The Book Album

“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant – Episode 266

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"The Book Album" returns with this French short story from 1884 by Guy de Maupassant. — Music by Leo Discenza Our Show: relevanceofliteratu...

Sundays as a PhD Student | Daily Endeavors Series – Episode 269

02 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we launch a new series, Daily Endeavors. The series undertakes a deep dive into the daily life of a PhD student in linguistics. — Show N...

PhD Productivity Tools – Episode 268

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back! Today MacKenzie discusses essential tools and components to success during a PhD. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes...

Organizational Systems – Episode 267

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today MacKenzie discusses her thoughts on the various organizational systems she has kept throughout the last several years. Her impetus for this epis...

Should You Finish Every Book You Read? – Episode 266

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

MacKenzie discusses a topic near and dear to her reading system: finishing every book she reads. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/note...

“Garden by the Sea” by Mercè Rodoreda – Episode 166 Repost

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

MacKenzie reviews her book podcast style with another favorite episode from the back catalogue, episode 166 on "Garden by the Sea" by Mercè Rodoreda....

How to Plan Reading – Episode 265

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you plan for peace, rather than productivity? Mackenzie discusses her journey with productivity over the past nine months as it relates to read...

How Linguists Learn Language – Episode 264

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How does an investigation of language science change one's approach to language learning? What is the classical language learning model, and how did i...

“The Hole” by Hiroko Oyamada – Episode 263

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What would you do if you found yourself in a woman-sized hole? In the first book review since her return to the show, MacKenzie discusses societal pre...

“The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers – Episode 243 Repost

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Would you be willing to try an experiment with us? This week, Mackenzie picks one of her all-time favorite episodes to re-hear in an effort to reconst...

Explore a New Genre – Episode 262

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you explore a new book genre? Mackenzie walks through several practical tips on how to brave a new genre. — Show Notes: relevanceoflit...

“I don’t have time to read.” – Episode 261

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why do people always say they "don't have time to read"? MacKenzie discusses her own experience with this phrase and what she thinks rests behind it i...

What to Read Next – Episode 260

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you decide what to read next? Do you have a reading list you (arbitrarily) use? If so, do you choose books for your current stage in your readi...

Nonfiction I Love – Episode 259

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is the nonfiction scene like these days? Today Mackenzie delves into four categories of contemporary nonfiction she reads and loves: biology/natu...

Reading Fast and Slow – Episode 258

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you speed read—and read slowly? This week, Mackenzie explores different reading modes, whether they be ultra-fast and word-count dependent or...

Book Stacking – Episode 257

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you read a book every week? In this episode, Mackenzie details her self-developed method of "book stacking", that is, a process for intentional...

Return – Episode 256

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie makes her return with a discussion of her "whys" behind podcasting and literature. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ ...

Book Systems – Episode 255

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie takes a personal look at her reading habits from the past few years and sets systems for the new year. — Show Notes: relevanceoflit...

“The Force of Such Beauty” by Barbara Bourland – Episode 254

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

MacKenzie reviews the third book by one of her all-time favorite living authors: "The Force of Such Beauty" by Barbara Bourland. — Show Notes:...

“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury – Episode 253 | Horrifying Classics

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After Mackenzie's second F451 read, she had to review it on the show. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/theelain...

“Holly” by Stephen King – Episode 252 | Horrifying Classics

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most gruesome books we have reviewed on the show, Stephen King's "Holly" is not for the faint of heart! — Show Notes: relevanceofli...

“Fake Like Me” by Barbara Bourland – Episode 197 Rerun | Horrifying Classics

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are rehashing one of Mackenzie's favorite episodes: "Fake Like Me" by Barbara Bourland. Enjoy! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.co...

Horrifying Classics in Review – Episode 251 | Horrifying Classics

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we review the last six years of Horrifying Classics podcast episodes. Enjoy! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/...

“Knight’s Gambit” by William Faulkner – Episode 250

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode six of six in our series on William Faulkner's short detective fiction. What do you know about chess and wild horses? — Show Notes: re...

“An Error In Chemistry” by William Faulkner – Episode 249

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Episode five of six in our series on William Faulkner's short detective fiction. Do you know how to make a cold toddy? — Show Notes: relevance...

