Podcasts > What Should I Read Next? > Ep 420: Soul-changing reads with staying power

Ep 420: Soul-changing reads with staying power

By Anne Bogel

Delve into the fascinating world of literary analysis with Anne Bogel and her guest Courtney DeZott on the "What Should I Read Next?" podcast as they discuss the allure of characters who exude authenticity and resonate on a deeply personal level, especially those intertwined with the theme of unrequited love. The conversation covers a spectrum of genres, from classics to modern-day narratives, highlighting DeZott's emotional engagement with stories where characters and their struggles continue to linger in the reader's psyche long after the tale has ended. Bogel's role in the dialogue promises to deliver recommendations tailored to DeZott's tastes, entailing a blend of historical vividness and the raw, relatable tapestries of human emotion.

Venture through time and explore the hidden corners of history with Anne Bogel as she introduces historical fiction that sheds light on less frequently showcased events, such as the Japanese internment camps during WWII, suggesting impactful reads like "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford. The podcast goes beyond simple storylines, accentuating the genre's power to both educate and captivate, by taking readers on a journey that intertwines historical events with intimate human experiences. Books like "Snow Falling on Cedars" deepen the exploration, providing a conduit for readers to encounter history through a personal, emotive lens. Whether uncovering layers of unrequited love in diverse literary works or discussing Chris Cleave's portrayal of Olympic rivalry and friendship in "Gold", the podcast offers a heartfelt examination of narratives that speak to the core of human connection and triumph.

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Ep 420: Soul-changing reads with staying power

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Ep 420: Soul-changing reads with staying power

1-Page Summary

Picking books where characters feel real

Anne Bogel and Courtney DeZott explore the magnetic pull of books with characters that exude a sense of authenticity, particularly through the lens of unrequited love. This powerful theme emerges as a common thread in DeZott's favorite reads, capturing her imagination and resonating on a deeply personal level. Reviewing her reading history on Goodreads, DeZott identifies this recurring motif in classics and contemporary novels alike. These stories cling to her, their characters continuing to feel palpable long after the last chapter. The survival and human triumph elements, combined with unrequited love, further entwine to create narratives that are unforgettably real and emotionally gripping for DeZott. Anne Bogel assures to keep DeZott’s multifaceted interests in mind, promising book suggestions that will satisfy her craving for rich, character-driven stories that encompass the vibrancy of historical fiction and the depth of personal struggle, hope, and love.

Historical fiction about lesser known aspects of history

Delving into the quieter crevices of history, Anne Bogel recommends "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford to Courtney DeZott, a novel that highlights the Japanese internment camps in WWII as a poignant backdrop. The story envelops readers, taking them through a touching friendship and burgeoning affection set within a turbulent historical period, all while gracefully addressing this lesser-known aspect of history. Ford's meticulous research unfolds a narrative that enlightens while it enthralls, showcasing the powerful role historical fiction can play in educating and affecting its audience. Additionally, novels like "Snow Falling on Cedars" continue this theme, offering insight into the complexity of this era and the profound, lasting impact it had on individual lives and the fabric of communities. Through these novels, readers encounter history in a personal and intimate light, making the exploration of these narratives both an emotional and educational journey.

Theme of unrequited love

Anne Bogel and Courtney DeZott discuss how unrequited love threads through literature, presenting a heartfelt journey across various genres. Through their dialogue, Wendell Berry's "Jayber Crow" is presented as an exemplar of this poignant human experience set in 1930s Kentucky. Likewise, "The Transit of Venus" by Shirley Hazard garners attention for its intricate tapestry of longing. DeZott's realization about her affinity for unrequited love is reflected in her appreciation of diverse genres, from "The Hunger Games" to "Anne of Green Gables," revealing a distinct pattern of emotional resonance within her cherished literature. Ken Follett's "The Pillars of the Earth" and "Snow Falling on Cedars" offer complex portrayals of unattainable affection, while Elizabeth Strout's creations sometimes echo a yearning for balanced relationships and requited love. These narratives underscore the enduring allure and thematic richness of unrequited love in storytelling.

