Out of the Best Books

In Act 3 of Henry V , the English army lands in France, and the stakes are officially high. As Henry prepares to face the French at Harfleur, we get some of the play’s most memorable speeches. Shakespeare also gives us plenty to discuss about leadership, courage, war, and the complicated ways Henry inspires (and demands) loyalty from his soldiers. Titles mentioned in this episode: The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict

In this episode, we’re heading to the battlefields of Shakespeare’s Henry V as we discuss Acts 1 and 2. We meet the newly crowned King Henry, and explore his bold claim to the French throne. We’ll also talk about Henry’s leadership style, the threat of war with France, and the lighter moments provided by some wonderfully memorable characters. Is Henry the heroic king Shakespeare wants us to see—or is there more going on beneath the surface? Join us as we unpack the first two acts and get ready for war! Titles mentioned in this episode: Circe by Madeline Miller The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict Up Next: Henry V - Act 3

As the story races toward its conclusion, secrets are revealed, misunderstandings are cleared up, and the Dashwood sisters finally get some long-awaited answers. We’ll talk about Elinor and Edward, Marianne and Colonel Brandon, Lucy Steele’s surprising turn, and the very satisfying consequences for some of Austen’s less-than-admirable characters. We’ll also reflect on Austen’s ideas about love, restraint, second chances, and the difference between sense and sensibility. Join us as we finish this beloved Austen classic—and share our final thoughts on the characters, relationships, and happily-ever-afters! Titles mentioned in this episode: Circe by Madeline Miller The Orinthologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton The Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif EngerUp Next: Henry V by William Shakespeare

The drama is heating up in Sense & Sensibility ! In this episode, we dive into Chapters 33–42 of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility as Elinor and Marianne navigate complicated relationships, unexpected revelations, and plenty of emotional ups and downs. We’ll talk about Lucy Steele’s schemes, Edward’s difficult situation, Marianne’s growing heartbreak, and Elinor’s remarkable patience through it all. Join us as we discuss Austen’s sharp observations about love, loyalty, family, and the very different ways Elinor and Marianne respond when their hearts are on the line. And, of course, we’ll share our thoughts on all the moments that make us want to shout, “Just TALK to each other!”

In this episode ,we continue our journey through Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility with Chapters 25–33. The Dashwood sisters find themselves navigating new friendships, unexpected encounters, and plenty of social complications. As Elinor tries to keep her emotions in check and Marianne continues to follow her heart, Austen gives us plenty to discuss about love, loyalty, family, and the very different ways people respond to disappointment. Join us as we talk about the growing tension between the characters, Lucy Steele’s influence, Marianne’s choices, and all the subtle—and not-so-subtle—ways Austen exposes the social world of her time.

In this episode of Out of the Best Books , we continue our journey through Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility , covering Chapters 15–24. The Dashwood sisters find themselves navigating unexpected encounters, complicated feelings, and plenty of social intrigue. As Marianne’s emotions become increasingly difficult to hide and Elinor tries to keep her own feelings in check, we begin to see the very different ways the sisters approach love, disappointment, and relationships. We’ll talk about Marianne’s romantic idealism, Elinor’s quiet strength, the arrival of new characters, and the ways Austen uses wit and social observation to expose the difference between what people say and what they truly mean. Join us for another cozy conversation about one of Austen’s most beloved novels! Titles mentioned in this episode: Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden

We’re diving into Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility ! Nan joins us for this episode as we discuss the first 14 chapters and meet the Dashwood sisters—practical Elinor and passionate Marianne—as they navigate family, finances, heartbreak, and the complicated world of marriage and social expectations. We talk about the Dashwoods’ move to Barton Cottage, the men that enter their lives, and the very different ways Elinor and Marianne respond to love and life. Along the way, we share our favorite moments, discuss Austen’s wit and social commentary! Titles mentioned in this episode: Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This week we're heading to the snowy hills of Starkfield to discuss Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. This classic novella is packed with heartbreak, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable symbolism. We talk about Ethan's impossible choices, Zeena's often-misunderstood character, Mattie's role in the story, and the crushing weight of duty, poverty, and isolation. Join us as we unpack one of American literature's most haunting tragedies. Titles mentioned in this episode: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle The Italian Correspondet by Belinda Alexandra The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

Titles mentioned in this episode: Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery

In this episode, we're diving into Part 3 of All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy. As John Grady Cole faces the consequences of his choices, the novel takes a darker turn, exploring questions of justice, loyalty, courage, and what it truly means to hold onto your values in an unforgiving world.Whether you're reading along for the first time or revisiting this modern classic, join us as we continue our discussion of one of the most compelling novels in American literature.Books mentioned in this episode: The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett The Help by Kathryn Stockett The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Titles mentioned in this episode: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Titles mentioned in this episode: The Road by Cormac McCarthy Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 4 by Beth Brower

Book mentioned in this episode: Presidential Leadership by Brent Taylor Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen Funny Story by Emily Henry Beloved by Toni Morrison We Have Always Lived in a Castle by Shirley Jackson Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls Sula by Toni Morrison We Were Liars by E. Lockhart Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood Check Mate by Ali Hazelwood Marley & Me by John Grogan Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer Twisted Games by Ana Huang The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy Mate by Ali Hazelwood Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas After our break in June, join us July 3rd for All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

Books mentioned in this episode: Emma M. Lion Series by Beth Brower By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Books mentioned in this episode: Emma M. Lion Series by Beth Brower Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

Titles mentioned in this episode: Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton The Alchemist by Paul Cuelho The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Books mentioned in this episode: Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery Up Next: Beloved by Toni Morrison

Book mentioned in this episode: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Title mentioned in this episode: Ready, Player One by Ernest Cline Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Titles mentioned in this episode: The Alchemist by Paul Cuelho The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh