Books that Box

The Hiding Place is an autobiography by Corrie ten Boom in which she depicts her experiences during WWII as she and her family hid their Jewish friends from Nazi troops during the German occupation of the Netherlands. In this episdoe, my childhood neighbor, classmate and friend, Rob Pilewski, golf professional from Pinehurst Resort and Duke University talks about why he comes back to this book again and again to review its poweful lessons on courage, faith, and service.

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most read texts in high schools nationwide. Join me and fellow English teacher, Devon Duffy, as we talk about how Lee captures the small town experience, puts a spotlight on injustice and the responsibilities we all have to do the right thing.

Nuclear Physicist, Dr. Joe Walston, talks about one of his favorite books from the Sci-fi genre, Dr. Bloodmoney by Philip K. Dick. Join us in this episode where we talk about the intersection of science and literature and the need for people to find the stories that speak to them. Note: momentary internet lags while recording caused a couple unintentional "jumps" in discussion.

In this episode, Rissi Palmer, singer/songwriter and country music artist talks about Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and how it gave her deeper insight on racism, colorism, and the wars each of us wage, not only against others, but against ourselves.

Join me in this conversation with English teacher and school counselor, Daria Johnson, where she discusses how literature can give us a glimpse of worlds we can never know and how what we gain always comes with a price.

My good friend, Julie Walston, tells us about her decades-long affinity for the books of Stephen King, especially It and some of his other earlier works. Listen to her talk about her love of King's detailed writing, how touching a photo can create a feeling of connection, and why this eternal optimist sees hope and justice amid the fear.

Listen to this chat with English teacher Matt Sonstroem about why he thinks Steinbeck and Springsteen give a voice to those who can't always speak for themselves.

Mikki Paradis, a female business owner in the primarily male trade of construction, talks about how Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers gave her a new perspective on her ability and her life.

My sister, Lisa Oviatt Garon, talks about her reading of The Clan of The Cave Bear series and why she couldn't finish it.