Novel Conversations

Plot: In nineteenth-century France, the daughter of a country squire Emma, marries a dull country doctor, Charles Bovary. To escape boredom, she throws herself into love affairs and runs up ruinous debts. As she finds some excitement attending balls, operas, and socializing with the upper echelons of French society, Madame Bovary - as expected - finds she cannot escape the doldrums of a passionless marriage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plot: A poor boy named Tom Canty and the Prince of Wales exchange identities, and the events that follow, force the pair to experience each other's lives. Mistaken for a beggar, Edward must struggle to survive on the streets. Meanwhile, Tom, who has no knowledge of how to be a Prince fears being mistaken for an imposter. The two boys learn a great deal of insight from living in each other's shoes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"East of Eden"tells the tale of the Trask and Hamilton families, who live in the scenicSalinas Valley at the end of World War I.Scott and Ildi Rich, join host, Frank Lavallo, to discuss the riveting juxtaposition of the poorimmigrants and wealthy land owners of Steinbeck's masterpiece. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"To Have and Have Not" tells the tale of the Depression-era Florida Keys. Featuring Harry Morgan, a "Have Not," who charters his boat to the wealthy "Haves" of the world, this story shows what happens when hard times pressure a man into a life of crime.Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott & Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel “To Have and Have Not.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Moon is Down" tells the tale of port town that exports coal until it is overrun by an invading army. The mayor of the town struggles to keep control as the occupiers force him to serve as their puppet. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott & Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel “The Moon is Down.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Northanger Abbey" tells the story of Catherine Morland, a young girl whose imagination is fueled by her love of gothic novels. As Catherine travels to old home with friends, she struggles to discern reality in the midst of her Romantic fancies. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Jennifer Weinbrecht & Patricia Fernberg, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Northanger Abbey.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In "Atlas Shrugged," business owners begin mysteriously disappearing after the government places too many extreme restrictions. Ayn Rand uses this political dystopian novel to explore the relationship between capitalism and government. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick and Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel, "Atlas Shrugged." Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz for some interesting facts about Rand and the inspiration for her writings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through "Tortilla Flat," Steinbeck portrays a small band of vagabond friends enjoying life and wine in the days after the end of World War I. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Scott & Ildi Rich, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Tortilla Flat.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through "Arrowsmith," Lewis tells the story of a bright and scientifically minded, Martin Arrowsmith, as he makes his way from a small town in the Midwest to the upper echelons of the scientific community. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Patrick & Joan Andrews, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Arrowsmith.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Through "Persuasion," Austen explores the plight of impoverished gentility in Regency England, creating a relatable story about rekindling lost romance. Listen as Frank Lavallo hosts readers, Jennifer Weinbrecht & Patricia Fernberg, for a summary and discussion of the novel “Persuasion.” Then stay tuned for Endnotes with Ted Schwartz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices