Ars Libri

An everyman's journey through western literature.
  • 4.6 (11)
  • FICTION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

An everyman's journey through western literature. Book-by-book reading, discussion, and introduction. For youth and adults. arslibri.substack.com

  1. Crime And Punishment

    1D AGO

    Crime And Punishment

    Crime and Punishment is a psychological novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky that follows Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished ex-student in St. Petersburg who murders an unscrupulous pawnbroker, believing himself to be a superior being exempt from moral law. Tormented by intense guilt and paranoia, Raskolnikov wrestles with his conscience while evading detection by the cunning investigator Porfiry Petrovich. Through suffering, spiritual redemption, and the influence of the compassionate Sonya, he ultimately confesses and begins a path toward moral regeneration. Intense psychological exploration of guilt, murder, and redemption; philosophical depth, moral complexity, and disturbing content make it appropriate only for mature adult readers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

    38 min
  2. The Ideal Curriculum

    6D AGO

    The Ideal Curriculum

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.com The first of a series in which we discuss the quest for the ideal homeschool and/or private school curriculum. Key guideposts are: Intention, Intelligence, and Identity.

    11 min

  3. FEB 24

    The Indian In The Cupboard

    A classic middle-grade fantasy with some intense moments and moral questions about responsibility and war. Although a popular book, it contains a good deal of lying and presents lies in a sympathetic light. Strongly suggest parents read this book with their children and/or talk to their children about the wrongness of lying. Recommended edition: The Indian in the Cupboard This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min
  4. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

    FEB 17

    Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

    Tuck Everlasting is a novel by Natalie Babbitt, published in 1975. It follows ten-year-old Winnie Foster, a sheltered girl from the village of Treegap, who ventures into the nearby woods and discovers a hidden spring that grants eternal life. Winnie encounters the immortal Tuck family, who drank from the spring decades ago and have remained unchanged ever since. As Winnie grows close to the Tucks—especially the youthful Jesse—she considers the question of whether living forever is a blessing or a curse, while a mysterious stranger threatens to expose their secret. The story thoughtfully explores themes of life, death, and the natural cycle of existence. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

    39 min
  5. Modern Tech vs. Classic Lit

    FEB 12

    Modern Tech vs. Classic Lit

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit arslibri.substack.com Can any good stories be written in the age of cell phones, social media, and the internet? We explore ways of knowing prior to and after the advent of new technologies and discuss why all good stories are based on a world without them.

    12 min

  6. FEB 10

    Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice

    A truly Great Book and wonderful story about the lives of gentry in late 18th century England. Everyone - including men - should read the book at least twice. We also recommend watching the six-part BBC movie series. Wholesome for any ages. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 29m

  7. FEB 3

    Door In The Wall by Marguerite de Angeli

    The story of a 10 year old young man in the 1300s who, despite physical disability, proves his noble and courageous spirit by industry and bravery amid plague and war. This is a good book in that it presents strong characters who face real world trials and, by grace and effort, they overcome. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

    47 min

  8. JAN 27

    "The Railway Children" by Edith Nesbit

    Today we’re stepping back to 1906 with E. Nesbit’s timeless classic, The Railway Children—a story of three brave siblings whose ordinary world turns upside down, leading them to a little house by the tracks where adventure, courage, and real-life lessons wait around every bend. If you’ve ever wanted a book that feels like it was written for curious homeschool hearts, this is it. The movie filmed in the year 2000 is quite good. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arslibri.substack.com/subscribe

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

An everyman's journey through western literature. Book-by-book reading, discussion, and introduction. For youth and adults. arslibri.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    An everyman's journey through western literature.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Friar Librorum
  • Show Website
    Ars Libri

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