Book Fare: Book Club Fun, Wholesome Recommendations, Deep Discussions
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
95-A Podcast Update, 3 Impactful Spiritual Books for Christians, and "push as hard as the age that pushes against you."
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a different tone on the show today as we bring you an update on the state of the show in the first section. Next, we bring you three of the...
94-Do You Want to Read a Classic but Don’t Know Where to Start? Top 6 Literature Recommendations + Quick Tips to Help You Get Started!
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is the idea of reading the Great Works of Western Civilization intimidating or daunting? Did you read classics in school and just didn’t get it or ...
93-What Are the Best Detective Fiction Books on the Planet? Start here!
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we dive into Detective Fiction Recommendations - after last week's Detective Fiction Primer. If you love mysteries (like Amanda) or even if ...
92-The Definitive Detective Fiction Primer You’ve Been Waiting For! Cozy Mysteries, Setting, and the Moral Universe.
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can Murder be a Cozy Mystery? How is Detective Fiction like Fairy Tales? What do Superheroes, The Western Cowboy Hero, and Dad TV have to do w...
91-Hidden Depths of Humor and Satire: Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like everyone around you is being fake? Do you ever think conventional manners are ridiculous? Have you ever felt like people just ...
90-Happy Galantine’s Day! Female Friendships in Literature: The Ideal, The Complicated, and the Frenemy!
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From the sweet first friendships of girlhood to the deep, sometimes complicated friendships of womanhood, we talk about what Friendship is, why we nee...
89-I Want My Kids to Read More...How Do I Create a Family Culture of Reading?
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking about making reading a part of our family cultures. But what does that mean? You may picture your whole family sitting down qu...
88-What Does It Take to Have A Great Marriage? Podcaster and Christian Women’s Business Guru Stefanie Gass’ Top Marriage, Business, and Life Books!
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you could ask one the Top 20 Podcasters in the world to share one book, what would it be? Our guest today is Stefanie Gass, who is not only one of...
87-Live Coaching On Reading Goals!! How Do You Make a Reading Plan That's Right For YOU?
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you looked at this year and thought, "Why should I set a reading goal (or any goal) - it's never worked before!" Friend, we hear yo...
86-How To Form Great Reading Goals for 2024 or Just Enjoy Reading More This Year
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you set any reading goals for 2024? It can be confusing to know how to set reading goals that won't be too much or too discouraging. We'v...
85-What Are the Best Habits for Good Reading? Our Top Three Will Surprise You!
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy 2024! This is the time of year we're all thinking about goals and habits. What are the best habits for a great reading life? This year, Aman...
84-New Year, New Reading Challenge! How Will We Grow Together This Year?
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready for new?? We have so many new things coming down the pike this year! First, a brand new reading challenge for 2024. In this episode, we ...
83-Our Top 8 Books of 2023! How do we keep our humanity in the face of great fear and evil PLUS what a book written by CS Lewis and Robin Williams would be like!
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do we keep our humanity in the face of overwhelming fear and great evil? If CS Lewis and Robin Williams wrote a book together, what would it be li...
82-The BEST Family Christmas Book You May Have Never Read! Book Club: Christmas Jeopardy and Letters from Father Christmas by Tolkien!
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What does Santa have to do with Faerie Land? What was Tolkien like as a father? What REALLY goes on at the North Pole? Welcome to our Christmas Book ...
81-What have you read this year? 2023 Book Fare Challenge Wrap-up, Plus YOUR Voice Messages
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we look back on the 2023 Reading Challenge - first by listening to some voicemails from you, then by talking about some of our favorites. We cov...
80-Our Top Parenting Book Recommendations: Teens, Habit Training, and Encouragement that it's Never Too Late with your Adult Children!!
18 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn't want to be a better parent? What if you have adult children and regrets that you didn't do x or y with them? There are SO many wo...
79-Are we truly unnerved? The Book of Genesis, WWI, and the Utopia of Dystopian Literature.
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we discuss Dystopian books- why do we love them so much? What's the appeal of reading about a disastrous future? Are there redeeming message...
78-Where is the line between insanity and genius? "The Professor and the Madman" sparks this question and more!
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In today's Book Club episode, we discuss Simon Winchester's The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Ox...
77-What do Harry Potter, Mr Bennet, and Jason Bourne have in common? Plus a Case Study with Hermione! Using MBTI as a Literary Tool, Part II!
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Voldemort. Elizabeth Bennet... MacGyver?! In today's episode, we discuss these and other characters as we explore the final three Meyers-Briggs gr...
76-What do Dumbledore, Voldemort, Mr. Darcy, and Marilla Cuthburt have in common??? Using MBTI as a Literary Tool, Part I!
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Neville Longbottom. Snape. Elinor Dashwood. Jane Bennet. -Insert YOUR name here.- What makes them - and you - tick? Today we will learn and use the M...
75-Laughter Really IS the Best Medicine with Dr. Tanya Gold MD, Author and Laughter Yoga Specialist
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest is a holistic medical doctor, author, and laughter yoga specialist. In this episode, Dr. Tanya Gold not only shares about her new bo...
74-Reading Goals are made to be blown up and the Best Books of the year so far goes to...
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need permission to refresh your reading goals for the year? Permission to redo your goals? How about permission to have reading goals for the f...
73-Jane Eyre Part 2: Mr Rochester vs St John - What is Bronte saying about marriage, wholeness, and being a woman?
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode continues our conversation on Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and focuses on Jane's two suitors, Mr Rochester and St John. Do y...
72- Book Club! Jane Eyre: The Spiritual Biography of a Real Woman (with some gothic drama thrown in)
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Oh, we have waited for this one! Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Join us as we discuss a truly Great Book. Who do we love to love? Who do we love to ha...
71-Forget Gryffindor! Harry Potter is an Obliger? Plus Jo March’s Rebellion and Using Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies as a Literary Tool
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us on a literary exporation of Gretchen Rubin's The Four Tendancies! This is the third installment of our summer series on personality framew...
70-Harry Potter as a Case Study: Using the Enneagram as a Literary Tool, Part II
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we continue our discussion of the Enneagram as a literary tool, using the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling as a case study. Do we ever really...
69-What's her motivation? Using the Enneagram as a Literary Tool, Part I. Featuring Anne Shirley, Severus Snape, and Dumbledore
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we begin our Summer Series - Personality Frameworks as Literary Tools! First up - the Enneagram! Whether you're a fan or a newbie, this is s...
68-The Best July 4th Books for Every Age! Celebrate with Stories for Toddlers to Adults!
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have got your whole family covered - from lap listeners to your grandpa and everyone in between! There are books in every shape and size to l...
67-Our Eclectic Summer Reading Picks + Top Wholesome New Releases!
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk all things SUMMER! Reading plans, books, vacations, and new releases! Do you read differently in the summer? Does the weather change yo...
66-Is Ray Bradbury Still Relevant? His Unexpected Range and Timeless Themes with Guest Heather Wells
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest, Heather Wells, has taught the Bradbury classics Dandelion Wine and Fahrenheit 451 to high school students for years. Join us as we ...
65-Is Brené Brown overrated? Let's take a look...
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk about well-known research-based self-help guru Brené Brown. What is her work about? What book should you read first? What kinds of conc...
64-The World's Best Picture Books for Moms and Kids (Our longest recommendation list yet!)
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's our first picture books episode! What can storybooks do for your family culture? How do they build memories? Amanda and Elizabeth discuss the...
63-Book Club! Deep Discussion in Community on The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What a ride! Y'all get to listen in on our first open zoom book club discussion. 15 enthusiastic listeners joined us, and we can't wait for yo...
62-Can Literary Readers Enjoy Thrillers? Our Best Recommendations Here!
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You asked for it, you got it! This listener-requested genre has our hearts racing. We talk about what a thriller IS (is it even a real genre?), why we...
61-Loving Shakespeare and Fitting it into that Busy Family Life with guest Tim McIntosh
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you think Shakespeare isn't for you? Do you get a mental image of old white men in smoking jackets and libraries? In this episode, Tim McIntosh...
