I absolutely love this podcast! It is so wonderful to know that there is another group of people that love literature (actually love literature, not love dissecting the words). So refreshing!! 💕

Angelina and Cindy have changed my life with this podcast. I have new eyes to see and my faith has grown more than I thought was possible. Thank you Angelina and Cindy! Please never stop this beautiful work you are doing! Stories will save the world! ❤️❤️

I just discovered this podcast and I feel it is exactly where I need to be at this time. I plan to read every book starting at the beginning and slowly work my way through every episode. Gaudy Night was amazing, I enjoyed it so much. Just ordered the Are women Human essay and will be reading that this week. Thank you ladies. I needed this in my life. And better late than never!

The harry potter series makes so much sense now

I’ve been listening since 2020. With every book I read along with this podcast I have fallen more in love with classic literature and authors like Tolkien and Lewis. How I wish I would have had this podcast years ago. They have opened up worlds for me. I look forward to the rest of my life reading the classics thanks to Angelina, Thomas, and Cindy. Keep changing the world with stories.

This podcast is pretty good, but they banter too much. I can skip 15 minutes on some episodes and still not get to the book they are supposed to be talking about. But other than that, glad they enjoy studying books this much, because I just like riding them. Not writing, or speaking this long about them. Good job guys!

This podcast has helped me love literature again after five years of a slump, between meeting my husband, getting married, and having two kids. And now I have my own book club! It’s been wonderful to find the connections in books.

Oh great, this was so mind-blowingly good I now probably am going to have to buy the mini classes for the other books!!

This podcast is a cool breath of fresh air with so much depth it is like trying to drink a week in one gulp. I would like to offer some constructive advice to make a great thing better. 1. There seems to be some frequent interruption out of shear enthusiasm for the topic. Perhaps attempt to do so less. 2. Don’t change anything else. Ever. Thank you so much for what you do. I love old books and have found something to help build my continuing education. I have one more piece of preventative advice, you are doing great work; beware pride. It is a poison that has felled empires, and could destroy the show, which is something I never want to see. (I am not saying I see it, I just want this to last) And more C. S. Lewis, always. May the Good Lord richly bless you all.

I was in search of a book podcast that covered classics I already knew who Cindy Rollins (if you don’t already, go follow her on Goodreads, she has amazing recommendations). And so when stumbled on this one I had high hopes. At first was a bit overwhelmed, there was a learning curve to the way they speak about story and all the classical references that I am not familiar with, but then to my delight Angelina led the conversation on Harry Potter book 1 and I think because being a huge fan of Harry Potter and am very familiar with the story it helped bridge the gap and I was slowly able to really connect with Angelina and Thomas and learn so much from them! Now I am going back and listening to past episodes and am so excited. I just finished series on Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis and I couldn’t be more grateful for the way they helped me read a book that I really struggled with when I first read it 8 years ago! I knew it was good, but I figured I was not smart enough or it must not be for me. Oh how wrong I was, I learned so much and the story simply blew me away! By the end I was catching some themes and making connections on my own before I listened to their recap! I will slowly work my way through the podcast for books that have been on my tbr or ones I need to reread with their help. I look forward to finding some new books too! For example, I plan to give The Wind in the Willows another try. And hopefully I can eventually take one of their classes, maybe even with my Shakespeare loving 5th grader! Thanks so much for this podcast and all you are doing, keep up the good work!

This podcast has given me eyes to see and ears to hear in a whole new sense. Eternally grateful for the wisdom and inspiration passed down

This podcast is my personality now

Looking for some input on PHANTASTES, I discovered “The Literary Life” podcast on Scribd/ Everand. These thoughts put forward so generously, and unassumingly have lit a fire for reading, respecting, and connecting ideas from the treasure trove of old books that surround any person who can read. They are just pointing to great ideas that will fit any person at any time, and infuse them with meaningful life: Angelina, Thomas and Cindy. I’ve listened on and off between listening to books. (You had me at “_Tom Jones_ is so funny!”). Please carry on, and thank you!

