The Reader and the Writer

The ways of sin are curious. I guess if a man had to shuck off everything he had, inside and out, he’d manage to hide a few little sins somewhere of his own discomfort.” —Samuel HamiltonWelcome back to East of Eden. In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss the ways Steinbeck’s story “of everything” is unfolding: the juxtaposition between the Trasks and Hamiltons, the essays that open each new part of the story, and other continuing contrasts that Steinbeck isn’t trying at all to hide. They continue last week’s discussion of faith without love, and add to their wondering the glory of man, the glory of God, and the glory of God in man. They also ask a series of questions worth thinking about as we all read forward together:* Who is this story about? The Trasks? The Hamiltons? the Salinas Valley?* What is the effect of Steinbeck making himself so visible as the voice of the narrator?* Who is Cathy, really??* What is Samuel’s role in this story?* What is the “glory” being named in the story? What is the “glory” being expressed?* What is faith without love? Next week: Chapters 16-21Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this post, ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to East of Eden, where life and death, good and evil, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and even the flora and fauna live at Biblical proportions.In this episode, Rhea and Shari look closely at the opening two chapters for what it is showing us as it unfolds. They discuss the powerful living presence of the land, the repetition of words and ideas, the motifs of the east, parenting, light and darkness, life and death, plenty and waste. They talk about the strange nature of the narrator, sin and genetics, and the idea of timshel: “Thou mayest rule over sin.” And, they ask a couple really hard questions: Can a person have faith in someone and not love that person? Can a person be born evil to his or her core? If you haven’t seen Rhea’s reading guide post for East of Eden, you can find it here:Next week they will be discussing Chapters 9-15.Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this post, please ❤️ it and share it!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our literary work, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to R&W’s final episode of The Feast! In this episode, Shari and Rhea have LOTS to discuss: what the end of each of the seven deadly sins looks like, those who were almost saved but weren’t, those who were almost NOT saved but were, and the wine that did the saving. They talk about “nonsense” and “foolishness” of the Kingdom and its joy, Noah’s ark, Lady Gifford’s ridiculous Mary-Martha reference, Kennedy’s head-nod to The Odyssey, Christian life in the final line, and what each of them wants the last conversations of their lives to be.The next R&W deep read will be East of Eden, by John Steinbeck. They are taking eight weeks for this epic American novel. Below is the reading plan: Pick up your copy ASAP and start reading!Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode, ❤️ it and share it!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the R&W year-long read, War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy. In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss in depth this “time between times” of the story. Using two different quotes from this month’s reading, they talk about all the story lines from this strange time of “life and death hanging in the balance,” and all the motivations that are—or are not—for the “good of the people.” Below are the quotes the ladies used to guide their discussion, and the questions that follow for each story line’s considering:* Quote 1: Life and death hanging in the balance:“...no one–least of all Natasha and Prince Andrei–spoke of this: the unsettled question of life and death, which hung not only over Bolkonsky but over all Russia, shut out all other considerations.” (991)* Quote 2: For the good of the people…??:“Since the world began and men have killed one another no one has ever committed such a crime against his fellow-man without comforting himself with this same idea. This idea is le bien public, the hypothetical welfare of other people.” (957)Questions to consider as we examine each story line:* Is life or death being chosen by the characters? Either literal or spiritual.* What is the motivating factor behind each one’s choice and in each situation?* Are the characters being honest about their motivations? Are they lying to themselves to justify their actions? Are they truly looking out for “the good of the people”?Links to books, people, and ideas discussed… and Rhea’s bookmarks!:* Rhea’s Oct - Dec Bookmarks* Sabbath, by Abraham Joshua Heschel* Violence and the Sacred, by René Girard* Deceit, Desire, and the Novel, by René Girard* The Four Quartets, by T. S. Eliot (about)Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode ❤️ it and share it!