Chris Cleave's novel Gold

Chris Cleave's "Gold" dives into the world of Olympic athletes, unfolding a riveting narrative of ambition, friendship, and sacrifice. Central to the story is the intense relationship between Olympic rivals who share a profound friendship, masterfully portrayed by Cleave to highlight the complex emotions and psychological undercurrents in such a competitive environment. The multi-perspective storytelling brings the characters, including the charismatic coach, vividly to life, embodying their pursuit of excellence and the formidable trials they endure. "Gold" provides a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous lives of Olympians, offering a gripping and multifaceted perspective on the personal costs of their relentless quest for victory.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Unrequited love in literature often explores the complexities of one-sided affection, where a character's feelings are not reciprocated. This theme delves into longing, heartache, and the emotional turmoil experienced by individuals in such situations. Authors use unrequited love to evoke empathy, showcase character depth, and drive plot development in various genres. It adds a layer of emotional depth and realism to stories, resonating with readers through its portrayal of unfulfilled desires and the bittersweet nature of love.
  • Historical fiction often explores lesser-known aspects of history, shedding light on events, communities, or perspectives not widely covered in mainstream narratives. Authors conduct meticulous research to provide accurate historical context while weaving compelling stories around these lesser-known themes. By delving into these quieter crevices of history, historical fiction educates readers about the complexities and nuances of past events, offering a fresh perspective on familiar historical periods. This approach enriches the storytelling by presenting a more comprehensive and nuanced view of the past.
  • In literature, the exploration of personal stories within significant historical events involves weaving fictional characters and narratives into real historical contexts. Authors use this technique to provide readers with a more intimate and relatable perspective on historical events, showcasing how individuals experience and navigate these larger-than-life moments. By focusing on personal stories, authors can humanize history, making it more engaging and emotionally resonant for readers. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the impact of historical events on individuals and communities.

Counterarguments

  • The focus on unrequited love as a powerful theme may overlook other equally compelling themes in literature that resonate with readers, such as redemption, courage, or friendship.
  • While historical fiction can illuminate lesser-known aspects of history, it is important to remember that these novels are not substitutes for historical texts and sometimes take creative liberties that may alter the factual accuracy of events.
  • The emphasis on character-driven stories might not appeal to readers who prefer plot-driven narratives or experimental storytelling techniques that focus less on character development.
  • Recommending books based on specific themes like unrequited love or historical depth might limit the diversity of genres and styles that a reader is exposed to, potentially missing out on other enriching literary experiences.
  • The portrayal of Olympic athletes in "Gold" may not fully capture the breadth of experiences and backgrounds of real Olympic competitors, as it is a work of fiction and may not represent the diversity found in the athletic world.
  • The idea that characters in novels feel palpable and memorable is subjective and may not hold true for all readers, who might find the characters in the mentioned books less relatable or engaging.
  • The assertion that historical fiction plays a powerful role in educating its audience could be challenged by the argument that historical fiction should primarily entertain, and that education is better left to non-fiction works or academic studies.

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Ep 420: Soul-changing reads with staying power

Picking books where characters feel real

Anne Bogel delves into what makes certain books resonate so deeply with readers, focusing on how the theme of unrequited love can bring characters to life in incredibly vibrant ways.

What makes books resonate can be hard to pick out

It's not always easy to discern why some books stay with us long after we’ve turned the last page, but for avid readers like Courtney Dezahd, certain themes, particularly unrequited love, play a significant role.

How unrequited love is theme in favorite books

Anne Bogel observes that DeZott’s love for characters that feel like real people is what draws her to books dealing with unrequited love. This theme is subtly woven into some of her favorites, exerting a powerful hold over her imagination. For instance, she found that reviewing her Goodreads history helped identify unrequited love as a recurrent theme in the books she cherishes.

Anne discusses with Courtney how readers might not instantly relate the theme of unrequited love to books such as "Pillars of the Earth" or "Harry Potter," but how it exists within the fabric of these stories. She further reiterates that Courtney's affection for stories of unrequited love is integral to the books that resonate with her.

Finding books with themes of unrequited love, survival, and human triumph

Courtney DeZott is on the lookout for compelling novels, particularly ones that combine themes of unrequited love, human survival, and triumph. She is drawn to stories that hold on to her, enveloping her in their reality long after the narrative ends.

In addition to unrequited love, Courtney has a keen interest in survival stories. She has immersed herself in almost all the extreme survival scenario narratives availab ...

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Picking books where characters feel real

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The theme of unrequited love in books can make characters feel real by adding depth and complexity to their emotions and relationships. When characters experience unrequited love, it often leads to internal struggles, vulnerability, and growth, making them more relatable and human. This emotional intensity can resonate with readers on a personal level, evoking empathy and a deeper connection to the characters' experiences. By exploring unrequited love, authors can create multidimensional characters that feel authentic and compelling, enhancing the overall realism and emotional impact of the story.
  • The theme of unrequited love in books like "Pillars of the Earth" and "Harry Potter" is not always overtly stated but can be subtly woven into the character dynamics. In "Pillars of the Earth," characters like Aliena and Jack experience unrequited love, adding depth to their relationships. In "Harry Potter," examples include Snape's unrequited love for Lily Potter and Ron's unrequited feelings for Hermione, which contribute to the emotional complexity of the characters and their interactions. These instances of unrequited love help shape the characters' motivations and actions throughout the stories.
  • Courtney DeZott's interest in extreme survival scenario narratives from Outside magazine archives stems from her fascination with real-life stories of individuals facing and overcoming extraordinary challenges in harsh environments. These narratives often highlight human resilience, determination, and the will to survive in the face of adversity, providing gripping and inspiring accounts of survival against all odds. The stories featured in Outside magazine cover a wide range of survival situations, from wilderness expeditions gone wrong to tales of individuals confronting natural disasters, showcasing the raw and unfiltered exp ...

