Reviews
If you are looking for an informed and fun literary analysis of classics and incredible contemporary book pairings, this podcast is the one for you. Sara and Chelsea truly make classics come alive during their discussions, tying in history, theory and events in the modern world. I never miss an...Read full review »
Natalia Chouklina via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 04/30/24
Finally a smart book podcast about interesting books by engaging, thoughtful people!
Clarkakates via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/16/24
Love the thought that goes into every episode!
Lexipdx via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/13/24
Sara & Chelsea make reading classics enjoyable!
Liamurph1 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/27/24
Novel Pairings is my favorite resource when I see the same titles over and over on bookish social media. This podcast is the right level of nerdy to challenge, but not overwhelm and helps me get the most out of my reading life.
Mary in IL via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/26/24
Constant use of “umm” and “like” distract from the podcast!
frenchfried53 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/26/24
If you love classic books you’ll be in heaven listening to this podcast. But even if you’re not into classics, there’s so much more here. The premise is pairing classic books with contemporary literature and they do a great job with that. If you’re an English major at heart, they have classes....Read full review »
Colleen VB via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/20/24
This podcast is the best! It strikes the perfect balance between feeling like you’re chatting about books with friends, getting recommendations from well-read book lovers, and being back in your favorite English class. Every episode is an absolute delight, and although I’m not the biggest...Read full review »
jkrieger12 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/14/24
This is the second time I’ve followed the show, because I love reading, and I love what these hosts are trying to accomplish. I think they are great at what they do as far as the content goes. But I wish there was better editing or more preparation on the hosts part. It sounds like there is just...Read full review »
:)Amy45 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/08/24
I loved the podcast when I found it. As time has gone by I do find some of their desire to be seen as progressive a little bit tiresome. I’m a liberal, left-leaning woman but even I am sick of the self-flagellation that so many podcasts like this seem to revel in. The latest episode was an...Read full review »
lyraloo77 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 03/03/24
Great chemistry and conversations! A fun listen
K.Dooot via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/28/24
I’ve listened to Novel Pairings for almost 4 years now, and it is my favourite bookish podcast. Chelsey and Sara’s conversations are like a joy-filled book club with your best friend, and also like all the best parts of any English class I’ve ever taken. Listening to this podcast has both gotten...Read full review »
TKLum via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 02/21/24
I feel like Chelsea and Sara are the English teachers I always needed. This podcast not only helped me dive into books like Beloved, Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, and more, but also gave me the tools to get more out of my reading experience. I also really enjoy the contemporary pairs that have helped...Read full review »
María Sol Autelli via Apple Podcasts · Argentina · 02/21/24
This is a lovely balance of interesting (but not pedantic) discussions of books and culture in general by two very intelligent young women who know their stuff. There’s a nice friendly vibe and pleasant humor between them that gives the listener a feeling of hanging out with real people who...Read full review »
Llallall via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/14/24
This is the first episode I’ve listened to. I love the content but the delivery is very choppy. The host doesn’t seem to be well prepared vocally. Practicing a few times before the recording would really improve the podcast.
CLKobe67 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/09/24
Love Chelsea and Sara’s content as a way to challenge readers to read better, be more engaged in what we’re reading, and to continue learning even after traditional school is behind us. Fantastic podcast!
Megan585 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/09/24
This is such a great podcast. So casual and fun but also so informative!
tomdrechsler via Apple Podcasts · Germany · 09/14/23
Chelsey and Sara are two incredibly thoughtful, life-long learners bringing their expertise and teaching background into a space that makes English class less scary and more accessible! I love listening to their witty banter and interesting insights about classics and what we can learn from them,...Read full review »
MKRiordan via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/07/23
I’ve devoured almost every episode since finding this podcast a few weeks ago. I love the deep dives into specific books, themes, and literary devices - definitely scratches my itch to be a professional student! But I also love the TBR topplers and book recommendations. They provide a great mix...Read full review »
light.love.and.lattes via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/06/23
Love the interesting deep dives into classics. The hosts also present their view points in an accessible and fun way!
JillyKelly via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/01/23
This podcast made me want to read all of the books at once.
mspassell via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/24/23
Love this podcast, two nerdy book lovers like myself. Great recommendations and discussions from the hosts. Keep it up!
JECCD via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 06/30/23
I can always count on Sarah and Chelsey to give top-notch book recommendations along with insightful, entertaining discussions. Some of my favorite books I’ve found through their podcast and social media! Listen if you love chatting with your friends about books and literary things!
pat_balmediano via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/22/23
I love listening to these beautiful ladies. The summer book pairings episode was amazing.
LorraineNZ via Apple Podcasts · New Zealand · 06/18/23
It’s hard to come by relatable, relaxed literature review podcasts that don’t feel like a college seminar, and this is it! I started with the Basil E Frankweiler ep because that was one of my favorite books as a kid, and when you guys discussed what you had remembered from reading it as children,...Read full review »
kcemily.college via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/16/23
I discovered Novel Pairings earlier this year and have loved listening each week. I don’t have as much time to read as I used to, so this is a much needed escape. It has also helped introduce me to new (and old) books. I spend less time surfing the internet for inspiration and more time reading...Read full review »
dma789 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/15/23
I love Chelsey and Sara. When I listen, I feel like I’m talking books with my friends.