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to The Feast! Things are boiling over at Pendizack Manor Hotel, and Shari and Rhea are in for it. In this episode, they talk about the 7 evils spilling over in the host characters: the disgusting St. Merrick episode (termed by Shari as the Epstein Island escapade), soapstone insanity, envy’s constant pot-stirring, the super-righteous “symposium,” a mother ready to abandon her children to imminent doom (!), and more.And yet, beauty abounds through the turning of other characters toward goodness, truth, and beauty. And all the while preparations for the Feast continue, and the cliff slowly crumbles overhead.Next week, Shari and Rhea will discuss the final day, “Friday”, and wrap up their discussion of The Feast.As mentioned in the episode, below is the list and links to many of the references to poems, songs, myths, etc. that show up over “Wednesday” and “Thursday.”The Great Conversation happening in The Feast:* Scapegoat | Fairies at the bottom…* ‘There are Fairies at the Bottom of Our Garden’ - Michael Aspinall, the Surprising Soprano (Scapegoat)* There are Fairies at the Bottom of our Garden | Odyssey Theatre Ensemble* Bond or Free?* What to write in a headstone epitaph? - Mississauga Cemetery* “Wind, gentle evergreen!...”* Epitaph on Sophocles headstone.* Oh Shenandoah - Wikipedia (Duff, Robin, and Angie singing)* Symposium | My Aged Uncle Arly* Edward Lear | The Poetry Foundation* Limericks / playful* Mrs. Paley | The Quangle Wangle’s Hat | The Poetry Foundation* Robin | The Dong with a Luminous Nose | The Poetry Foundation* Gerry & Angie | Mr and Mrs Discobbolos by Edward Lear - Famous poems* Duff | The Pobble Who Has No Toes - Edward Lear* Nancibel | Carmen - Wikipedia (opera)Thanks for reading The Reader & the Writer! If you like this episode ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our literary work, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to The Feast! In this episode, Rhea and Shari have their own feast of a discussion, looking at all the ‘Love & Truth’ of Monday, and ‘Truth & Lies’ of Tuesday. They talk about the Cove girls’ other worldliness, the “man-of-war” love of Christina Paley, the surprise kindness of Henry Gifford, and the strange connections between Wuthering Heights and Bruce and Anna’s relationship. They talk about significant names, significant titles, significant words, phrases, and conversations.Next week they will discuss Wednesday - Thursday.Below is the reading schedule:Thanks for listening to this episode The Reader & the Writer! If you like this episode ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a paid or free subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to The Feast! Shari and Rhea are so excited to dive deep into Margaret Kennedy’s allegorical novel about the seven deadly sins. In this episode, they go straight to the speculation: who represents each of the sins? Who’s alive? Who died? They had a lot of fun setting up this story and are fully ready to have to renounce their deeply held beliefs on all of it. Be sure to check out Rhea’s Reading Guide on The Feast. Below are the links to the poetry pieces and the opera that have shown up so far in The Feast (Prologue - Sunday):Links to quoted literature within The Feast:* Nothing is certain but the certain spring* Robert Laurence Binyon - “Burning of the Leaves” (written during WWII)* Sunday | ch9 pg 89* And whispers to the worlds of space/A sentinel…I hear at times…* Alfred Lordy Tennyson* Sunday | ch 8 & 9 | pg 83 & 86* Their shoulders hold the sky suspended…* AE Housman* Saturday | Ch 3 | pg 16* Why this is Hell! Nor am I out of it!* Doctor Faustus by Christoher Marlow* Saturday | Ch 9 | pg 45* Il TrovatoreHere is the Reading Schedule for The Feast:Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you like this post, ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this final episode of Deacon King Kong. In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss all the story’s thread and how they all end up “in God’s hands.” They talk about salvation stories, good and evil, who the true antagonist of the story is, and the beautiful community of Christ. Oh, and they argue about where the climax of the story is.R&W’s next deep read is The Feast, by Margaret Kennedy. They will take four weeks to read this book. Reading segments are as follows:* Part 1: Prologue - Sunday* Part 2: Monday - Tuesday* Part 3: Wednesday - Thursday* Part 4: Friday Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you like this post, ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to our close read of Deacon King Kong. In in this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss the women at the center of this story and how they are the “still point” for each of their respective communities. They discuss motifs they see taking a center stage in this section: the water, Statue of Liberty, the “shining” harbor in the afternoon sun; and how these images continue to pop up and provide a strong juxtaposition to all that is not “normal” about The Cause, as Sister Gee laments to Potts. They discuss several important conversations that happened: Sister Gee and Potts, Elefante and Sportcoat, Sportcoat and young (dead) Hettie, and others. Oh, and they talk about the weeds.Next week they will discuss the final chapters of the story: Chapters 21-26.Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode, show it some ❤️ and share it with someone.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to R&W’s 2025 year-long read, War and Peace.We know, it’s been a minute. After two months, Rhea and Shari were so glad to get back to this story. They focused their discussion on the “movements” of characters and events, and on “form v. substance.” They spend considerable time talking about Natasha’s movement from guilt to new freedom, Pierre’s movement toward war, Old Bolkonsky movement from life to death, and his son’s movement toward eminent death as well. They discuss the “form” of war—that of a chess game—versus the “substance” of war, something more terrible and chaotic; and the form of Hélène v. the substance of Marya…. and much, much more. Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our literary work, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to R&W’s deep read of Deacon King Kong by James McBride. In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss all the ways the threads of the story are beginning to slowly weave together. They talk about McBride’s humor, his brilliance in bringing us into this community of The Cause House with kind hospitality, and allowing us to deal with hard realities through this hospitable way. They discuss Shari’s three-way Venn Diagram on the story’s territories from the first episode, expanding on the ideas laid out last week, and what may lie at the center of the three. Rhea notices the way “the Truth” has been popping up a lot in this section, as well as all the commonality between characters and 20 years. They spend a long time on Elefante and the Venus of Willendorf. They wonder where the story is going to go next.Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode hit the ❤️ button and share it!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our literary work, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to an R&W new read! This week Rhea and Shari begin a four part discussion on Deacon King Kong by James McBride. In this episode, they introduce the wide and colorful cast of characters: Sportcoat, Hot Sausage, Deems, Jet, Bunch, Earl, and more. They wonder why some non-characters: like the community itself, the cheese, and the ants feel more like characters and less like places or things. They talk for some time about the “voicey-ness” of the story, particularly with regards to the narrator. They also talk about how the story is being told almost like an old-fashioned “yarn.” If you haven’t yet, check out Rhea’s Reading Guide for Deacon King Kong:Reading Schedule (Note date Change for Episode 2)Below is the Reading Schedule for Deacon King Kong, with the exception of Episode 2: PLEASE NOTE: Due to the upcoming Labor Day holiday and family/work obligations, Episode 2 will air Wednesday, September 3rd, rather than the 2nd.Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you like this post, ❤️ it and share it!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to R&W’s three-part series on George MacDonald’s fantasy novel, Phantastes. In this episode Shari and Rhea discuss the ending of the book, the things they loved, and the things they didn’t. They discuss whether or not the continual semi-confusing dreamlike quality of the story was intentional on MacDonald’s part, or a storytelling hiccup. They talk about the motifs, the symbols, and the ultimate theme of love running through. And they talk about how reading Phantastes has rekindled their love for Narnia and deep desire to read the series again.R&W’s next deep read is Deacon King Kong, by James McBride. Below is the reading schedule:Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode show it some ❤️ and share it with a friend (or stranger, or enemy. We’re not picky).The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to R&W’s deep read of Phantastes by George MacDonald. In this episode, Shari and Rhea spend considerable time discussing the many symbols they are recognizing in the story, and wonder about what deeper reality these symbols might be pointing us toward. They discuss how much they loved Chapter 13—the story within the story. And Rhea asks Shari what she thinks about MacDonald’s claim that a good story will mean many things and will change depending on the particular reader, and this is a good thing.Next week, Shari and Rhea will discuss through to the end of the story. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out and make use of the many resources Rhea provides in her reading guide to Phantastes. Thanks for listening to this edition of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode, give it some ❤️ and share it with a friend!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to a new deep read on The Reader & the Writer! This week Rhea and Shari kick off a three-week dive into George MacDonald’s fantasy novel, Phantastes. In this episode, they discuss George MacDonald’s background, his ideas about the imagination, and the intertwining nature of truth and beauty. They talk about the main character, Anodos, the episodic feel to the story so far, and the ways they already notice the strong use of symbols in the narrative. If you haven’t read Rhea’s introduction and reading guide for Phantastes, you must go check it out! You can read it here: Below is the reading schedule:Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you like this post, please give it some ❤️ and share it!