2 MAY 2024 · Narrated by: Coach Soha An instant New York Times bestseller! A New York Times Notable Book of 2022 “Batuman has a gift for making the universe seem, somehow, like the benevolent and witty literary seminar you wish it were . . .This novel wins you over in a million micro-observations.” —The New York Times  “Batuman is a genius, rendering human folly at its most colorful and borderline surreal.” —Vogue From the acclaimed and bestselling author of The Idiot, the continuation of beloved protagonist Selin’s quest for self-knowledge, as she travels abroad and tests the limits of her newfound adulthood Selin is the luckiest person in her family: the only one who was born in America and got to go to Harvard. Now it’s sophomore year, 1996, and Selin knows she has to make it count. The first order of business: to figure out the meaning of everything that happened over the summer. Why did Selin’s elusive crush, Ivan, find her that job in the Hungarian countryside? What was up with all those other people in the Hungarian countryside? Why is Ivan’s weird ex-girlfriend now trying to get in touch with Selin? On the plus side, it feels like the plot of an exciting novel. On the other hand, why do so many novels have crazy abandoned women in them? How does one live a life as interesting as a novel—a life worthy of becoming a novel—without becoming a crazy abandoned woman oneself? Guided by her literature syllabus and by her more worldly and confident peers, Selin reaches certain conclusions about the universal importance of parties, alcohol, and sex, and resolves to execute them in practice—no matter what the cost. Next on the list: international travel. Unfolding with the propulsive logic and intensity of youth, Either/Or is a landmark novel by one of our most brilliant writers. Hilarious, revelatory, and unforgettable, its gripping narrative will confront you with searching questions that persist long after the last page. read

11 MAR 2024 · Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier. It is narrated by Relux a.k.a Soha - Chapter 4 Rebecca's narrative takes the form of a flashback. The heroine, who remains nameless, lives in Europe with her husband, Maxim de Winter, traveling from hotel to hotel, harboring memories of a beautiful home called Manderley, which, we learn, has been destroyed by fire. The story begins with her memories of how she and Maxim first met, in Monte Carlo, years before.In her flashback, the heroine is working as the young traveling companion to a wealthy American named Mrs. Van Hopper. In her flashback, Maxim is staying at the same hotel as the heroine and her employer, and after knowing the heroine for only a few weeks, he proposes marriage. She accepts, and he marries her and takes her back to his ancestral estate of Manderley. But a dark cloud hangs over their marriage: Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, drowned in a cove near Manderley the previous year, and her ghost haunts the newlyweds' home. Rebecca's devoted housekeeper, the sinister Mrs. Danvers, is still in charge of Manderley, and she frightens and intimidates her new mistress. Despite the encouragement of the house overseer, Frank Crawley, and Maxim's sister, Beatrice, the heroine struggles in her new life at Manderley. She feels that she can never compare favorably to Rebecca, who was beautiful, talented, and brilliant--or so everyone says--and soon she feels that Maxim is still in love with his dead wife. Manderley traditionally hosts a costume ball each year, and it is soon time for the gala to take place. Swept up in the preparations, the heroine's spirits begin to revive. But the ball ends in disaster: on Mrs. Danvers's suggestion she wears a costume that, it turns out, is the same dress that Rebecca wore at the last ball. Upon seeing the heroine, Maxim is horrified, and the heroine becomes convinced that he will never love her, that he is still devoted to Rebecca. The following day, Mrs. Danvers almost convinces her to kill herself, and she only breaks away from the old woman's spell when rockets go off over the cove, signaling that a ship has run aground. When divers swim near the grounded ship, they find the wreckage of Rebecca's sailboat, with Rebecca's dead body in the hold. This discovery prompts Maxim to tell the heroine the truth: Rebecca was a malevolent, wicked woman, who lived a secret life and carried on multiple affairs, including one with her cousin, Jack Favell. On the night of her death, Maxim had demanded a divorce, and she had refused, and told him that she was pregnant with Favell's child. Furious, he seized a gun and shot her, and then sailed out to the harbor in Rebecca's boat and sank it, with the body stowed safely inside. This revelation restores the heroine's marriage, and enables her to finally shake off the burden of Rebecca's ghost. Meanwhile, however, the noose of justice tightens around Maxim: first, it is found that holes have been drilled in the bottom of Rebecca's boat; luckily the coroner delivers a report of suicide, rather than murder. But soon Rebecca's cousin Favell, certain that Rebecca did not kill herself, accuses Maxim of the crime. The local magistrate, Colonel Julyan, investigates, and finds that on the day of her death, Rebecca went up to London to see a Doctor Baker. Favell, Maxim, and the heroine accompany Julyan to London; the heroine is certain that Baker will reveal that Rebecca was pregnant, thus revealing Maxim's vengeful motive for murder. But instead, it turns out that Rebecca was dying of cancer, and that furthermore she was infertile; she had lied to Maxim about her pregnancy. Her terminal illness now supplies a motive for Rebecca's supposed suicide, and Maxim is saved. He and the heroine drive all night back to Manderley, stopping only once, when Maxim calls home and learns that Mrs. Danvers has disappeared. As they crest the ridge near the mansion, they look down and find it in flames.

29 FEB 2024 · About The Narrator: The narrator for this episode is Soha a.k,a Rulux. She will read the novel "King of Wrath.", Who's author is Anna Huang. A talented writer known for her captivating storytelling and ability to create complex and compelling characters. With "King of Wrath," she has once again delivered a gripping tale of love, power, and unexpected connections. Summary: In this episode, Anna Huang takes us into the world of her novel "King of Wrath." The story revolves around Dante Russo, a ruthless and arrogant billionaire CEO, and Vivian Lau, an elegant and ambitious woman from a new money family. Forced into an arranged marriage, Dante and Vivian find themselves drawn to each other despite their initial reservations. As their relationship develops, they must navigate the challenges of their respective backgrounds and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart.The episode begins with a description of Dante and Vivian's characters and their unexpected engagement. Vivian, the perfect daughter from a new money family, agrees to the arranged marriage for the sake of her family's social standing. Dante, on the other hand, is determined to destroy the evidence of their betrothal. However, as they spend more time together, they find it difficult to resist their growing attraction.The story is set against the backdrop of a high society event, where Dante's unexpected presence causes a stir among the guests. As Vivian navigates her responsibilities as an event planner, she can't help but be drawn to Dante's enigmatic presence. However, their budding romance is threatened by external forces and the secrets they both carry.As the episode progresses, Vivian receives a call from her father, who summons her for an important dinner. This news adds to Vivian's anxiety and raises questions about her family's intentions. The episode ends with Vivian's uncertainty about what awaits her at the dinner and the potential impact it could have on her life.Key Takeaways: - Dante Russo, a ruthless billionaire CEO, is forced into an arranged marriage with Vivian Lau, the daughter of his newest enemy. - Vivian, an ambitious and well-mannered woman, agrees to the marriage for the sake of her family's social standing. - Despite their initial reservations, Dante and Vivian find themselves drawn to each other and struggle to resist their growing attraction. - The story is set against the backdrop of a high society event, where Dante's unexpected presence causes a stir among the guests. - Vivian's father summons her for an important dinner, raising questions about her family's intentions and adding to her anxiety. Quotes: - "He'll do everything in his power to destroy the evidence and their betrothal." - Anna Huang - "Now that he has her, he can't bring himself to let her go." - Anna Huang - "Marrying a blue-blooded Russo means opening doors that would otherwise remain closed to her new money family." - Anna Huang - "I can't believe he showed up. People will be talking about this for weeks." - Anna Huang - "No one actually cares about the piping plovers. I mean, I'm sad that they are endangered, but let's be honest, the people are here for the scene only." - Anna Huang - "Dante Russo, the enigmatic CEO of luxury goods conglomerate the Russo group?" - Anna Huang - "We have important news. Did something happen with the company? Was someone sick or dying?" - Anna Huang

22 FEB 2024 · Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier. It is narrated by Relux a.k.a Soha - Chapter 3 Rebecca's narrative takes the form of a flashback. The heroine, who remains nameless, lives in Europe with her husband, Maxim de Winter, traveling from hotel to hotel, harboring memories of a beautiful home called Manderley, which, we learn, has been destroyed by fire. The story begins with her memories of how she and Maxim first met, in Monte Carlo, years before.In her flashback, the heroine is working as the young traveling companion to a wealthy American named Mrs. Van Hopper. In her flashback, Maxim is staying at the same hotel as the heroine and her employer, and after knowing the heroine for only a few weeks, he proposes marriage. She accepts, and he marries her and takes her back to his ancestral estate of Manderley. But a dark cloud hangs over their marriage: Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, drowned in a cove near Manderley the previous year, and her ghost haunts the newlyweds' home. Rebecca's devoted housekeeper, the sinister Mrs. Danvers, is still in charge of Manderley, and she frightens and intimidates her new mistress. Despite the encouragement of the house overseer, Frank Crawley, and Maxim's sister, Beatrice, the heroine struggles in her new life at Manderley. She feels that she can never compare favorably to Rebecca, who was beautiful, talented, and brilliant--or so everyone says--and soon she feels that Maxim is still in love with his dead wife. Manderley traditionally hosts a costume ball each year, and it is soon time for the gala to take place. Swept up in the preparations, the heroine's spirits begin to revive. But the ball ends in disaster: on Mrs. Danvers's suggestion she wears a costume that, it turns out, is the same dress that Rebecca wore at the last ball. Upon seeing the heroine, Maxim is horrified, and the heroine becomes convinced that he will never love her, that he is still devoted to Rebecca. The following day, Mrs. Danvers almost convinces her to kill herself, and she only breaks away from the old woman's spell when rockets go off over the cove, signaling that a ship has run aground. When divers swim near the grounded ship, they find the wreckage of Rebecca's sailboat, with Rebecca's dead body in the hold. This discovery prompts Maxim to tell the heroine the truth: Rebecca was a malevolent, wicked woman, who lived a secret life and carried on multiple affairs, including one with her cousin, Jack Favell. On the night of her death, Maxim had demanded a divorce, and she had refused, and told him that she was pregnant with Favell's child. Furious, he seized a gun and shot her, and then sailed out to the harbor in Rebecca's boat and sank it, with the body stowed safely inside. This revelation restores the heroine's marriage, and enables her to finally shake off the burden of Rebecca's ghost. Meanwhile, however, the noose of justice tightens around Maxim: first, it is found that holes have been drilled in the bottom of Rebecca's boat; luckily the coroner delivers a report of suicide, rather than murder. But soon Rebecca's cousin Favell, certain that Rebecca did not kill herself, accuses Maxim of the crime. The local magistrate, Colonel Julyan, investigates, and finds that on the day of her death, Rebecca went up to London to see a Doctor Baker. Favell, Maxim, and the heroine accompany Julyan to London; the heroine is certain that Baker will reveal that Rebecca was pregnant, thus revealing Maxim's vengeful motive for murder. But instead, it turns out that Rebecca was dying of cancer, and that furthermore she was infertile; she had lied to Maxim about her pregnancy. Her terminal illness now supplies a motive for Rebecca's supposed suicide, and Maxim is saved. He and the heroine drive all night back to Manderley, stopping only once, when Maxim calls home and learns that Mrs. Danvers has disappeared. As they crest the ridge near the mansion, they look down and find it in flames.

12 FEB 2024 · Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier. It is narrated by Relux a.k.a Soha - Chapter 2 Rebecca's narrative takes the form of a flashback. The heroine, who remains nameless, lives in Europe with her husband, Maxim de Winter, traveling from hotel to hotel, harboring memories of a beautiful home called Manderley, which, we learn, has been destroyed by fire. The story begins with her memories of how she and Maxim first met, in Monte Carlo, years before.In her flashback, the heroine is working as the young traveling companion to a wealthy American named Mrs. Van Hopper. In her flashback, Maxim is staying at the same hotel as the heroine and her employer, and after knowing the heroine for only a few weeks, he proposes marriage. She accepts, and he marries her and takes her back to his ancestral estate of Manderley. But a dark cloud hangs over their marriage: Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, drowned in a cove near Manderley the previous year, and her ghost haunts the newlyweds' home. Rebecca's devoted housekeeper, the sinister Mrs. Danvers, is still in charge of Manderley, and she frightens and intimidates her new mistress. Despite the encouragement of the house overseer, Frank Crawley, and Maxim's sister, Beatrice, the heroine struggles in her new life at Manderley. She feels that she can never compare favorably to Rebecca, who was beautiful, talented, and brilliant--or so everyone says--and soon she feels that Maxim is still in love with his dead wife. Manderley traditionally hosts a costume ball each year, and it is soon time for the gala to take place. Swept up in the preparations, the heroine's spirits begin to revive. But the ball ends in disaster: on Mrs. Danvers's suggestion she wears a costume that, it turns out, is the same dress that Rebecca wore at the last ball. Upon seeing the heroine, Maxim is horrified, and the heroine becomes convinced that he will never love her, that he is still devoted to Rebecca. The following day, Mrs. Danvers almost convinces her to kill herself, and she only breaks away from the old woman's spell when rockets go off over the cove, signaling that a ship has run aground. When divers swim near the grounded ship, they find the wreckage of Rebecca's sailboat, with Rebecca's dead body in the hold. This discovery prompts Maxim to tell the heroine the truth: Rebecca was a malevolent, wicked woman, who lived a secret life and carried on multiple affairs, including one with her cousin, Jack Favell. On the night of her death, Maxim had demanded a divorce, and she had refused, and told him that she was pregnant with Favell's child. Furious, he seized a gun and shot her, and then sailed out to the harbor in Rebecca's boat and sank it, with the body stowed safely inside. This revelation restores the heroine's marriage, and enables her to finally shake off the burden of Rebecca's ghost. Meanwhile, however, the noose of justice tightens around Maxim: first, it is found that holes have been drilled in the bottom of Rebecca's boat; luckily the coroner delivers a report of suicide, rather than murder. But soon Rebecca's cousin Favell, certain that Rebecca did not kill herself, accuses Maxim of the crime. The local magistrate, Colonel Julyan, investigates, and finds that on the day of her death, Rebecca went up to London to see a Doctor Baker. Favell, Maxim, and the heroine accompany Julyan to London; the heroine is certain that Baker will reveal that Rebecca was pregnant, thus revealing Maxim's vengeful motive for murder. But instead, it turns out that Rebecca was dying of cancer, and that furthermore she was infertile; she had lied to Maxim about her pregnancy. Her terminal illness now supplies a motive for Rebecca's supposed suicide, and Maxim is saved. He and the heroine drive all night back to Manderley, stopping only once, when Maxim calls home and learns that Mrs. Danvers has disappeared. As they crest the ridge near the mansion, they look down and find it in flames.

3 FEB 2024 · Rebecca is a 1938 Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier. It is narrated by Relux a.k.a Soha Rebecca's narrative takes the form of a flashback. The heroine, who remains nameless, lives in Europe with her husband, Maxim de Winter, traveling from hotel to hotel, harboring memories of a beautiful home called Manderley, which, we learn, has been destroyed by fire. The story begins with her memories of how she and Maxim first met, in Monte Carlo, years before.In her flashback, the heroine is working as the young traveling companion to a wealthy American named Mrs. Van Hopper. In her flashback, Maxim is staying at the same hotel as the heroine and her employer, and after knowing the heroine for only a few weeks, he proposes marriage. She accepts, and he marries her and takes her back to his ancestral estate of Manderley. But a dark cloud hangs over their marriage: Maxim's first wife, Rebecca, drowned in a cove near Manderley the previous year, and her ghost haunts the newlyweds' home. Rebecca's devoted housekeeper, the sinister Mrs. Danvers, is still in charge of Manderley, and she frightens and intimidates her new mistress. Despite the encouragement of the house overseer, Frank Crawley, and Maxim's sister, Beatrice, the heroine struggles in her new life at Manderley. She feels that she can never compare favorably to Rebecca, who was beautiful, talented, and brilliant--or so everyone says--and soon she feels that Maxim is still in love with his dead wife. Manderley traditionally hosts a costume ball each year, and it is soon time for the gala to take place. Swept up in the preparations, the heroine's spirits begin to revive. But the ball ends in disaster: on Mrs. Danvers's suggestion she wears a costume that, it turns out, is the same dress that Rebecca wore at the last ball. Upon seeing the heroine, Maxim is horrified, and the heroine becomes convinced that he will never love her, that he is still devoted to Rebecca. The following day, Mrs. Danvers almost convinces her to kill herself, and she only breaks away from the old woman's spell when rockets go off over the cove, signaling that a ship has run aground. When divers swim near the grounded ship, they find the wreckage of Rebecca's sailboat, with Rebecca's dead body in the hold. This discovery prompts Maxim to tell the heroine the truth: Rebecca was a malevolent, wicked woman, who lived a secret life and carried on multiple affairs, including one with her cousin, Jack Favell. On the night of her death, Maxim had demanded a divorce, and she had refused, and told him that she was pregnant with Favell's child. Furious, he seized a gun and shot her, and then sailed out to the harbor in Rebecca's boat and sank it, with the body stowed safely inside. This revelation restores the heroine's marriage, and enables her to finally shake off the burden of Rebecca's ghost. Meanwhile, however, the noose of justice tightens around Maxim: first, it is found that holes have been drilled in the bottom of Rebecca's boat; luckily the coroner delivers a report of suicide, rather than murder. But soon Rebecca's cousin Favell, certain that Rebecca did not kill herself, accuses Maxim of the crime. The local magistrate, Colonel Julyan, investigates, and finds that on the day of her death, Rebecca went up to London to see a Doctor Baker. Favell, Maxim, and the heroine accompany Julyan to London; the heroine is certain that Baker will reveal that Rebecca was pregnant, thus revealing Maxim's vengeful motive for murder. But instead, it turns out that Rebecca was dying of cancer, and that furthermore she was infertile; she had lied to Maxim about her pregnancy. Her terminal illness now supplies a motive for Rebecca's supposed suicide, and Maxim is saved. He and the heroine drive all night back to Manderley, stopping only once, when Maxim calls home and learns that Mrs. Danvers has disappeared. As they crest the ridge near the mansion, they look down and find it in flames.

