Reviews
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“Love listening to close reads.”
girlonthegogogogogog via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/26/24
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“For the most part, this is a fairly good close read of a variety of texts. The hosts spend a little too much time enjoying their own familiarity for a public audience (you generally can skip the first 10 minutes of each episode).
The hosts are not pushing their agenda as proud Christians, but as...”Read full review »
Viking Paul via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
03/13/24
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“I love this podcast! Wonderful literary insight and beauty. I recommend this podcast to anyone who loves classic literature, beautiful stories, and people who talk about good things! 🤩”
LiteraryLover📚 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/31/24
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“David kern is more boring and plain then a blank piece of paper”
CherishesSwan via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/12/23
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“Tuned in to Brideshead Revisited. I was impressed.”
joazn via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
09/29/23
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“This podcast has completely changed my reading life for the better. I’m reading more closely and attentively. I’m reading things that unfortunately were not part of my public school education or my training as a public school teacher. I could’ve really benefited from a podcast like this years...”Read full review »
SM1005 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/23/23
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“I found this podcast almost four years ago when Karen Swallow Prior tweeted that she was doing Jane Eyre with them and I am so glad I did. I look forward to every podcast, even when I don't love the book they're doing, because each conversation lifts my soul. I don't have many people...”Read full review »
Dudem via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/02/23
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“The spoilers are killing me!! I think the hosts assume listeners are rereading these books but as someone who is reading most of these for the first time, I’m struggling with time after time having the book endings spoiled. Currently listening to Sense and Sensibility and I now know who each...”Read full review »
AMA Ali via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/23/23
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“I’m a veteran public school teacher. David is the worst! He’s pretentious and shouldn’t be! He’s constantly interrupting or throwing in his amateur (and cringe worthy)comments. What should be fun “drafts” are as entertaining as listening to that really small group of middle school boys who are...”Read full review »
ISTJreader via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/13/23
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“These friends discuss a variety of books and help the listener to pull out additional meaning and understanding from the stories. I absolutely love them, and their knowledge they share. Thanks for this wonderful show.”
Tiffcn via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/31/23
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“I’ve been listening to this podcast for 5 years now, and recommend it to friends all the time! Have truly loved all the various hosts that have played a part over the years and picked up books I would have never read otherwise. Thanks, guys!!”
annoe654 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/11/23
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“After reading every book faithfully for three years and really growing in who I am as a reader, I just think the hosts make me dislike the books more than helping me enjoy them. I used to love their banter, but with less Tim on the show, I am finding that the hosts are very pretentious and don’t...”Read full review »
singmeasong87 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/27/23
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“I love Tim and his LOVE of literature. However, It’s obvious David doesn’t read the books, which is insulting to the readers and listeners of this podcast. If you are hoping listeners learn how to read closely, I would think it’s important for the hosts to show that as they read. His treatment of...”Read full review »
LydiaJoyLove via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/27/23
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“This podcast is by far my favorite podcast. I’ve been listening to it for years and love the education I’ve received in how to read. The hosts open my eyes and enrich my reading of books. If I haven’t listened in a while I turn it on, I think “Yay! I get to hang out with my friends for a while.”...”Read full review »
missy.joy via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/03/23
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“I enjoy this podcast when Heidi doesn’t speak. Most of her comments are interesting, but she speaks so slowly and stilted, and drags out her S sounds, that I find myself having to turn it off before I yell at her to “Say it already!”.”
Colemanboybob via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/03/23
“I love diving deep into literature and really appreciate the level of discussion in this podcast. Heidi always brings details into the contextual understanding of the story that add nuance, integration, and satisfaction. My first close read with this crew was Death Comes for the Archbishop and I...”Read full review »
Shannonkoz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/27/23
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“I love this show. I just discovered it a few months ago and have already devoured a number of books I would have never read. Discussion is deep and thought provoking but also contains many laughs. It’s one of my favorites !”
Shadey Kay via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/23/23
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“These guys talk about books the way I want to talk about books.”
literaryjourney via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/29/22
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“I stumbled across this podcast earlier this year after reading All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy and wanting to discuss it with someone or read others opinions on it.
I was pleasantly surprised to find Close Reads and the wonderful community that they’ve built around reading...”Read full review »
ChazInDallas via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/11/22
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“No one is prepared for this podcast nor has any significant insight to offer listeners. Mostly inane banter and pretentious posturing. Way too long.”
Gspences via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/06/22
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“The discussion of this book is riveting. I am an avid reader but have never done a deep dive into Faulkner. Thank you for opening the door for me. I am learning a lot from all three of you and marvel at your analysis and perceptions. Clare on September 06, 2022”
Amlash63 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/06/22
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“I knew nothing about this podcast but tuned in after searching for Brideshead Revisited. The episode started with a load of rambling, cliquey in-jokes, assuming everyone knew everyone, no one introducing themselves or the topic. A stellar remark to give you an idea of the calibre (I’m...”Read full review »
Arualbee via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/03/22
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“No one leading this podcast has any real insight into these books- mostly opinions with no credentials to back up their “expertise”. A quick dive into their doctorates revels a subpar online institute that hands out degrees like candy. Definitely other podcasts out there to check out.”
booksarelife80 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/01/22
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“Lots of reviews say the show is unpretentious but I actually found it to be the opposite. I think the discussions are one sided and unwilling to look at how books can be reinterpreted in our modern age. Even though I’m middle aged, the implied eye rolling at “kids these days” really bothered me....”Read full review »
Tjlc via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/23/22
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“Unpretentious and deep, while being very accessible to the average reader (like myself!)”