“The Wild Sheep Chase” by Haruki Murakami – Episode 248

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we review the sequel to last week's two novels, "Hear the Wind Sing" and "Pinball, 1973" by Haruki Murakami. "The Wild Sheep Chase" is the final...

“Wind/Pinball” by Haruki Murakami – Episode 247

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We review Murakami's start to writing with his first two novellas, "Hear the Wind Sing" (1979) and "Pinball, 1973" (1980). Enjoy! — Show Notes...

“Tomorrow” by William Faulkner – Episode 246

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we discuss the short story "Tomorrow" by William Faulkner, as well as its film adaptation. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes...

Week 34 of Reading – Episode 245

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie discusses her reading track record for the first two thirds of the year. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/...

“Hand Upon the Waters” by William Faulkner – Episode 244

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our third short story from the fantastically-"de-edited" short story collection "Knight's Gambit" by William Faulkner. Fact check: This short story...

Parting the Atlantic Episode 010 – Genesis 17-18

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to be obedient to God?

“The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers – Episode 243

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is difficult to do justice to this perceptive and poignant read by 23-year-old Carson McCullers. Nonetheless, what a necessary addition it is to ou...

“The House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton – Episode 242

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to discuss Lily Bart and her decline from upper-class society in the 19th Century. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ ...

Speed Reading – Episode 241

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie delves into a little-discussed reading strategy: speed reading. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ etsy.com/shop/thee...

Parting the Atlantic Episode 009 – Jonah 1-4

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today Mack and John discuss the book of Jonah. How mature is Jonah, and why does that matter? Is Jonah's story relatable? How are we called to follow ...

Fountain Pens – Episode 240

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

MacKenzie discusses her fountain pen hobby in a long-form conversation on the show. Enjoy! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ e...

The Kindle: Travel and Everyday Use – Episode 239

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie discusses her newfound daily use of the kindle in the sixth(!!) kindle episode we've published on the podcast. Note: We reposed this epis...

“Monk” by William Faulkner – Episode 238

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie dives into the world of William Faulkner's detective fiction in a mini-series on "Knight's Gambit" by William Faulkner, edited by John N. Du...

“Martin Chuzzlewit” by Charles Dickens | December Dickens – Episode 237

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie reviews the long-awaited "Martin Chuzzlewit" by Charles Dickens. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relev...

“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë – Episode 236

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

My first time reading "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë. Let's discuss! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevance...

“Smoke” by William Faulkner – Episode 235

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie dives into the world of William Faulkner's detective fiction in a mini-series on "Knight's Gambit" by William Faulkner, edited by John N. Du...

Parting the Atlantic Episode 008 – Genesis 12-16

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Abram and Lot—let's discuss.

“Tschick” von Wolfgang Herrndorf – Episode 234

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie continues to review German-language books with a very popular title, "Tschick." — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ pa...

“Novelist as a Vocation” by Haruki Murakami – Episode 233

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie discusses Murakami's latest (autobiographical!) work in relation to other books in his oeuvre. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.c...

Parting the Atlantic Episode 007 (Genesis 10-11)

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is there any deeper meaning to the Tower of Babel?

Enjoy Reading Again – Episode 232

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie discusses where her last 6 months of terrible reading choices have led her and what she did to turn her reading around. — Show Notes...

Parting the Atlantic Episode 006 (Genesis 8-9)

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mack & John discuss the rest of Noah's ark and the rainbow as a symbol.

Week 11 of Reading – Episode 231

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie shares what she has read in 2023 and her strategy for the 2023 52 books/year challenge. Our apologies for the microphone issues and Macke...

Parting the Atlantic Episode 005 (Genesis 7)

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

John & Mack are back: They discuss more of Noah, plus the back of the U.S. dollar bill.

“I’ll Eat When I’m Dead” by Barbara Bourland – Episode 230

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A review of Bourland's thriller-satire from 2017. Mackenzie discusses character, the fashion industry, and other thriller-genre novels. — Show...

24 Hours to Study Czech – Episode 229

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie shares a vlog-style podcast of how, when, and how frequently she studies Czech every day. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/no...

Parting the Atlantic 004 (Genesis 5-6)

28 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What does a close bond with God (á la Lamech) look like in today's world? To what extent does Numerology play a role in ages within the Bible?

“On Writing” by Stephen King – Episode 228

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the very few (pseudo-)memoirs that we have reviewed on the channel, this read provides provocative and helpful advice to young writers. — ...

Where to Start – Episode 227

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie walks listeners through how to start a reading goal in 2023. Plus: asides about "The Menu" film. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature...

“Nicholas Nickleby” by Charles Dickens – Episode 226 | December Dickens

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This wonderful—and comic—novel by Charles Dickens fits right into the rest of his ouvure. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ ...

Week 51 of Reading 2022 – Episode 225

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie wraps up her year of reading in a quirky episode in which she describes the collection of books she read this year. — Show Notes: re...

On Reading Dickens (New Intro) – Episode 224 | December Dickens

25 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An age-old episode on the show that we republish to kick off every December Dickens season. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ ...

Parting the Atlantic 003 (Proverbs 25)

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How to avoid becoming the quarrelsome wife + how Proverbs relates to Job.  

Announcement: Liminal November + December Dickens Programming

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We hope you all enjoyed the #HorrifyingClassics2022 season. In this short message, we announce the #DecemberDickens2022 programming, as well as the po...

“11.22.63” by Stephen King (2/2) with John McDermott | Horrifying Classics – Episode 223

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today Mackenzie speaks with John McDermott, the person who recommended "11.22.63" for the show. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/...

“11.22.63” by Stephen King (1/2) | Horrifying Classics – Episode 222

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An impressive, immersive novel: psychological, funny, gory, historical—and an all-around best from author Stephen King. — Show Notes: relevanc...

“The Faces” by Tove Ditlevsen | Horrifying Classics – Episode 221

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ultimately, not a psychological thriller. However: still psychological, still a challenge. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ p...

“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley | Horrifying Classics – Episode 220

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another psychological thriller—with a killer twist. Who is on the guest list? — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/...

“Verity” by Colleen Hoover | Horrifying Classics – Episode 219

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A must-read for #HorrifyingClassics2022, "Verity" by Colleen Hoover teaches Mackenzie how a psychological thriller should feel: horrifying. — ...

Parting the Atlantic 002 (Genesis 1-4)

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mack & John discuss relationships gone wrong, including how guilt and doubt can erode (or, in other circumstances aid) faith.

“We Were the Mulvaneys” by Joyce Carol Oates | Horrifying Classics – Episode 218

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mack is back to regular posting for our spooktacular #HorrifyingClassics2022 lineup. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon...

“How to Travel with a Salmon and Other Essays” by Umberto Eco – Episode 217

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a rambly episode, Mackenzie talks about the liminality of life after graduation and finding humor in this brilliant essay collection by Italian lin...

Parting the Atlantic 001 (Introduction)

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mack and her partner John launch a new podcast about faith and long distance. -- relevanceofliterature.com patreon.com/relevanceofliterature

“Persuasion” by Jane Austen – Episode 216

23 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie's second Jane Austen book...and Jane Austen's last. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterat...

10 Weeks on a Kindle – Episode 215

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In which Mackenzie describes her 10 week backpacking trip...and how she is keeping up with reading along the way. Plus: a few tangents about Spanish l...

My First Book – Episode 214

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In which Mackenzie discusses the process for writing her first book. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofli...

Returned from my Sabbatical – Episode 213

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie shares her thoughts on what she learned during her sabbatical. She also shares more about her next steps, post-graduation from Northwestern....

Mackenzie’s Sabbatical – Episode 212

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie is on sabbatical until 01. June 2022. She will continue the following programming: monthly email newsletter and monthly patreon-only podcast...

Week 9 of Reading – Episode 211

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As with the podcast, Mackenzie is behind on her reading! Here is her deep dive around how and why she got behind—and how she will fix it. — Sh...

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear – Episode 210

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Did “Atomic Habits” fix Mackenzies’s podcasting schedule? — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliter...

Bullet Journaling – Episode 209

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In which Mackenzie discusses her preliminary experiences (three months) with the bullet journal. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ p...

“The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain” by Charles Dickens | December Dickens – Episode 208

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our last episode of December Dickens 2021—no longer in December or 2021—has arrived! Hurrah! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes...