60-Is Shakespeare even relevant anymore? with guest Tim McIntosh
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are thrilled to introduce you to Time McIntosh, who is a classicist and Shakespeare enthusiast and podcaster. We discuss: why do we still bot...
59-It's Poetry Party Time! Read Poetry and Drink Tea With Us!
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's Poetry Month! Today we invite you to brew a cup of coffee or tea and relax and sip as we discuss and read poetry! Wether you're new to po...
58-Tricia's Top Ten Time Travel Titles (from light reads to serious literature)
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's here at last! Tricia reveals her long-awaited, long-cultivated list of the best time travel books you can read! What themes are in time trave...
57-Book Club! Delightful, Meaningful Discussion on Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this book club episode we we discuss Daniel Nayeri's profound and funny middle grade novel, Everything Sad Is Untrue. We all adored this book, ...
56-Guest Author KB Hoyle and Her New Book Release for Middle Grade and Preteen Readers - Orion and the Starborn
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You’re in for a real treat today as we chat with fantasy author KB Hoyle, author of a dozen books, the most recent of which is Orion and the Starbor...
55-Spring Growth: Book Recommendations on Gardening, Spring Vibes, Family Fun and More!
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Spring is coming! Spring is here! Today we talk all things spring growth - wether it's growing plants in your home, a garden outside, or your own ...
54-A Latin Teacher Talks Quality and Everyday Literature with Guest Angela Reed
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are joined by Latin teacher and classical homeschooling mom-of-five Angela Reed. We talk Latin and literature, her love of old things, what...
53-Reading Outside Your Culture (or, Reading for Empathy)
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Reading is one of the greatest ways to expand your mind and your empathy for people who lead different lives than you. How often do you read outside y...
52-Chatting with Rockstar Librarian Jessie Wakefield: How to be a librarian, using library resources, and her favorite books
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are joined by Jessie Wakefield, a librarian in the Chicago area, and she's answering all our many library questions! We talk about her tr...
51-Books About Books for Book Lovers on Valentines Day!
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this Valentine's Day, we're coming to you with every book lover's dream - Books About Books! Why do all book lovers fall for these boo...
50-The Men of Book Fare: Our Well-Read Husbands and their Recommendations!
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we welcome our favorite men - our husbands! Join us as we pepper them with questions about their book lives, why they read, and what they like t...
49 - Book Club! How to Find Deep Meaning in a Children's Book - Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a delightful discussion on this charming modern fairy tale! We discuss the characters and the setting, how it's like and unlike ancient fa...
48 - To Reread or Not to Reread, That is Today's Question
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever read books more than once? Why would you do that when there are so many good books in the world? Today, we discuss the potential benefits ...
47 - How to Start a Book Club
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk all things Book Club: how to start a book club, why we love book clubs, why book clubs are meaningful to communities, and more! If you'v...
46 - Shiny New Reading Year! Shiny New Book Goals!
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year Book Friends! Today we talk about all the new things coming your way in Season 3! Reading topics, reading goals, a reading challenge, a...
45 - The Best Books of the Year 2022!! Recap your Reading Year with US!
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's a big day! Today we talk best books of the year, how we did on our reading goals, and what our biggest take-aways from our reading lives are. Thi...
44- Christmas Reading Recommendations and Holiday Gifts for Book Lovers and Mamas like YOU!
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ho Ho Ho Readers! Today we talk all things Christmas - reading traditions, picture books, what to read this December, and ideas for gifts for the read...
43 -CS Lewis, Out of the Silent Planet, and Classical Education for All with Guest Professor Christiana Hale
29 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a must listen for any CS Lewis, Narnia, or Space Trilogy fan, or for anyone just curious about classic literature and the history of thought. ...
Ep 42- Book Club! Jane Austen's Persuasion
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is such a great discussion! Is Anne for real? How did she turn out so well? Did she grow and change? Was she right to break it off with Wentworth...
Ep 41 - Hustle Bustle Books
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year! That time when things get busy and reading gets dropped! How can we keep reading during this intense season? In this episode, ...
Ep 40 - Guest Janice McDonald and Listener Feedback
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have the winner of our #summershelfieselfie challenge - listener and friend Janice McDonald! Along with our delightful chat with Janice, we t...
Ep 39 - A Season of Thankfulness
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's November! #gratitudemonth Join us as we discuss all kinds of relevant titles for the month of Thanksgiving - from family sagas to sweet old-fashi...
Ep 38 - Guest Heidi White and the Glory of the Classics
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Oh, listeners, we are in for such a treat today! Classicist, teacher, and superstar podcaster Heidi White joins us to talk about the basics and the be...
Ep 37 - It's elementary, my dear Watson... Elementary kids, that is.
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we talk specifically about reading with elementary-age kids. Whether you're a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent or neighbor, this epis...
Ep 36 - Book Club! Out of the Silent Planet by CS Lewis
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we launch the discussion on our latest Book Fare Book Club pick - Out of the Silent Planet by CS Lewis. In this episode we discuss the basics ab...
Ep 35 - SCARY Stories
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Just in time to get your library hold in before #Halloween - it's SCARY stories! Across time, genres, and age groups, what makes a good scary stor...
Ep 34 - Listener Feedback and Current Reads
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today is all about YOU! We jump into the conversations that have been going online and give lots of shout-outs to listeners. THEN you get a sneak-peak...
Ep 33 - The Delight that is Jane Austen
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us on a journey into Austen! Wether you've read her or not, like her or not, here is our take, history, and defense of the Great English Novelist...
Ep 32 - All the Audiobooks! How to save money and more!!
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we go on an audiobook deep dive! What makes a good audiobook? Where's the best place to get them? How can you keep from spending a fortune? AND ...
Ep 31- A Journey into Fantasy Worlds
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Book Fare takes its first look into the fantasy genre! Did we get a love of fantasy from childhood? Is Harry Potter overblown? What makes f...
Ep 30 - Reading for Ideas with Dr. Sherridon Sweeney
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, join us in welcoming Dr Sherridon Sweeney who has a PhD in literacy. Sherridon talks with us about one of her greatest passions - reading to un...
Ep 29 - Back to School Books!
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're dreaming of bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils - what do you dream of this time of year? Join us as we chat back to school season - the books...
Ep 28- Season 2 Launches! What did you do this summer? What did you read?
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're back! Join us as we tell all the wild and wooly tales of our summers PLUS Summer Reading and some hints at what's coming in Season 2! #summerrea...
Ep 27 Epic Fantasy with Guest Author RG Triplett
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us on an adventure to explore RG Triplett's epic fantasy world from his Epic of Haven Trilogy. RG (aka Bobby) dishes on all things writing, readi...
Ep 26 Tricia Has An Idea
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our zaniest episode yet, in which Tricia springs an idea on the girls for an impromptu conversation on a new brainstorm. How does it go? We...
Ep 25 Summer Adventure or Summer Relaxing? What to Read During the Dog Dayz
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Summer may be the most popular time for reading. How do you read in the summer? Wether you like to buckle down into a challenging classic or hit the l...
Ep 24 Listener Feedback and Current Reads #3!
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Come along and hear of the literary journeys your fellow listeners have been on. We'll also share what we've been reading lately and some fun ...
23-The Writing Process, Historical Fiction, and Russian & Ukrainian Culture w/Author Kelli Stuart
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, award-winning author Kelli Stuart joins us to discuss her latest book The Master Craftsman and her journey as a wife, mother, and author. Kelli...
22-Book Club Discussion on the Classic Novel: Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in to our discussion of Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë So many of our listeners have joined us in this read, and we can't wait for you to join th...
21-Family-Friendly Read-Alouds That Will Build Your Family Culture - They’re Not Just for Kids!
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered: How can my family enjoy books together? How can we watch less TV? Why are my attempts to read books to my kids not working? I&...
