Nov 05

Books on the Nightstand Podcast, #17: "Please, Sir, may I have some more?"

By Ann Kingman Podcasts Add comments

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Books on the Nightstand, Episode 17 (24:58)

(You can listen by using the player above. If you’re using Internet Explorer, click twice to listen. If your browser does not support javascript, you won’t see the player; click the link below the player to listen, or right-click to download the episode. If you are receiving this post by email and cannot see the player at the bottom of the message, please visit http://www.booksonthenightstand.com to listen)

Maybe we were feeling a little lonely, I don’t know. In any event, today’s show is all about orphans in literature. Why are orphans so often the main characters in beloved novels? We’ve pondered this question for over a year, and we’re happy to see that others have, too. Ann and Michael discuss, and then weigh in on some of their favorite novels featuring orphans.

Also, we announce plans for a special project that we are rolling out on the blog beginning November 16th, and we give you a sneak preview of that project by discussing two books, The Oxford Project by Peter Feldstein and Stephen G. Bloom and The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford

The Oxford Project is an incredible book that grabbed me the minute I heard about it. Take a look at this short video, and you will see what I mean:

photo credit:Jay Heaviside

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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

The Law of Dreams by Peter Behrens, Random House trade paperback

Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson, Picador trade paperback
The Laments by George Hagen, Random House trade paperback
The Oxford Project by Peter Feldsten and Stephen G. Bloom, Welcome Books hardcover
The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford, Crown hardcover

 

(all information is for the U.S. editions).
  • Bobbi Hahn

    The video clip about “The Oxford Project” adds to my interest (already generated by today’s podcast!), so I can’t wait to see the book in person.

    I have a HUGE collection of Christmas books, and will be adding “The Man Who Invented Christmas” to it, as well as buying it for a few friends.

    Can’t wait to see the list beginning on 11/16. I would add “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” for ANYONE who loves books & reading – it will be my Christmas gift to many friends this year.

    Thanks for your always-good suggestions!

  • Bobbi Hahn

    The video clip about “The Oxford Project” adds to my interest (already generated by today’s podcast!), so I can’t wait to see the book in person.

    I have a HUGE collection of Christmas books, and will be adding “The Man Who Invented Christmas” to it, as well as buying it for a few friends.

    Can’t wait to see the list beginning on 11/16. I would add “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” for ANYONE who loves books & reading – it will be my Christmas gift to many friends this year.

    Thanks for your always-good suggestions!

  • http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Michael

    and THANK YOU Bobbi, for your continued support of GUERNSEY…!

  • http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Michael

    and THANK YOU Bobbi, for your continued support of GUERNSEY…!

  • Suzanne

    Have I mentioned that I just discovered your podcast and am frantically trying to catch up on the older episodes????
    Ann, I was wondering if you have read The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. The main character, Roseanne, is an orphan and her doctor, Dr.Grene, can probably be described as an orphan as well (at least that’s how I’m seeing it after only about 100 pages in to the book). Roseanne is writing her life story at the age of (she believes) 100 and so far it is a wonderful story. Oh, and it’s also set in Ireland so I think that you will like it if you haven’t already picked it up.

    Suzanne

  • Suzanne

    Have I mentioned that I just discovered your podcast and am frantically trying to catch up on the older episodes????
    Ann, I was wondering if you have read The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry. The main character, Roseanne, is an orphan and her doctor, Dr.Grene, can probably be described as an orphan as well (at least that’s how I’m seeing it after only about 100 pages in to the book). Roseanne is writing her life story at the age of (she believes) 100 and so far it is a wonderful story. Oh, and it’s also set in Ireland so I think that you will like it if you haven’t already picked it up.

    Suzanne

  • http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

    Suzanne, I’ve heard of it, but only the title and author — never looked into what it was about. Looks great — I will search it out in my bookstore travels. I’m a sucker for anything set in Ireland, and throw in a few orphans, and I’m set!

    Thanks! Hope you are enjoying the podcast :)

  • http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

    Suzanne, I’ve heard of it, but only the title and author — never looked into what it was about. Looks great — I will search it out in my bookstore travels. I’m a sucker for anything set in Ireland, and throw in a few orphans, and I’m set!

    Thanks! Hope you are enjoying the podcast :)

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