How to Eat an Elephant: A Little Book Club for Large Books

Latest Episodes:

Season 3 Trailer Sep 12, 2024

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You thought it'd never happen! (We were getting nervous ourselves...) Ian, Megan, and Emily are finally back to reveal the next large book the podcast will be consuming, one bite at a time!

We also introduce our new host, Charlotte Andrews! (Just kidding...although she makes a rather insistent contribution to this trailer, she will not be joining us for future episodes.)

Find a copy of our edition of the next title and the episode schedule at www.centerforlit.com/hee.

HEE Watches Ridley Scott's "Napoleon" (2023) Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

Surprise!! We’ve got a bonus episode for you. Thus far the How to Eat an Elephant podcast has covered War and Peace and Les Misérables. Napoleon Bonaparte features heavily in both of these novels, and so we thought we’d get the crew together to watch Ridley Scott’s recent film about the notorious French Emperor and see how his take compares to those of Tolstoy and Hugo. What did we think? Well…you’ll have to listen and find out… Our new crew member, Charlotte Andrews, also chimes in a bit in the background of this episode… ;) P.S. We’d love to hear what you think of the film! If you decide to buy Napoleon, please consider using our affiliate link here to help support our work at CenterForLit!

An Important Announcement! Sep 26, 2023

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How to Eat an Elephant will be taking a temporary break. But lest you despair: tune in to find out our plan for returning and what we’ll be doing in the meantime!

Les Misérables: The Musical Sep 21, 2023

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In this episode, the HEE crew frolic about in their love for Schönberg and Boublil’s classic musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel. They compare the musical to the book and discuss the ways in which the medium of theater (and film!) allows creators to emphasize Hugo’s themes in unique ways. Ian’s Comprehensive List of the Best “Bring Him Home” Performances: Colm Wilkinson at the 10th Anniversary concert (my all-time favorite) Alfie Boe at the 25th anniversary concert Gary Morris on the complete symphonic recording John Owen Jones Four tenors rendition featuring Wilkinson, Boe, Jones, and another tenor I don't recognize Current Broadway star Ramin Karimloo, who is my second favorite performer after Wilkinson Very young Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things (amazing!) Join the Facebook discussion group here! Watch out for an announcement about what’s coming next on the HEE podcast!

Les Misérables: Conclusion Aug 16, 2023

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In this episode, the HEE team takes a moment to look back and contemplate our journey through Les Misérables. We attempt a bird’s eye view of themes like the historical importance of the 19th century, the role of duty and love, Hugo’s definition of education, and his ultimate vision of hope for the miserable ones. (We apologize for the poor sound quality in areas of this episode. Ian and Emily are rearranging their recording studio and haven’t quite gotten it fine-tuned yet.) Join the Facebook discussion group here! Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee

Les Misérables: Book 5, Chapters 8-9 Aug 02, 2023

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Today’s the day! In this episode, we discuss the conclusion to Jean Valjean’s story. Join the Facebook discussion group here! Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee

Les Misérables: Book 5, Chapters 6-7 Jul 22, 2023

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In this second to last “official” episode for Les Misérables, the HEE team discusses the idealistic joy of Marius and Cosette’s wedding as it compares to the realistic struggle of Jean Valjean’s decision to take up his real name. Join the Facebook discussion group here! Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee

Les Misérables: Book 5, Chapters 4-5 Jun 30, 2023

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The payoff of the novel is upon us! In this episode we discuss two magnificent scenes: the profound conclusion of Javert’s story and the reconciliation of Marius and his grandfather. **Due to 2/3 members of the HEE crew being on the road and the fact that our talented audio editor is on paternity leave, the sound quality of this episode is not up to our usual standards. Please accept our apologies, our assurance that quality will return for future episodes, and our opinion that the thematic content we discuss in this episode is still WORTH IT!! Join the Facebook discussion group here! Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee

Les Misérables: Book 5, Chapters 2-3 Jun 16, 2023

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At long last the HEE crew ventures into the Paris sewers! They do their best to navigate its powerful, metaphorical layers while avoiding junior high humor. Join the Facebook discussion group here! Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee

Les Misérables: Book 5, Chapter 1 Jun 09, 2023

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The HEE crew is back! We’re discussing Book One of Jean Valjean – it’s the beginning of the end. Topics include Hugo’s philosophy of history, the tension between ideal and real in the story, and Cosette’s strange interlude in this passage about the barricades. Join the Facebook discussion group here! Follow along with our reading schedule: https://www.centerforlit.com/hee

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