20-Personal Development with Jess Parimore: Goal Setting, Growth, and Success for You and Your Family
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Fitness Guru Jess Parimore leads us into the wonderful discussion of Personal Development books. Wether this is your favorite, or you'v...
19-Book Fare Book Fair! Book Recommendations to Continue a Path You’ve Loved
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ever heard of a #read-a-like ? Or a #bookflight ? In today's episode, we take high quality books that have been popular in our community and give ...
18-Feel Like a Lighter Vibe? Let’s Discuss Some High Quality Wholesome Fluff
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whatever you want to call it -beach reads, bubble bath books, commercial fiction, light books, women's fiction - there's always a place for th...
17-Give Poetry a Chance (to Make You Think)
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today for #poetrymonth we talk about all things poetry. Do we like it? Is it valuable? Fun? Important? And if we want more in our lives, how do we do ...
16-Book Club Fun! Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we discuss our second book club pick - "Girl Waits With Gun" by Amy Stewart. This historical fiction mystery/adventure is full of...
15-The Weird, the True, and the Not Yet Invented! Thoughtful Questions Asked By Sci-fi Books
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's #ScienceFiction !! What is it? Do we like it? Where do we start with it? How can we find out? Join us as we chat about this AND give some gre...
14-Guest Brett Culp and The Hero's Journey: The Format of Every Great Literary Work and Maybe Your Life
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are joined by documentary filmmaker and superhero expert Brett Culp to discuss The Hero's Journey. Brett invites us to understand this st...
13-What Are YOUR Thoughts? Listener Feedback and Our Current Reads
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we share feedback and ideas from our online community as well as a fun conversation about what we're reading right now! Authors Menti...
12- "A Light Exists in Spring" Quality Book Recommendations that Won’t Break Your Brain!
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's spring! Does your reading change in the spring? What are you in the mood for this spring? Join us as we chat about the change of seasons and ...
11-Middle School--Yikes! Classics to Comics Recommendations for Those Tough Years
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want to connect with your middle schooler? Join us as we discuss reading in the tumultuous years of middle school. We share books we loved then, how w...
10-Book Fare Book Club Discusses "Destiny of the Republic ; Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President" by Candice Millard
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our first Book Fare Book Club! Join us as we discuss our first group read, "Destiny of the Republic: Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a Presi...
9-Will Tracking Your Reading Maximize the Discussions in Your Home?
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you track your reading? Why would you want to track your reading? In this episode we talk, and laugh, about the ways to track reading, or journal,...
8-Go Back In Time: Values and World View Shaping with Historical Fiction
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Want more from Liza Thurmond? We get together one more time to talk Historical Fiction. What is it, really, and why do we like it so much? What makes ...
7-What’s a Great Book for My Child? The Wholesome, the Virtuous, and the Fun
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you help your child find the next right book and fall in love with reading? In this episode, we discuss how and why we help our kids with books...
6-Wish You Could Go Back and Chat with That One Cool History Teacher?
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are joined by our first guest - the fabulous history teacher Liza Thurmond! We chat about the best history books and authors out there as wel...
5-What Are YOUR Thoughts? Listener Spotlight and Our Current Reads
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we highlight feedback from our Book Fare community and share what we're currently reading. Books mentioned in this episode: The...
4-No Smut Allowed! Wholesome Romantic Love Stories for Valentine's Day!
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to get a love story in your hands in time for Valentine’s Day, this is your episode! We discuss what makes a good love story, why we’r...
3-It’s Been a While Since I was Lost in a Good Book... When You’ve Forgotten Your Reading Purpose
14 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you get out of a reading slump and get that intellectual excitement back? In this episode we find strategies and mindsets for getting back into...
2-How to Set New Year New Reading Goals for a Thoughtful 2022
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! In this episode we discuss reading goals for 2022. Coming up with goals is popular conversation this time of year so lets bring goals ...
1-Welcome to Book Fare! Dive into this fun, book-loving space!
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Book Fare! This fabulous first episode will tell you what this podcast is all about. Meet Tricia, Amanda, and Elizabeth as they describe th...