“The Battle of Life” by Charles Dickens | December Dickens – Episode 207

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The fourth episode of December Dickens renews our weekly podcasting tradition ... — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.co...

“The Cricket on the Hearth” by Charles Dickens | December Dickens – Episode 206

01 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie brings the third December Dickens read with a chirp, in three chirps! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/...

“The Chimes” by Charles Dickens | December Dickens – Episode 205

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hark! The second episode of December Dickens 2021…is ringing! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliter...

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens | December Dickens – Episode 204

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To open our first #DecemberDickens series, Mackenzie dusts off an old read from the show’s Christmas past in 2018 to review. — Show Notes: r...

Minimalist Book Buying – Episode 203

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today Mackenzie shares her wealth of experience with minimalist book buying boundaries over the past 6 years of reading a book/week. At the end of the...

“Whereabouts” by Jhumpa Lahiri – Episode 202

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A day of firsts: Mackenzie reviews her first Lahiri book—Lahiri’s first novel in Italian, and her first self-translated novel. — Show Note...

Week 45 of Reading + Make Tea with Me – Episode 201

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie catches everyone up on her book/week reading challenge, and at the end of the episode she teaches viewers how to make her tea. — Sho...

“The Doll Master and Other Tales of Terror” by Joyce Carol Oates | Horrifying Classics – Episode 200

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our last Horrifying Classics book for 2021, this short story collection by Joyce Carol Oates scares, but in a quiet, unconventional way. — Sho...

“Come With Me” by Ronald Malfi | Horrifying Classics – Episode 199

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You’re in (four) a scare with our (fourth) Horrifying Classic this season…”Come with Me” by Ronald Malfi. — Show Notes: relevanceoflit...

“Tidepool” by Nicole Willson | Horrifying Classics – Episode 198

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s horrifying classic is “Tidepool,” Nicole Willson’s lovecraftian horror debut novel. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/no...

“Fake Like Me” by Barbara Bourland | Horrifying Classics – Episode 197

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to our second #HorrifyingClassics contemporary horror episode for the month of October. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/...

“The Toll” by Cherie Priest | Horrifying Classics – Episode 196

09 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our Horrifying Classics 2021 debut. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo...

“Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oates – Episode 195

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today Mackenzie reviews a short story by #HorrifyingClassics2021 author Joyce Carol Oates. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ p...

Does Reading Encourage Writing? – Episode 194

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are in for a rare treat today: a topical episode in which Mackenzie discusses the interplay between reading and writing, consuming and producing. H...

The Hollow Trilogy by Jessica Verday | Summer Young Adult – Episode 193

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The bias is real—today I review my favorite YA book series from childhood in our second (and last) Summer YA special of the year. — Show Not...

“Bleak House” by Charles Dickens, series conclusion – Episode 192

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The end of the line—when "Bleak House" gets bittersweet. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature...

#HorrifyingClassics2021 Teaser

04 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are chilled to announce the theme for our next #HorrifyingClassics series, airing in October 2021. https://www.relevanceofliterature.com/horrify...

“Bleak House” by Charles Dickens, serials 19-20 – Episode 191

04 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We finish the novel! — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon.com/relevanceofliterature — Music by Leo Discenza Ou...

“Bleak House” by Charles Dickens, serials 17-18 – Episode 190

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The part in which Mrs. Snagsby finally, finally gets her comeuppance. Let's discuss. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.com/notes/ patreon...

“Bleak House” by Charles Dickens, serials 13-16 (2/2) – Episode 189

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

An informal review of special quotes, passages, symbols, and themes from serials 13-16 of Dickens’ “Bleak House” during our penultimate week on ...

“Bleak House” by Charles Dickens, serials 13-16 (1/2) – Episode 188

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie formally reviews serials 13-16 in Dickens' "Bleak House" in our penultimate week on the novel. — Show Notes: relevanceofliterature.c...

Week 32 of Reading – Episode 187

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mackenzie reviews her progress with her book/week goal and discusses the books that have proven the most meaningful to her throughout the past year. ...

The Book Album ft. “The White Album” by Joan Didion – Episode 186

01 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to "The Book Album". Host Mackenzie goes over the ins and outs of our new name, and touches on a piece from "The White Album" by Joan Didion. ...