The Reader and the Writer

• East of Eden | Part 8

  “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” —Lee to AbraWelcome back to East of Eden—the end! In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss all the “timshel” moments that lead to the final blessing, for Cal, and for us all. They talk about the Great Conversation happening here at the end of the story with Alice in Wonderland, and Meditations. They discuss smallness, greatness, and accepting one’s story as it is. They talk about control, and our lack of it; about taking responsibility for wrongs versus the cheap self-indulgence of being vulnerable and right-sized with the world. It’s a Wonderful Life and Rhea making peace with Cherry Valance. Basically, they discuss all that is east of Eden.R&W’s final book for 2025 will be Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. Below is the breakdown of the readings:* December 16: Parts 1 - 2 (pp. 3-109)* December 23: Part 3 - some of Part 4 (pp. 113-214)* December 30: Rest of 4 - Part 6 (pp. 214-303)Finally, if you haven’t yet listened, be sure to check out R&W’s 2026 Big Draw Episode, where Rhea and Shari drew and decided on all they will be reading next year!Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this post, give it some ❤️ and share it with someone.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

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• The 2026 Big Draw Episode

  It’s that time again! The Reader & the Writer’s annual Big Draw Episode! In this bonus episode, Rhea and Shari draw for and decide the books they will read in 2026. Prior to the episode, the ladies decided they wanted to read books from the following three genres: love story, gothic, science-fiction/magical realism. Beyond the books they drew on air, they preselected two authors from their 2025 books to re-read (different book, of course). They also preselected another book by an author that was a “must read” for both of them. It was great fun to record!The R&W books for 2026 are listed below (not in order). But, still listen to the episode! It’s just plain fun. :)The Reader & the Writer 2026 Book List:* Lila, by Marilynne Robinson* Hannah Coulter, by Wendell Berry* The Constant Nymph, by Margaret Kennedy* Crossing to Safety, by Wallace Stegner* Anne of Green Gables, by L. M. Montgomery* Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley* Beloved, by Toni Morrison* A History of the Island, by Eugene Vodolazkin* Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne* A Canticle for Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller (added after the episode)R&W Long-Long Reads:* Middlemarch, by George Eliot (Jan - Aug)* Harry Potter Series, by J. K. Rowling (Sep - Mar 2027)Stay tuned for exact editions we will be reading from, if that’s something you care about. It’s not necessary, however, as long as you’re reading from an unabridged edition. Get excited! It’s time to buy books and start reading!! :DThanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode, ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

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• East of Eden | Part 7

  Welcome back to East of Eden, where “diplomacy by other means” is boiling over, abroad and at home. In this episode, Rhea and Shari discuss characters and characterizations, and why it seems the “innocent” characters are so much more flat than the conflicted, troubled characters. They circle back on greatness, and how it connects to timshel. They talk about freedom. And, they wonder whether it’s easier to give or to receive.Next week they will finish East of Eden: Chapters 50-55.Oh! And, be sure to tune in on Friday, December 5th, for their annual Big Draw Episode, where they will be drawing, debating, and deciding on their reading list for 2026. Yay!Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you liked this episode give it some ❤️ and share it with others. The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we do, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

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• Author Interview | Connie H. Connally

  Welcome to this Thanksgiving bonus episode of the Reader & the Writer! In this episode, Shari interviews author, Connie Hampton Connally. Connie has written two novels: The Songs We Hide, and Fire Music, both set in Hungary; and is currently at work on her third novel, set in Andean Peru. Connie holds a BA in English from University of Washington, and an MFA from Antioch University. Connie and Shari discuss the inspiration for her novels, her research and crafting process, and all the many aspects of the reading and writing life. You can find Connie at: conniehamptonconnally.comThanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you like this episode, ❤️ it and share it.The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we’re doing, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

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• East of Eden | Part 6

  Welcome back to East of Eden. In this episode, Shari and Rhea discuss the extreme amount of grayness at this point in the narrative: Tom’s Gray One, Aron’s gray mind, and Kate’s gray room. They discuss “fake it ‘til you make it” versus perseverance for the sake of the other. Shari questions her earlier thoughts on Samuel Hamilton’s version of greatness, and and how Hamilton “greatness” expresses itself in the various characters. And of course, they discuss the ONE TRUE story as Steinbeck expresses it, and whether or not they agree. Is the one story in the world the story of good and evil? Or is it of love and rescue?Thanks for listening to this episode of The Reader & the Writer! If you like this episode, show it some ❤️ and share it with others. The Reader & the Writer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the literary work we do, become a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to The Reader & the Writer at thereaderandthewriter.substack.com/subscribe

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