Counterarguments

  • While unrequited love can indeed add depth to characters, not all readers may find this theme as compelling or necessary for characters to feel real.
  • Some readers might argue that other themes, such as personal growth, redemption, or friendship, can be just as effective in making characters resonate with them.
  • The assertion that unrequited love is subtly woven into books like "Pillars of the Earth" and "Harry Potter" could be contested by readers who believe other themes are more central to these stories.
  • The focus on unrequited love might overlook the importance of other emotional experiences in literature that also contribute to the richness of character development and reader engagement.
  • The preference for novels that combine specific themes like unrequited love, human survival, and triumph may not be shared by all readers, who might seek diversity in themes and narratives.
  • Some might argue that survival stories and extreme survival scenarios, while interesting, could overshadow other narrative elements and may not always lead ...

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Ep 420: Soul-changing reads with staying power

Historical fiction about lesser known aspects of history

Historical fiction often sheds light on topics that may not be well-known or widely discussed. One such novel that does this is "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford.

Jamie Ford's novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

The novel is set against the backdrop of Seattle and centers on the Panama Hotel. It's about an elderly man reflecting on his formative years during the 1940s. His memories are specifically focused on his childhood friendship and emerging love for Keiko, a young Japanese American girl, whose life is upended by the events of World War II.

Ford's novel about Japanese internment camps during WWII

Anne Bogel recommends "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" to Courtney Dezahd for its satisfying conclusion and the beautifully crafted prose that Jamie Ford employs throughout the narrative. The book not only explores the poignant and personal elements of its main characters’ lives but also dives into the weighty historical period of Japanese internment during WWII, which significantly impacts the characters’ lives.

The internment of Japanese Americans is a central theme of "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet," and Ford meticulously researched these historical events, enabling readers to gain insight into the internment camps’ largely untold history. The novel acts as a gateway to this chapter of American history, providing a fictional but ...

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Historical fiction about lesser known aspects of history

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Panama Hotel in "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" serves as a significant setting that connects the past and present. It acts as a symbol of the characters' memories and the historical events surrounding Japanese internment during WWII. The hotel's basement holds belongings left by Japanese families during the war, sparking reflections on loss, love, an ...

Counterarguments

  • While historical fiction can illuminate lesser-known aspects of history, it is important to distinguish between historical fact and the author's creative liberties, which may sometimes lead to a romanticized or inaccurate portrayal of events.
  • The focus on Japanese internment camps, while important, might overshadow other significant and underrepresented events of the same era in historical fiction.
  • The novel's impact as a "gateway" to history may be limited if readers do not pursue further education on the topic beyond the narrative presented in the fiction.
  • The effectiveness of Ford's prose is subjective and may not resonate with all readers in the same way.
  • The representation of historical events in novels like "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" and "Snow Falling on Cedars" may not fully capture the diversity of experiences within th ...

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Ep 420: Soul-changing reads with staying power

Theme of unrequited love

Courtney DeZott's passion for stories with the theme of unrequited love leads to a discussion on various literary works that probe this profound and often painful human experience.

Wendell Berry's novel Jayber Crow

Berry's story explores unrequited love in 1930s small town Kentucky

During the conversation, Anne Bogel, the host, suggests Wendell Berry's novel "Jayber Crow" to Courtney DeZott because of her interest in themes of unrequited love. Bogel praises Berry for his beautiful and gently crafted worlds, particularly the Port William community in Kentucky. Despite the initial lack of specific discussion about "Jayber Crow," DeZott expresses that she will probably read this novel first among the suggested books due to its thematic relevance.

Shirley Hazard's novel The Transit of Venus also features strong theme of unrequited love

"The Transit of Venus" by Shirley Hazard was also mentioned in the context of unrequited love. Although the novel is considered work-intensive, it is seen as highly rewarding, particularly for its emphasis on the pining and the central story centered around unrequited love.

Additional Discussions on Unrequited Love in Literature

Courtney DeZott acknowledges her particular draw to books with unrequited love themes after reflecting on some of her favorite books like "The Hunger Games," "Anne of Green Gables," and "The Pillars of the Earth." Despite the genres' variance, the strong theme of unrequited love is a consistent thread.

In Ken Follett's "The Pillars of the Earth," the story of a characte ...

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Theme of unrequited love

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Jayber Crow" by Wendell Berry is a novel that delves into the theme of unrequited love in a small town setting in 1930s Kentucky. The story follows the protagonist, Jayber Crow, a barber and a man who experiences unfulfilled love throughout his life. Wendell Berry's narrative beautifully captures the complexities and emotions surrounding unrequited love, offering a poignant exploration of human relationships and longing. The novel is praised for its rich portrayal of characters and the intricate web of emotions that define their experiences with love and loss.
  • The connection between unrequited love and books like "The Hunger Games," "Anne of Green Gables," and "The Pillars of the Earth" lies in the presence of characters experiencing unreciprocated romantic feelings, unfulfilled desires, or one-sided love situations, which add depth and emotional complexity to the narratives. These books explore the themes of longing, unrequited affection, and the challenges faced by characters dealing with unreturned love, contributing to the overall emotional resonance of the stories.
  • In Ken Follett's novel "The Pillars of the Earth," the character Jack Jackson is deeply in love with Aliena, but his feelings are not reciprocated initially. Aliena, a strong and independent woman, is focused on her own goals and does not see Jack's affection for her. Their relationship evolves throughout the story, showcasing the complexities of unrequited love and the challenges it brings to their lives.
  • In "Snow Falling on Cedars," unrequited love plays a significant role in the story as it portrays the poignant tale of star-crossed lovers who experience deep feelings for each other but are unable to be together due to various circumstances. The theme of unrequited love adds layers of complexity to the characters' relationships and emotions, highlighting the challenges and heartaches that arise from unfulfilled romantic desires. Through the exploration of unrequited love, the novel delves into themes of longing, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of mis ...

Counterarguments

...

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Ep 420: Soul-changing reads with staying power

Chris Cleave's novel Gold

"Gold" is a compelling novel by Chris Cleave that delves into the lives of Olympic athletes, their ambitions, sacrifices, and the intricacies of their relationships with one another.

Cleave's intense story of Olympic rivals and friends

At the heart of "Gold" is the gripping tale of Olympic rivals who are also close friends. Cleave masterfully explores the complex dynamics between these elite athletes as they navigate their competitive desires and the bonds of their deep friendship. The novel exposes the intense physical and emotional challenges that athletes face in their pursuit of Olympic glory, revealing the toll that such dedication can take on their personal lives.

Story told from multiple perspectives including that of entertaining coach

Cleave chooses a multi-perspective narrative approach, allowing readers ...

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Chris Cleave's novel Gold

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Understanding the intricacies of relationships between Olympic athletes involves grasping the unique blend of camaraderie and competition that exists among individuals who share a common pursuit of excellence in their sport. These relationships are characterized by a mix of support, rivalry, and mutual respect, as athletes push each other to perform at their best while also forming deep bonds through shared experiences and challenges. The dynamics can be complex, as athletes navigate the balance between friendship and the drive to outperform one another on the world stage. Observing how these relationships evolve under the pressures of high-stakes competition offers insight into the emotional and psychological dimensions of elite sportsmanship.
  • Athletes pursuing Olympic glory face rigorous training regimens that push their physical limits and demand unwavering dedication. The pressure to perform at the highest level can lead to intense emotional stress and mental challenges. Balancing the demands of training, competition, and personal life can create a significant strain on athletes, impacting their well-being and relationships. The pursuit of Olympic success often involves sacrifices in various aspects of life, requiring athletes to prioritize their training and goals above many other considerations.
  • A multi-perspective narrative a ...

Counterarguments

  • While "Gold" is described as compelling, some readers may find the subject matter of Olympic athletes' lives too niche or specialized to fully engage with.
  • The exploration of ambitions, sacrifices, and relationships might be seen as a common theme in sports literature, and some may argue that the novel does not offer a unique take on these topics.
  • The portrayal of the complex dynamics between athletes who are friends and rivals could be perceived as predictable or cliché by those familiar with sports narratives.
  • The novel's focus on the physical and emotional challenges faced by athletes might overshadow other aspects of their lives, potentially leading to a one-dimensional portrayal.
  • Highlighting the toll of dedication on personal lives is a well-trodden theme, and some readers might feel that it does not provide new insights into the lives of high-performing individuals.
  • The use of multiple perspectives is a common narrative technique, and some critics might argue that it does not necessarily guara ...

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