In this episode the team explores one of the most well-known stories of the Christmas season, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, by E.T.A. Hoffman. A work perhaps best known for its ballet performances, this story had transcended mediums and imaginations for over a hundred years, during a season of joy, whimsy, and the magical. Merry Christmas dear listeners, we cannot wait to show you what 2026 has in store.

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.12 - The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

In this episode the team does the impossible, agreeing on a Top Ten list ranking the best books of all time (that we've read). Join us as we debate the merit of some of the greatest stories ever told, and feel free to share some of your favorites with us on social media!

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.11 - The Lamppost in the Wood's Top Ten Books of All-Time

In this episode, the team contemplates the nature of beauty, vanity, and the curse of eternal youth as presented by Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. A surprisingly deep novel portrayed by a host of shallow characters, this novel shocked many with its departure from morality and its unkind portrayal of England's performative elites. Perhaps, like Dorian's portrait, this book offers a glimpse into the broken soul of Oscar Wilde and reveals the struggles that defined the man.

Listeners Beware!

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.10 - Evan's Choice: The Picture of Dorian Gray

In this month's episode, the team looks at two animalistic tales: E. B. White's Charlotte's Web and George Orwell's Animal Farm. While seemingly similar on the the surface these two books produced very different themes and and views of their animal-centric worlds. Join us as we explore how animals can help to subvert the expectations of the reader to deliver powerful statements about life, loss, and REVOLUTION!

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.9 - Talking Animals: Charlotte’s Web & Animal Farm.

In this episode the team interviews Dr. Tony Perrello, Professor of Renaissance Literature at CSU (California State University Stanislaus), regarding his love of literature; primarily, Shakespeare's Hamlet. Join us as we explore the many themes of this Shakespearean classic, the historical context, and its greater impact on poetry and literature today.

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.8 - Hamlet with Dr. Tony Perrello

In this episode, the team analyzes one of the most prolific novels of 20th-century American living, John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. This exceptional work of Americana became a staple for its exploration of the Great Depression, the struggle for survival, and the importance of family. Join us as we talk about The Grapes of Wrath's influences, impact, and if this truly is one of the greatest stories ever told.

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.7 - Literature and History: The Grapes of Wrath

In this episode, the team explores the magical world of Harry Potter. Join us as we discuss our experiences with this literary universe, its cultural impact, and its seemingly neverending reach across this enchanted world.

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.6 - The Magical World of Harry Potter

In this episode the team discusses morality in literature. So often, our literary heroes are forced to make decisions that threaten to betray their heroic status, ultimately humanizing them. In this episode we will discuss Murder on the Orient Express, The Light Between Oceans, the Road, and Dune. Join us as we try to navigate the churning waters of ambiguity together!

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.5 - Moral Ambiguity in Literature

In this episode, the team takes on a story (and book) that is as old as time, John Milton's Paradise Lost. On the heels of our villains episode, we try to wade through this larger than life cast of characters, creation, and the fall of mankind.

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.4 - Spotlight on Classics: Paradise Lost

In this episode, we explore the age old question: What makes a villain? Join us as we explore the dark side of the equation, discuss why villains are important, and talk about our favorites in the pantheon of the sly, dastardly, and the downright evil.

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Thanks for listening to the Lamppost in the Woods - Episode 5.3 - The Fall from Grace: How Villains Are Made