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to this special edition of The Reader & the Writer. In this episode, Shari interviews author, Cynthia Beach. Cynthia is the author of the novel, Surface of Water, published with IVP Press in 2024, She’s also written and published a wonderfully inspiring as well as practical craft book, Creative Juices for Writers. She has an MA in journalism from Wheaton College and an MFA in fiction writing from the Northwest Institute of the Literary Arts. She is also a trained spiritual director. Cynthia directs faith-based writing workshop, Scriptoria with Gary D. Schmidt. She lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan on a quiet seven acres with her husband, Dave.Links to Cynthia’s website and Scriptoria:* cynthiabeach.com* scriptoriaworkshop.orgThanks for listening to this edition of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked it, ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our literary work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back! In this episode, Shari and Rhea conclude their discussion of Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. They get deep into ideas of transfiguration, baptism, endings that don’t do what they want, and where the beauty is despite the great sadnesses. There is much to lament, much to rejoice over, much to wonder at in these final chapters. It also makes the following quote from Robinson’s interview with Trinity Forum all the more poignant (you can find that interview on Rhea’s post on Housekeeping): There is a way in which a good writer can see into strange places and see beauty in places others can’t. —Marilynne RobinsonIf you’re journaling along with us, here is this week’s prompt:Journal from on high, outside yourself. Assume an imaginary position from a place above you. For example: the top of a nearby tree, as a bird flying overhead, a rooftop, mountaintop, etc. Further this prompt by writing from the p.o.v. of anything in your surroundings (an object on your desk, your pet, your mailbox, etc.). Again, focus on your five senses—especially to begin.R&W’s next deep read is Phantastes, by George MacDonald. Below is a reading schedule:Thanks for listening to The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode, ❤️ it and share it. Thanks!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to R&W’s deep read of Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss the feeling of darkness and mystery surrounding much of this section of the novel. They discuss Sylvie’s strangeness, Ruthie’s eccentric imagination, and Lucille being fed up with all of it. They talk about the role of dreams, the continued motif of water, and the strangeness of death that seems to haunt this family no matter how they try to live.Next week they will finish the novel. In case you’ve missed it, below is the reading schedule, as well as a link to Rhea’s post introducing Housekeeping. If you’re journaling on place with us, this week’s prompt is: Journal about what’s beneath your feet. Choose a familiar location. First, journal on what you can see. Then, journal on what you can’t see, as you “drill” down beneath the surface of where you are. Use your five senses and your above ground surroundings to help you discern what might be below. You’ll have to use your sense of imagination for this one.Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked it, ❤️ it and share it. Thanks!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To support what we’re doing here, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to our year long read of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. In this episode, Rhea and Shari break down the whole tragic event of Natasha’s inevitable break up with Andrei. They wonder how many more times Dolokhov will keep appearing where there’s trouble-making. They worry over Andrei’s heart and wonder over Marya’s words to him about forgiveness. They are finally satisfied with Tolstoy spending all those chapters last month on Nikolai and the hunt. They hope—multiple times—that Anatole and Hélène get what’s coming to them. Finally, they discuss the ways all things are positioning themselves to come to a head in Moscow with the War of 1812.If you’re looking for the next set of bookmarks, as well as where in the world the bookmarks are, read Rhea’s latest W&P post:A programming note: Due to scheduling and travel conflicts, our next War and Peace episode on July’s reading will drop later in August (not the first Friday as usual.)Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked it, ❤️ and share it. Thanks!The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To support the work we’re doing here, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

It’s time for a new book! Welcome to Housekeeping by Mariynne Robinson. In this episode, Shari and Rhea introduce listeners to the author, and this strange new place they find themselves now, Fingerbone, Montana, a vastly different world from early 1700’s England, for sure! They then dive into the narrative, talk about the eccentricities of the characters, the aliveness of the setting, and the possibility of motherhood as a place. They marvel over Robinson’s sparkling, image-rich prose, and notice immediately the profundity of water imagery throughout. Clearly, water will play an important role in unfolding Housekeeping’s deeper themes. But how? Rhea wrote an excellent post introducing Housekeeping and its author. It contains the reading schedule, a set of bookmarks for each section, excellent links to interviews with Marilynne Robinson, War & Peace connections, and a new opportunity we’re inviting you to join: a practice of journaling on place. Stay tuned. More to come on that in an upcoming essay post by Shari (on the Reader & Writer Substack).Thanks for listening to The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this epidsode, ❤️ it and share it! This helps us reach more folks who love literature like you.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe