In today’s episode, we’re discussing The Importance of Being Earnest by the ever-delightful Oscar Wilde. A classic example of British theater, this play is known for its biting social satire and brilliant comedic dialogue. Throughout our conversation, we dive into the play’s themes, discuss Wilde’s mastery of wordplay, and his ability to write characters that satirize Victorian society in the cleverest ways. As always, we share our complementary pairings, and we hope this episode adds a few books to your TBR pile!
If you love our extra nerdy discussion on the podcast today, we have a hunch that you would also love participating in our Novel Pairings Patreon community. Our Patreon is a great space to take part in public scholarship and talk about books with a smart group of readers. Subscriptions start at just $5 a month, and yearly discounts are available. To learn more about our Patreon, visit patreon.com/novelpairings.
Books Mentioned:
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard
Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby
Nevada by Imogen Binnie
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
The Best of Me by David Sedaris
I Am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett
Dr. No by Percival Everett
What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell
On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Also Mentioned:
Bonus: 127. An Introduction to The Importance of Being Earnest
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
R. Eric Thomas
53. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Part Two
52. Backlist pairings for our most anticipated Spring 2021 book releases
51. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Part One
50.5 Five tips for reading Pride and Prejudice (or any Austen novel)
50. Quarterly Favorites: the stand-out books we read in Winter 2020-2021
49. The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter and twisted Gothic fairytales to read in one sitting
48. Fairytale retellings for readers of all ages
47. There is Confusion by Jessie Redmon Fauset and ambitious family stories that span generations
46. Love letters to books: nonfiction books about the reading life
45. 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff and charming books for devoted bibliophiles
44.5 Anticipated book releases for winter 2021 and backlist books to read while you wait
44. Short Story Club: The Hunter's Wife by Anthony Doerr and wintry books to cozy up with this season
43. Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde and books that center intersectional feminism
42. Superlatives for underrated, surprising, and well-loved books we read in 2020
41. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and contemporary book recs inspired by the March sisters
40. The joy of nostalgic reads and books that Jo March would love with Annie B. Jones, owner of The Bookshelf
39. My Antonia by Willa Cather, plus books about community and survival to read this winter
38. The Best Audiobooks We Read in 2020
37. Quarterly Favorites: the best books we read in Fall 2020
36. The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told by Alex Haley, with Traci Thomas of The Stacks
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