Stories That Change Us

Haunting, suspenseful, and devilishly clever—Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None remains one of the most chilling mysteries ever written. With masterful use of red herrings, precise pacing, and an eerie atmosphere of isolation, Christie pulls readers into a psychological trap that feels inescapable. Her sharp dialogue and meticulous plotting strip away each character’s façade, exposing guilt, fear, and desperation in terrifying succession. Join us as we unpack how Christie transforms a simple whodunit into a haunting study of justice, morality, and the darkness lurking within us all.

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Few YA novels manage to weave modern issues so flawlessly into a story that equally engages children and adults, but The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins stands out for that very reason. Collins masterful use of subtle subtext, world building that compels plot and tension, and a cast of lovable yet deeply troubled characters allows this Dystopian tale of youth gladiatorial games to transcend from grisly and irrelevant to contemplative and epic. 


Moderated By: Kat Lewis

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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.


Moderated By: Laurel Thomas

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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 By: Melissa Grace

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26 rejections, a frequent spot on the banned books list, and shining the light on the dangers of blind conformity are just a few of the surprises awaiting readers of Madeline L'Engle's, A Wrinkle In Time.



Moderated By: Laurel Thomas

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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 even cliche characters to deliver a high impact story with a haunting conclusion.


Moderated By: Kat Lewis

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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 in a way that is not preachy and extremely entertaining.


Moderated By: Micah Leydorf

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Charles Dicken's, A Christmas Carol, has resonated across the ages as a holiday favorite! Today, let's breakdown the iconic moments, characters, and themes to reveal where Dicken's excelled at the craft of storytelling that has perpetuated a deep love of this Yuletide tale. 

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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

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Riveting, controversial, and flawlessly epic, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind isn’t just a sweeping historical romance—it’s a blueprint for writing compelling characters, immersive settings, and unforgettable conflict. From Scarlett O’Hara’s complex character arc to Mitchell’s masterful pacing and worldbuilding, we break down the novel’s structure, themes, and emotional depth that makes this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel a lasting bestseller. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a book enthusiast fascinated by timeless fiction, this episode offers writing tips and craft insights inspired by one of the most iconic books of all time.

Moderated By: Laurel Thomas

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