Beth Lily Rose via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/29/23
Chelsey and Sara deliver such cozy, insightful podcast episodes. I love listening to their thoughtful takes on old and new reads!
Catherine.e.clark via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/22/23
I love this podcast, its clean, and simple. Its all about books! Very breezy listening vibe and every time I listen I find new authors and new books to love.
jurt_heim via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/17/23
This is one of my favorite book podcasts around! The hosts strike the perfect balance of book analysis, speculation, and recommendations for more reading. They are so thoughtful in constructing their episodes and engaging their listeners. Which they published episodes more often because this...Read full review »
G6PDorbust via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/17/23
Of all the podcasts I listen to, the only one I have fired up on release day each week is Novel Pairings. The hosts are smart, kind, and interesting, and their words have enriched my reading life in immeasurable ways. There are no shortage of book podcasts out there, it's true, but for...Read full review »
rmariem via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/16/23
Listening to these two lovely ladies feels like having a conversation with my best friend. They are so insightful and both are just such sweet people. I don’t have enough time to read every book that they discuss, but listening to their thoughts helps me have a better understanding of some of the...Read full review »
sciencebaby via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/16/23
This is the show I most look forward to clicking play on each week! I found Novel Pairings a couple of years ago after reading The Remains of the Day. I was so eager to “talk” with others about it - or hear others talking about it, at least - so I searched for the title in my podcast app and...Read full review »
brwnidkippy via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/09/23
Love NovelPairings! Sara and Chelsea are so lovely to listen to (and to follow on Instagram)! I am not a Classics reader, but I find myself seeking out Classics in order to listen to their episode after and provide myself an educational experience to accompany the text. Their love for...Read full review »
coffandbooks via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/02/23
I just discovered this podcast, and even though I wasn’t excited by children’s literature, I decided to give it a try and I’m so glad I did. The discussions are intelligent, interesting, and thought-provoking. Since I find myself enjoying the episodes on kiddie lit so much (and am actually adding...Read full review »
smorris1219 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/14/23
A wonderful bookish podcast that balances intellectual reflection with the joy of reading. Sara and Chelsea have great rapport.
SKateSTL via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/18/23
Intellectually satisfying, this podcast is helping deepen my joy of reading.
Elizgma via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/24/23
I have been listening to the podcast for some time now. I have so enjoyed all of the episodes(I listened to all the previous ones-sometimes more than once). I am looking forward to the Kidd lit and am planning soon to join Patreon. I love books and your episodes are so enlightening. I have...Read full review »
wwcbw via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/21/23
As a former English major and teacher, this podcast hits all my vibes! Im always excited to hear what classics will be covered and love the conversation of placing them with modern texts. I feel like I would have loved teaching with Sara and Chelsey! Plus, this podcast helps me check off a few...Read full review »
t.s.h.2020 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/12/23
I’m so excited! Loved this episode and have gotten ALL the recommended books for February. In the mood for this trip down memory lane. Thank you for providing the opportunity!!!
Glo Loves Books via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/12/23
Love love love Novel Pairings! They really make it so that there is something for all readers in their discussion. Easy and enjoyable listening.
carojkwallace via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 11/19/22
The hosts of Novel Pairings, Sara and Chelsea, give great discussion regarding classic books, along with modern book pairings. This podcast has helped me explore and understand books that I would have not been prompted to select. This is a great podcast to dip in and out of and you have the...Read full review »
joanneadams54 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 11/11/22
Sara and Chelsea are both so thoughtful in their analyses, and I always walk away with lots of new thoughts on beloved classics and even more pairings added to my TBR. This podcast is such a joy.
Ley2292 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/26/22
Great podcast.. so easy to listen too and make me want to read each pairing .. it is so nice to have wonderful books that take me away to another time and place but remind me they still happen in everyday life today ! Romance is alive and well !
podcast escape traveler via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/03/22
I love, love, love this show. As an avid reader, I often rely on recommendations to find new books. This podcast, which I discovered only recently and have been steadily devouring, has provided so much reading inspiration as well as food for thought through the discussions that Sara and Chelsea...Read full review »
Sara — via Apple Podcasts · Italy · 10/02/22
This is one of my favorite podcasts! You get the scholarly discussions that I miss from college, while still being so much fun and relatable!!
SydneyR16 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/28/22
I love Chelsey and Sara’s fresh look at the classics. They balance a love for the literature of the past with an awareness of its inveterate flaws. My ability to analyze a text has grown through listening to them. Recommended to English teachers, classic literature readers, and those looking to...Read full review »
julialou2 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/28/22
2020 was the year that podcasts about books found their way onto my playlist. Of the many pods that I listen to weekly, Novel Pairings is a favorite. I so appreciate Chelsey’s and Sara’s balanced criticism and opinions, as well as their thoughtfulness in offering critiques of the classics through...Read full review »
Thehappyplate via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/28/22
Finding this podcast has been a breath of fresh air! Chelsey and Sara always speak intelligently about books and reading. Keep up the great work!
Serious Book Nerd via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/28/22
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