Stories That Change Us

Provocative, gory, and oddly breathtaking are just a few ways to describe Mario Puzo's critically acclaimed crime novel, The Godfather. Intimate in his portrayal of family love, horrifying in the graphic description of violence and urban warfare... let's unpack the masterful way Puzo builds a world wrought with love that binds, loyalty that cripples, and conflict that kills to tell the story of a New York mafia family.

As inconspicuous as novel can be, when one thinks of classic literature that unequivocally nails the power of sympathetic villains, landscape as emotional foreshadowing, and reflective monologues that are insightful and entertaining, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte should be a firm contender on every list. Come and immerse yourself in the secrets of the beautifully understated, delightful Victorian classic.


Moderated B...

Part religious satire, part social commentary, and wholly fictional genius, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a deeply stirring epistolary that has prompted much conversation about the state of humanity since it was first published in 1942. As a work of storytelling brilliance, join us as we evaluate the literary elements that Lewis employed to give us greater insight into the motivations of demons, angels, and our own souls i...

Dark, thrilling, and prescriptively moral are not words often used to describe the work of Louisa May Alcott, but the 19th century novelist was hiding more up her sleeve than simply a pen and a copy of Little Women. A Long Fatal Love Chase is one of Alcott's first novels and, while not vastly popular during her time, took the world by storm in the late 90s and highlights her impeccable use of melodrama, textured villains, and ...

Eccentric yet unforgettable characters, hilarious banter that just won't quit, and true love (or twu wuv!) are just a few of the things that make William Goldman's, The Princess Bride, a delightful fare. Join the discussion as we analyze the wit, the warmth, and the way that Goldman enchanted audiences with this odd yet stirring bestseller.


Moderated By: Micah Leydorf

Question: what is a story that has chang...

Riveting, controversial, and flawlessly epic, Marget Mitchel's, Gone With The Wind, has stirred the flames of adoration and outrage since its publication in 1936. Join the discussion as we unlock the secrets to vibrant historical settings, character arcs that shock us, and external tension that forces the plot to keep moving forward in this beloved, American classic. 


Moderated By: Laurel Thomas

Question: what is...

Welcome to Stories That Change Us! What better way to launch our podcast than to discuss a story that has been adapted over a dozen times for the big screen and continues to enthrall readers--Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. Beloved for its vibrant cast of characters, dialogue sharp enough to trim a hedge, and literary pacing that feels like Sunday morning, we'll discuss the aspects of storytelling that Austen got right a...