What is reading when the world goes dark? Join Rich and I for the necessity of lowering barriers to reading, the Lima Bean Conspiracy, JamesPattersonGPT, resilience, and most importantly, the definitive proof that listening to audiobooks is reading. Books Mentioned: "Ball Lightning" by Liu Cixin "Three Body Problem" by Liu Cixin "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean George "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen The Dragonlance Series by Various Authors The Sprawl Trilogy by William Gibson "Stiff: The Curious Life of a Human Cadaver" by Mary Roach "Haunted" by Chuck Palahniuk "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway Braille and Audio Reading Download of the National Library (nlsbard.loc.gov) "Dune" by Frank Herbert "Forrest Gump" by Winston Groom (or Lee Childs, should you prefer) "Bullspotting: Finding Facts in the Age of Misinformation" by Loren Collins

I dip my toes into romanticism with everyone's favorite Lord and recite the sublime, the touching, "She Walks in Beauty".

In this captivating episode of "RavynReads," titled "In Quiet Defiance, Bartleby the Scrivener" we embark on the first part of Herman Melville's enigmatic masterpiece, "Bartleby the Scrivener." Join your host, Ravyn, as we delve into the peculiar world of Bartleby, a scrivener whose simple yet profound refusal to conform to societal expectations challenges those around him and intrigues us to this day.

Set against the backdrop of a bustling Wall Street law office, this episode explores the initial encounters between Bartleby and the narrator, uncovering the layers of complexity hidden beneath Bartleby's passive resistance. Through thoughtful analysis and engaging narration, Ravyn brings to life the themes of isolation, free will, and the human condition, inviting listeners to ponder the profound implications of Bartleby's infamous phrase, "I would prefer not to."

As we navigate the quiet rebellion of Bartleby, this episode promises not only to entertain but also to spark reflection on our own responses to societal pressures and the search for individuality in a conformist world. Join the conversation and share your insights as we explore the beginning of a story that continues to resonate with readers and listeners alike.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, TikTok at @RavynReads for more literary explorations and discussions. "In Quiet Defiance, Bartleby the Scrivener" is more than just a podcast episode—it's an invitation to delve deep into the heart of one of literature's most intriguing characters.

Erica from Vancouver Island, Canada is our first guest on Shelf Lives! The show where I interview folks about how reading has changed their lives. Neanderthal Historical Fiction! Resiliency! Reading in the Bath! Mum-Based Recommendation Systems! Trees vs. Heads! FANTASY SMUT! Socials: @RavynReads Books mentioned: The Harry Potter Series The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon The Earth's Children Series by Jean M. Auel The Kushiel's Legacy Series by Jacqueline Carey Shards by Allison Moore and Nancy Woodruff Brooklyn by Colm Toibin The Knight Errant Series by R. Garcia y Robertson A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson Andromache: Stealing Tomorrow by Jennifer South Nefertiti by Michelle Moran A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros The Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas Inkheart by Cornelia Funke Dune by Frank Herbert

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "RavynReads," where we breathe new life into classic literature. I'm Ravyn, your guide through the intricate worlds hidden within the pages of timeless stories.

In this first episode, we delve into Charlotte Perkins Gilman's groundbreaking short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper." Published in the late 19th century, this tale transcends time with its poignant exploration of mental health, autonomy, and societal roles. Written as a collection of diary entries, it takes us on a journey through the mind of a woman confined by her doctor husband as a form of 'rest cure' for her postpartum depression. As we navigate the twists and turns of her psyche, mirrored by the haunting patterns of the yellow wallpaper in her room, we uncover a profound critique of the era's medical and societal treatment of women.

Join me as we dissect this masterpiece, understanding not just the narrative, but also the historical context and its relevance today. "The Yellow Wallpaper" is more than a story; it's a conversation starter about personal freedom, mental health, and the ongoing journey towards understanding and equality.

Tune in to "RavynReads" for a captivating analysis of this literary classic. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok at @RavynReads for more enriching literary discussions. Let's embark on this journey together.

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