The Gibson Girl Review

The Gibson Girl Review
  • 4.8 (18)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to The Gibson Girl Review, a unique podcast that celebrates the surprisingly relevant world of Gilded Age and Progressive Era literature. Combining our passions for history and old books, we explore life and love at the turn of the 20th century through its contemporary fiction—books that today are often valued only for their gorgeous covers. But what entertaining surprises and historical secrets lie within? Join us as we rescue these antique novels from the doom of mere décor and uncover all that they still have to teach us about the world and ourselves in it—both then and now.

  1. RE-READ: The Young Soul Is Ever Winged—Part II

    05/20/2025

    RE-READ: The Young Soul Is Ever Winged—Part II

    As part of the Gibson Girl Review Reading Challenge theme for the month, to read a "Coming of Age Story," we once again return to the podcast archives to revisit one of the most famous coming-of-age stories of all time. In this conclusion of our review of Kate Douglas Wiggin's 1903 classic, REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM, our hosts finally address the issues of plagiarism surrounding this story and its surprising similarities to an even more famous coming-of-age novel from this time period, L.M. Montgomery's ANNE OF GREEN GABLES.

    27 min
  2. RE-READ: The Young Soul Is Ever Winged—Part I

    05/09/2025

    RE-READ: The Young Soul Is Ever Winged—Part I

    Are you following along with the Gibson Girl Review Reading Challenge? For this month's theme, "A Coming of Age Story," we're diving into the podcast archives to take another look at one of the most famous coming-of-age stories of all time, REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM. This 1903 classic by Kate Douglas Wiggin is perfectly charming in its own right, but today it is perhaps best known for its controversial similarities to another classic coming-of-age tale. Is it a case of plagiarism? Which one is better? Tune in to this special "Re-Read" episode to join the discussion!

    27 min
  3. "Different" Is a Very Good Word: Our Review of A FAIR BARBARIAN (1880)

    04/25/2025

    "Different" Is a Very Good Word: Our Review of A FAIR BARBARIAN (1880)

    For the first time on this podcast, we are talking about a book that was written in direct response to a book we previously reviewed! Whether or not you're a fans of Henry James' 1878 short story "Daisy Miller," you'll want to tune in to Amy and Jacinta's review of A FAIR BARBARIAN, written in 1880 by Frances Hodgson Burnett as a direct response to Daisy. Plus this month's book has connections to another story from the Gibson Girl archives, so we're making all kinds of historic connections in this all-new episode! *To avoid any possible spoilers in this episode, CLICK HERE to download a free copy of this public domain book, so you can read it before you listen!*

    25 min
  4. Introducing A FAIR BARBARIAN (1880)

    04/08/2025

    Introducing A FAIR BARBARIAN (1880)

    If you love THE SECRET GARDEN and A LITTLE PRINCESS... then this month's all new rediscovery may come as a pleasant surprise! Amy and Jacinta take a first look at A FAIR BARBARIAN by Frances Hodgson Burnett, first published serially in 1880. But will this obscure piece of historic fiction live up to this famous author's reputation? Tune in for a quick introduction and sample reading from this Gilded Age story, then click the link below to read along with us this month! CLICK HERE for complete show notes, including a link to download today's public domain book for FREE!

    19 min
  5. Scientific Motherhood: Our Review of THE INCUBATOR BABY (1906)

    03/25/2025

    Scientific Motherhood: Our Review of THE INCUBATOR BABY (1906)

    After introducing all of you to THE INCUBATOR BABY in our last episode, Amy and Jacinta return to share their thoughts on this little story first published in 1906! *To avoid any possible spoilers in this episode, please CLICK HERE to download a free copy of this public domain book, so you can read it before you listen!*

    13 min
  6. Introducing THE INCUBATOR BABY (1906)

    03/11/2025

    Introducing THE INCUBATOR BABY (1906)

    Amy and Jacinta return to the dusty, forgotten bookshelves to bring you our 50th episode! It's a whole new format this season, with multiple short episodes per book, allowing all of you to read along with us BEFORE you hear what we think of each book! And with Jacinta's very special announcement, it is an absolute no-brainer why we're kicking off Season Five with Ellis Parker Butler's 1906 novel, THE INCUBATOR BABY. (Yes, you read that right!) What's it about? We honestly have no idea... but that title sure piques our interest. Tune in for a quick introduction and sample of this antique novel, then click the link below to read along with us! CLICK HERE for complete show notes, including a link to download today's public domain book for FREE!

    12 min
  7. Christmas Isn't Things—It's Thoughts

    12/24/2024

    Christmas Isn't Things—It's Thoughts

    Merry Christmas, old book lovers! Season Four of The Gibson Girl Review comes to a close with this charming holiday novel, THIS WAY TO CHRISTMAS by Ruth Sawyer (1916), which brings a surprising amount of international zest to the festive season. Plus Amy and Jacinta have a big announcement about an exciting new venture for the podcast, and the season-long history segment celebrating the Golden Age of Illustration concludes with a look at the most famous American illustrator of all time, Norman Rockwell. GET YOUR COPY of our brand new book, A GIBSON GIRL CHRISTMAS, right here! CLICK HERE for complete show notes, including a link to download today's public domain book for FREE!

    35 min
  8. The One Who Owns You, Body and Soul

    12/17/2024

    The One Who Owns You, Body and Soul

    Did you know that John Phillip Sousa, the legendary composer and band leader, wrote novels? Neither did we! Which is exactly why Amy and guest reviewer Monique Hurtado just had to read his 1902 debut story, THE FIFTH STRING. It's a Faustian allegory that definitely left us thinking about our upcoming New Year's resolutions. Tune in and tell us what you think! CLICK HERE for complete show notes, including a link to download this episode's public domain story for FREE!

    34 min
See All (55)

4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Gibson Girl Review, a unique podcast that celebrates the surprisingly relevant world of Gilded Age and Progressive Era literature. Combining our passions for history and old books, we explore life and love at the turn of the 20th century through its contemporary fiction—books that today are often valued only for their gorgeous covers. But what entertaining surprises and historical secrets lie within? Join us as we rescue these antique novels from the doom of mere décor and uncover all that they still have to teach us about the world and ourselves in it—both then and now.

Information

  • Creator
    The Gibson Girl Review
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Gibson Girl Review
  • Show Website
    The Gibson Girl Review