AuburnAlder via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/15/22
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“Do not waste your time with these people”
billllx via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/12/22
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“This is a wonderful podcast. I appreciate having good classical Christian commentary on some of my favorite books. Unlike the Bookening podcast, the people on Close Reads are willing to let the text judge them rather than spending all their time judging the text. It would be great if next year...”Read full review »
Hannagail727 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/08/22
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“I absolutely love the discussions on this show. I have learned so much in the short time I’ve been listening. I’m currently working my way through the backlist, it’s that good! I don’t want to miss a word.”
amemory923 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/06/22
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“Fun project to keep brain from turning to mush”
3773$;!,83 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/02/22
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“I started listening to Close Reads in 2019 and haven’t missed an episode since. It’s a highlight of my week. I’ve read so many great books I wouldn’t have considered before because of this podcast. The hosts always have brilliant insights that have helped me become a closer reader myself.”
hayleycroft via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/07/22
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“Listen to Closereads, but only if you want the best discussions on classic literature on any podcast anywhere.”
Rockie69 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/28/22
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“I truly enjoy learning through listening to this podcast. I enjoy reading the books along with Tim, Heidi and David. Thank you.”
Zuni Runner via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/23/21
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“This podcast has been so fun, educational, insightful…love it.
I just bought all the books for the 2022 year to do a better job reading along. The hosts have challenged me to read books I wouldn’t normally, and to more deeply appreciate favorites.
Way to produce a fantastic resource!”
Melina Kastle via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/18/21
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“I look forward to hearing David, Heidi, and Tim celebrate the true, good, and beautiful in literature! What a gift!”
374Mike via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/17/21
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“Searched for so long for something like this. Great guests when they have them on their show. Discussions here add so much more to the books.”
ceagled via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/29/21
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“I absolutely love this podcast! Even though I graduated college and graduate school studying English literature, I’ve learned way more listening to them. I always find myself “jumping” in the conversations at different paces! I even got my mom listening to them so we could discuss the episodes...”Read full review »
Iz1234556880 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/27/21
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“I want to shout out to Heidi, Tim, and David. I think they are all exceptionally well-rounded and thoughtful readers. I particularly enjoy Heidi’s insight from a psychological background. Of course, I LOVE when Karen Swallow Prior joins! This podcast introduced me to her and I now have every book...”Read full review »
Gina R Dee via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/25/21
“The best thing about the podcast is that it takes my someday list and makes it happen! I'm excited about the upcoming choices for 2022.”Read full review »
AMOJ8 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/12/21
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“I have grown more as a reader from listening to the Close Reads podcast than from all my classes in college and graduate school. The honest responses to the books that are covered in this podcast speaks to the character of the hosts as teachers, readers, and life-long learners. I have met them in...”Read full review »
teammine via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/15/21
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“I have rediscovered my love for reading through this podcast! The hosts have such interesting insights and their enthusiasm is infectious.”
Elizabeth Troutman via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/13/21
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“Amateur is the right word for this podcast. Beware, the blind are leading the blind.”
Wom1977 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/28/21
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“I love listening to this podcast so much. It has made me a better reader and even a better television and movie watcher. I have learned so much and think about the world and story clearer through listening. I look forward to listening every week and feel as though the contributors are my friends...”Read full review »
ColeyKlaers via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/21/21
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“Whenever I read a book, I always get excited whenever there’s an episode on this show about it. I highly recommend to all bookworms who yearn for something more. On a side note, I was wondering if you guys could cover Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None? I’d greatly appreciate it!”
MasterBuilder05 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/30/21
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“I've been an avid (at some points, obsessive) reader my whole life but I only just got around to searching out literary podcasts in the last couple years. I am so thankful for Close Reads! Though some may not appreciate the chit-chat, I like that the atmosphere is informal and relaxed, not...”Read full review »
GratiaPrima via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/23/21
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“I loved this podcast when Angelina was on it. The new version is a giant fail. Heidi is pretentious but contributes absolutely nothing, and you can tell David doesn’t even bother to read the books. Switched over to Angelina’s The Literary Life podcast that she cohosts with Cindy Rollins. They’re...”Read full review »
JayKayAitch via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/26/21
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“I love the banter between the hosts. I find it informative and I find myself laughing out loud. I look forward to each new podcast and have tailored my TBR to what they are discussing.”
rmb25000 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/25/21
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“Repeatedly mispronounced characters and places and there’s not enough structure. The rambling banter would be more interesting if it wasn’t so vapid.
Could be good with more effort and research.”
Flyover girl via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/23/21
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“CiRCE institute is a mixed bag... I used to love this podcast but have slowly been disenchanted with hosts. Still love Tim. Really enjoy SJ Bentley. The others have no particular qualifications to be leading discussion and often just talk about their feelings in circles. I wish they would have...”Read full review »
Laurasis via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/21/21
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