I really enjoy two out of three of the hosts. Thomas, though, is so pretentious and arrogant that it makes it hard to listen to for any more than a few minutes . He speaks with this affected “enlightened scholar” voice that’s incredibly cringy and off-putting.

It has reignited my love for books and my regular reading habit. Plus, I am reading books that I have never before considered. I am so delighted to find a literature podcast with hosts that love Jesus and see literature through their faith. The discussions are beautiful prayers of creativity that soothe my soul and draw me into worshipping the King of imagination Himself.

The podcast is good. It’s clearly the result of years of dedicated reading, learning, researching, etc. I didn’t even know it was possible to be this well-read. That being said, the discussion groups tend to be cliquey, elitist, and full of the same brand of moral panic the hosts claim to be against in the podcast. I’m not sure what to make of this dissonance. It’s kind of frustrating to be constantly brushed off and even treated like an idiot for…I don’t even know, not having a PhD or something. Podcast is great, join the fan club with caution.

The Literary Life podcast is such a whimsical and insightful way to chat about reading. I especially love the episodes when Angelina, Cindy, and Thomas interview other readers and talk about their reading lives. I love hearing about what books other love, get insight on what the hosts think about books, and get a glimpse into what they’re putting in their commonplace books! I recommend this podcast if you are a book-lover, reader, writer, or someone who just loves the literary life! 📖📚📔

When I started this podcast, I hadn’t read in years. I read Gaudy Night on my kindle and remember being stuck in the first 10% of the books for ages and ages because I had to reprogram my brain on how to read. Angelina, Thomas, and Cindy are wonderful teachers and I love that they share so much for FREE. Thank you all for offering something available nowhere else!

It’s rare to listen to a podcast and feel like you actually learned something, and not in the typically “fact spewing” fashion. Each time I listen, it feels like there is an ongoing conversation, in which I’m fed little bits at a time. I always come away feeling inspired to read, look deeper, and understand literature more fully.

I stumbled onto your podcast late last year, but wish I had known about it sooner. I absolutely love it, from the Commonplace quotes to homeschool references. I am a homeschool mom, and as you note in your first episode, homeschool moms are if nothing else, well read. I studied English Lit in college and read many books I loved but aside from that found their focus far from mine. When we decided to homeschool, I realizd that many other homeschool moms were “nerds” like me! I’d finally found my people! Now I am enjoying many different books, introducing my kids to them, as well as teaching other homeschool kids in our community different aspects about good/ great writing. I will continue to delve into your many episodes and look forward to the new ones this year.

Very excited for 2024 with this podcast. I happened to find it in time to learn about the reading challenge. Where have you been?? Looking forward to reading outside my usual comfort zone, growing as a reader, and teaching my kids all the goodness available.

I started listening to the first episode about Fahrenheit 451 but the ladies were interrupting and speaking over each other. Maybe it was just one lady, I don’t know, but it was very off putting.

These podcasts are wonderfully informative. Perhaps if the host didn’t interrupt the other two cohosts, and allow them to speak more, it would be improved. I would like to be able to hear more of their thoughts. Thank you, for all the work you put into these podcasts.

I binged on this podcast when I first discovered it a couple years ago. Angelina’s enthusiasm and knowledge combined with Cindy’s wisdom and experience re-ignited my love for literature. However, the hosts now seem more interested in promoting their income-generating ventures than discussing books and producing this podcast. These past few months have consisted of many replays while the introduction to new podcasts are long sales pitches. I have come to prefer the “Close Reads” podcast.

This podcast is a must for any book lover, teacher, parent! Angelina and Cindy provide brilliant insight. It’s a masterclass in reading with a keen eye to capture all that an author wanted to convey and, in doing so, you’ll read with greater delight.

The hosts and their discussions make for wonderful listening! I love the insights they share and their passion for helping people experience great stories. I’m so grateful that this podcast has kindled a desire in me to read or revisit more classic literature. Of what I’ve listened to so far, I’ve especially loved their discussions of Mansfield Park and The Enchanted April.

This podcast is about reading literature through the lens of modern American Christianity. Nothing wrong with that as long as that’s what you put on the description of the show, but it’s not what I was looking for.

I wait every week for the new episode to drop. Excited to hear what we are doing together next. Thanks for enriching my life and teaching me how to read well.

I love this podcast so much!! When my classes from Miss Angelina are over, I listen to this podcast all the time!! Thank you guys so much for this

This is my almost favorite podcast…second only to The New Mason Jar. I listen to TNMJ for homeschooling encouragement and I come here for my Mother Culture. I just finished a book (The Scent of Water, by Goudge) that repeatedly mentioned “A Winters Tale” so I came over here to see if A Winters Tale had been covered here. Thanks to you guys, I’m in the process of going through the first Shakespeare play that I’ve actually enjoyed. I read/listen to an act, listen to your comments on it, and then watch a stage production on YouTube, and I am in love!!! I was crying over Shakespeare while doing dishes today, and not a bit mad about it. Keep it up !

I love this podcast so much. I feel like the hosts are holding my hands as I wade into trickier reading waters. I’ve discovered Dorothy Sayers, read through Jane Austen, learned from CS Lewis, and *enjoyed* Shakespeare as an adult! I feel like Cindy, Angelina & Thomas are wonderful reading friends who encourage me to go deeper and farther in my reading life. The annual literary life reading challenges are SO much fun in the very best way. As a mom of 3 young kids I not only get great ideas for read alouds with them and encouragement in my parenting, but I also receive bolstering for my ‘mother culture’ that is truly a balm to my soul during these years.

An absolute must read for anyone who deeply loves books and good works of literature. Not only does Angelina Stanford introduce the history of literature and throughly adventure through the timeless tales, but shows us WHY we love books and stories like we do. You may be surprised at the answer!!!! Stories will save the world!

This podcast brings so much joy to my heart! As a mom of two littles, the respite from “life” I get while learning about books is everything I need—thank you for all you do in preparing these episodes!

This podcast has been such a gift to me. I learn so much! Thank you Angelina, Cindy and Mr. Banks!

Since I have found this podcast all I want is to sit with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and chat with the three hosts, new soul-sisters. I didn’t know that it was possible that a podcast would meet the longings of my book-loving heart in such a pleasant way. From Angelina’s in-depth discussion on the early episodes of Gaudy Night… to the contemporary suggestions by Cindy on detective novels that match mine perfectly, to the voice-like-butter of the mysterious Mr Banks. And so much more. Heavenly. Thank you!

I first heard of this podcast from my mother who followed the Literary Life on Facebook. I have taken literature classes from Ms. Angelina for two years and this is my first year of taking a history class from Mr. Banks. Currently in my lit. class, we’re reading through Pride and Prejudice. I just listened to the Pride and Prejudice movie adaptation episode and loved it! I hope (for all new listeners of the podcast) that this podcast will help you enjoy reading even more.

I look forward to these podcasts every week and enjoy the banter and conversation. I have read books I never would have chosen on my own with the read along podcast episodes (Dracula!! Loved it!). I am learning how to think about stories and how they can shape our thinking, specifically, finding the shape of the gospel and redemption in so many stories written in ancient times and in fairy tales and myths. I have but scratched the surface and I am encouraged that there is a never ending supply of good reading. I would ask that the hosts reconsider how they treat the classical Christian education (cCe) community with some of the disparaging comments made in recent episodes. My children are enrolled in a cCe school and have been taught many of the same concepts that are discussed and encouraged on this podcast, not just in their literature classes but in all of their classes. Making general statements about something you have not fully investigated is not helpful. I would suggest that you attempt to gather fellow teachers in rather than bar the gates. I see the opportunity for collaboration here but I hear comments from the hosts that make it seem like there is an “inner ring” that some have missed.

I look forward every week to listening to Angelina, Cindy, Thomas and special guests share their wisdom and guidance in reading these stories! I have always loved books but had never seen the beauty that is in these stories, until I started listening to them. They have opened my eyes to see how the stories are all talking to each other and it’s so exciting to start making connections! I highly recommend this podcast!!

My (reading) life has improved immensely since starting to follow along with the books read on this podcast. This is the podcast for you if you want to deep dive into good literature and have your thinking challenged. The ecumenical views of the hosts bring a breath of fresh air to the great conversation. The longer I listen the more I am convinced that stories will indeed save the world.

Delightful!! Love this trio-the poems, common place quotes and insights into how stories will save the world! I’ve listened on and off for years now and always come back for inspiration on what to read and how to read the great books! Thanks Angelina, Thomas and Cindy!

I have been listening to this podcast for almost 2 years. I appreciate all I have learned from you. Thank you!

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you ladies and Mr. Banks for teaching us so many things and causing us to think about stories in completely new ways- all with grace and humility. Your time is valued and appreciated.

I am getting all choked up thinking about how much this podcast and these reading challenges have meant to me. I’ve always loved reading (and have kept a log since I saw Mr. Biltmore’s in 2000), but this podcast…getting to know Cindy and Angelina as a homeschool mom…the turmoil of hurricanes, our family business, losing loved ones, and just the trials of being alive- I’m so grateful. The reading challenges, beautiful discussions, and the unwrapping of ideas through these episodes has added deeper dimensions to my life and often about explodes my brain! You have all brought me so much joy, and this my whole family. Thank you for what you do. We love your hearts. Y’all are on our prayer list for life 😉

I’m so sorry it took me so long to write this review. I love y’all so so much. Your podcast helped me through 2020 for crying out loud!! I really wish this was around when I was 11 and I wanted to read all the great books but didn’t know where to start so I started with Little Women and went on from there; reading in spurts and stops for a while, meandering my way through the books that basically plopped in my lap. Then one day, I heard Angelina on the Schole Sisters podcast and that was it. Sorry Schole Sisters but I left y’all for The Literary Life (I still listen to y’all sometimes 🤗). Angelina, Thomas and Cindy have drastically enriched my literary life and therefor let my life as a whole! Y’all are the people I’ve waited for my whole life! If you want to read books that have made it through centuries and want to know how they all connect and talk to each other and have that transform your being, this is the podcast for you. In listening to this podcast, I’ve become a more educated person, a more focused homeschool mom, better Bible reader and lover of God.

I don’t know how to describe what this podcast means to me. The hosts have become friends I get to listen to as I get to digest a book with them, a book I never would have read without their suggestion and certainly would have struggled to think about. I used to be a reader and wondered if that part of me would ever come back. Listening to this podcast has accelerated that return to the love of books and stories AND being reminded of why this matters, giving me an imagination for what is really real. It is so encouraging to me. And all this while being in the season of babies and toddlers.

So disappointed with this podcast. An hour in and they have yet to discuss the actual book. I finally just turned it off. They spend too much time expressing their very opinionated views on so many things, except the text itself. Also, one lady who dominates the conversation needs to slow down, not talk so fast, and let the others participate more. This podcast would be so much better if they would discussed the work itself, sharing insights listeners might not have caught in their own reading. I keep waiting for them to get into a deep discussion of the book, but when I get over an hour into the podcast and they still haven’t touched on the story, I know my time is better spent elsewhere.

Love this one! I learn so much, it’s so enjoyable to listen to these friends chat about literature and life - come here to be enriched, uplifted and enlightened!

This is my favorite of the book podcasts that I've listened to. It's both interesting and educational in a format that works well for me. It isn't too long, but it's long enough to get into the particulars of the book, the author, and other related material. It's edifying without being snobby nor preachy, nor compromising.

I always love hearing about books and literature from people who understand and love it. I don’t really have friends who want to talk about things like this with me, so this is both refreshing and dreadfully painful, as all I want is to talk with them too!!😂

I really appreciate this podcast! The hosts are wonderful and they choose incredible books. I’m currently working through their series on Till We Have Faces (a true masterpiece!)