The Book Common Room

TheBookCommonRoom
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hello! We are Lauren and Kali and we want to create a space for all to join in on our book discussions and learn to love reading. 

  1. FEB 23

    Borges: Short Stories & Existential Crises

    In our fourth episode of the season, we explore short stories by Jorge Luis Borges: Shakespeare’s Memory, Death and the Compass, The Circular Ruins, and Everything and Nothing. Join us as we delve into existential crises, the metaphysical genre, theories of authorship and readership, the tension between meaning and meaninglessness, and the question of whether originality truly exists. Borges Short Stories:  1. Shakespeare’s Memory: English translation (p. 1036): ⁠https://posthegemony.files.wordpress....⁠ Spanish: ⁠https://ciudadseva.com/texto/la-memor... 2. Death and the Compass: English translation: ⁠https://analepsis.org/wp-content/uplo... Spanish: ⁠https://lecturia.org/cuentos-y-relato...  3. The Circular Ruins: English translation and Spanish: ⁠https://people.duke.edu/~garci/garcit... 4. Everything and Nothing: English translation (p. 693): ⁠http://posthegemony.wordpress.com/wp-... Spanish: ⁠https://borgestodoelanio.blogspot.com...⁠  Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 “American”: I. Allegro ma n

    46 min

  2. FEB 9

    Is Borges the Most Important Writer of the 20th Century?

    In our third episode, we explore who Borges was and the influence he has had on literature.  February Borges Short Stories:  1. Shakespeare’s Memory: English translation (p. 1036): ⁠https://posthegemony.files.wordpress....⁠ Spanish: ⁠https://ciudadseva.com/texto/la-memor...⁠ 2. Death and the CompassEnglish translation: ⁠https://analepsis.org/wp-content/uplo...⁠ Spanish: ⁠https://lecturia.org/cuentos-y-relato...⁠ 3. The Circular Ruins: English translation and Spanish: ⁠https://people.duke.edu/~garci/garcit...⁠ 4. Everything and Nothing: English translation (p. 693): ⁠http://posthegemony.wordpress.com/wp-...⁠ Spanish: ⁠https://borgestodoelanio.blogspot.com...⁠ Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 “American”: I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991). References:

    44 min

  3. JAN 26

    Discussing Tress of the Emerald Sea & Emmanuel Levinas' Ethics of the 'Other'

    In our second episode, we continue our discussion of Brandon Sanderson’s Tress of the Emerald Sea! Join us as we discuss our favorite moments and how they tie to Emmanuel Levinas' ethics of the 'Other'. February Borges Short Stories: 1. Shakespeare’s Memory:  English translation (p. 1036): https://posthegemony.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/borges_collected-fictions.pdf? Spanish: https://ciudadseva.com/texto/la-memoria-de-shakespeare/? 2. Death and the Compass English translation: https://analepsis.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/deathcompass.pdf? Spanish: https://lecturia.org/cuentos-y-relatos/jorge-luis-borges-la-muerte-y-la-brujula/2618/  3. The Circular Ruins:  English translation and Spanish: https://people.duke.edu/~garci/garcitextos/bilingues/BORGES-JL/CUENTOS/RUINAS-CIRCULARES.HTM? 4. Everything and Nothing:  English translation (p. 693): http://posthegemony.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/borges_collected-fictions.pdf? Spanish: https://borgestodoelanio.blogspot.com/2014/06/jorge-luis-borges-everything-and-nothing.html  Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 “American”: I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991). References:  - Elliot Brooks: https://youtu.be/ObZfoxV836k?si=axZjrhro03NiIaxx https://crownschool.uchicago.edu/student-life/advocates-forum/suffering-relatedness-and-transformation-levinas-and-relational

    47 min

  4. JAN 12

    Introducing Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Gentle Entry into Fantasy_S2E1

    In the first episode of our new season, we introduce Brandon Sanderson’s Tress of the Emerald Sea! Kick off the new year with us as we explore a story celebrated for its charming, character-driven narrative and imaginative worldbuilding. Link is in our bio!  Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 “American”: I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991). References:  Brandon Sanderson’s First Law of Magic: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/sandersons-first-law?_pos%3D1%26_sid%3Dbc614b73c%26_ss%3Dr&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1768185396086790&usg=AOvVaw0GOvOv0qB4mMVhQYpnETdU Brandon Sanderson’s Second Law of Magic: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/sandersons-second-law?_pos%3D1%26_sid%3D35f57675a%26_ss%3Dr&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1768185396090156&usg=AOvVaw3p3YKMkTLONIjF1CGslUX0  Brandon Sanderson’s Third Law of Magic: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/sandersons-third-law-of-magic?_pos%3D3%26_sid%3Dbc614b73c%26_ss%3Dr&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1768185396090788&usg=AOvVaw1EfNOJIDEpnFiMFPe2ZeeV

    45 min

  5. 12/22/2025

    2025 Reading Recap & Our 2026 Goals_Episode 38

    In our thirty-eighth episode, we reflect on our 2025 best reads and goals. Additionally, we discuss our new goals for 2026.  Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 “American”: I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991).

    56 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Narnia: The Deep Dive Behind the Wardrobe_Episode 37

    In our thirty-seventh episode, we slip through the wardrobe one last time this year for a spoiler-filled journey through The Chronicles of Narnia. As we close out our final book of the year and step into the winter season, we take a closer look at C. S. Lewis—examining the craft behind his storytelling, the themes that shape Narnia, and the enduring impact of his imaginative world. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 “American”: I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991).

    1h 4m

  7. 11/24/2025

    Lessons in Little Women: A Deep Dive_Episode 36

    In our thirty-sixth episode, take a deep dive into Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Join us as we spend the month with the March family, exploring the charm, heart, and timeless spirit of this beloved classic. Loisa May Alcott's Diary (p. 201): https://www.google.com/books/edition/Louisa_May_Alcott/wu4x7eZ2IccC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA11&printsec=frontcover Louisa May Alcott: Dreamer and Worker by Belle Moses (pp. 189-190): https://www.google.com/books/edition/Louisa_May_Alcott_Dreamer_and_Worker/4dodV5Twk-EC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PP9&printsec=frontcover Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991).

    1h 1m

  8. 11/10/2025

    Sisterhood, Stories, and Little Women_Episode 35

    In our thirty-fifth episode, we’re introducing Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, our November book club pick. Join us as we spend the month with the March family, exploring the charm, heart, and timeless spirit of this beloved classic. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991).

    52 min
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5
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About

Hello! We are Lauren and Kali and we want to create a space for all to join in on our book discussions and learn to love reading. 

Information

  • Creator
    TheBookCommonRoom
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Book Common Room
  • Show Website
    The Book Common Room
  • Provider
    The Book Common Room