Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novella, "The Pearl." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Steinbeck and the inspiration for his writings.

In "The Great Gatsby," a veteran uses elaborate measures in his attempt to recapture the past and the love he once knew. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott and Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "The Great Gatsby." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Fitzgerald and the inspiration for his writings.

In "The Old Man and the Sea," An older Cuban fisherman, Santiago, has an epic struggle with a giant marlin fish in the Gulf Stream. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott and Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "The Old Man and the Sea." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Hemingway and his writings.

In "The Giver," a young boy named Jonas discovers that the seemingly perfect society in which he lives contains big and dark secrets when he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "The Giver." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about the author and the book.