If you're searching for a meaningful Christmas read, this episode is just for you. Join us as we dive into Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These, a novella that proves even the shortest books can make a big difference. Set against the backdrop of a quiet Irish town during the holiday season, this story explores the profound impact one person can have in the face of systemic oppression.

In this heartfelt book club discussion, we examine the themes of courage, compassion, and the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people. We'll explore how acts of kindness and standing up for what's right can resonate far beyond their immediate circumstances, offering hope in even the darkest of situations.

Whether you're a seasoned reader or just looking for something inspiring this holiday season, tune in to discover why Small Things Like These is a must-read that lingers long after you've turned the final page.

In this episode, we dive into the macabre yet enlightening world of cadavers with Stiff by Mary Roach, a book that reveals the many unexpected ways cadavers have advanced human knowledge and society, whether it be from their use in medical research and crash tests to their roles in forensic investigations. Our guest, Dr. Darin Johnston, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Northern California, joins us to discuss the book’s accuracy and share his own experiences learning from cadavers in his medical training. We also tackle some heavier topics, including organ donation, the booming industry of death, and the future of internment practices. Whether you’re fascinated by the science or the philosophy behind life, death, and the human body, this episode offers a mix of both the intriguing, the thought-provoking, and sometimes the comical. Blending science, history, and morbid humor, Roach invites readers to confront the reality of death with a sense of both wonder and respect, making it a fascinating read for anyone curious about the afterlife of the human body.

Join us as we welcome back Dr. Carl Sederholm, a professor of horror and early American studies at BYU, to explore the haunting world of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables. Although the novel unfolds at a slow pace, it offers a rich foundation for discussing how individuals and families grapple with ancestral guilt and inherited curses. Together, we’ll examine themes like wealth, greed, isolation, and untimely death.

We’ll also delve into Hawthorne’s personal struggles with ancestral guilt, particularly his connection to the Salem witch trials through his Puritan ancestors. Could this novel represent Hawthorne’s attempt to confront and heal the past? Tune in for an insightful conversation on how The House of the Seven Gables continues to resonate with readers through its exploration of history, legacy, and haunting family secrets.