16 JAN 2024 · The principal object of Gothic novel is the evocation of terror by exploiting mystery and a variety of other horrors. Because of its powerful writing, and because of its concern with moral and social issues beyond the immediate plot, Jane Eyre is not generally considered a Gothic novel as such. However, it makes use of many of the elements found in the Gothic genre popular in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Charlotte Brontë invests gothic elements in Jane Eyre with a symbolic meaning to create a new, ‘female’ language. It is through this female Gothic language that Brontë creates a heroine whose autobiographical mode of writing is used to trace a story of female rebellion and search for identity. Narrated by Relux Aka Soha This podcast comprises an intense reading from the Gothic romance novel 'Jane Eyrie'. It captures a scene where protagonist Jane, perceived as socially lower and different by her family, enjoys solitude with her books before an encounter with John Reed, her tormenting elder cousin. John's cruel behaviour leads to a violent act, hitting Jane with a book. Jane, with her blood and anger boiling, retaliates uncharacteristically, leaving her punished in the red room. The narrative subtly unravels the themes of social class, cruelty, and Jane's growing independence. 00:00 Introduction to Jane Eyrie's World 02:20 Jane's Solitude and Love for Books 07:32 Encounter with John Reed 11:33 Jane's Defiance and Punishment 14:52 The Aftermath and Jane's Confinement

10 JAN 2024 · In today's episode, we delved into the opening chapter of Carly Forshung's romantic novel, "Every Summer After." Our protagonist, Persephone, also known as Percy, finds herself grappling with the aftermath of a breakup and the impulsive decision to get bangs. As she stumbles home from a party, she reflects on her past relationship with Sebastian, an up-and-coming corporate lawyer whose pretentiousness ultimately led to their split. Percy's narrative takes us through her history of casual relationships and her struggle to connect deeply with others, including Sebastian. She admits to never having been in love with any of her partners, except for one from her past.The episode takes a dramatic turn when Percy receives an unexpected late-night phone call from Charlie, the brother of her long-lost love, Sam. Charlie informs her of their mother Sue's passing due to cancer, a woman who was like a second mother to Percy during her formative years. Despite the shock and the years of distance, Charlie invites Percy to attend Sue's funeral. This invitation forces Percy to confront her past and the memories of Sam, the one who got away. After 12 years of avoiding the place that once felt like home, Percy decides to return, setting the stage for a poignant journey back to the lake where it all began.Join us next time as we continue to explore the depths of love, loss, and the paths we take to find our way back home in "Every Summer After."

3 JAN 2024 · In today's episode, we delved into the opening chapter of Carly Forshung's romantic novel, "Every Summer After." Our protagonist, Persephone, also known as Percy, finds herself grappling with the aftermath of a breakup and the impulsive decision to get bangs. As she stumbles home from a party, she reflects on her past relationship with Sebastian, an up-and-coming corporate lawyer whose pretentiousness ultimately led to their split. Percy's narrative takes us through her history of casual relationships and her struggle to connect deeply with others, including Sebastian. She admits to never having been in love with any of her partners, except for one from her past.The episode takes a dramatic turn when Percy receives an unexpected late-night phone call from Charlie, the brother of her long-lost love, Sam. Charlie informs her of their mother Sue's passing due to cancer, a woman who was like a second mother to Percy during her formative years. Despite the shock and the years of distance, Charlie invites Percy to attend Sue's funeral. This invitation forces Percy to confront her past and the memories of Sam, the one who got away. After 12 years of avoiding the place that once felt like home, Percy decides to return, setting the stage for a poignant journey back to the lake where it all began.Join us next time as we continue to explore the depths of love, loss, and the paths we take to find our way back home in "Every Summer After." Timestamp: - 00:00:03 - Post-Breakup Reflections - 00:01:10 - Sebastian's Pretentiousness - 00:02:20 - Persephone's Relationship Philosophy - 00:03:35 - Late Night Call and Memories - 00:04:50 - The Unexpected News - 00:06:10 - Remembering Sue - 00:07:25 - The Funeral Invitation - 00:08:40 - Decision to Return Quotes: - "The fourth cocktail had seemed like a good idea. So did the bangs come to think of it." - 00:00:03 - "June told me breakup bangs were almost always a very bad choice when I sat in her chair for a cut today." - 00:00:03 - "Sebastian is kind of snob and up-and-coming corporate lawyer." - 00:00:03 - "He just buys expensive stuff to give the impression of being discerning." - 00:00:03 - "I've had long ago learned to tamp down on my tendencies to let random thoughts spew unfiltered from my mouth." - 00:00:03 - "I like making men laugh, I like having company, I like taking a break from my vibrator once in a while, but I don't get attached and I don't go deep." - 00:00:03 - "Percy is the name nobody calls me anymore. These days I am Persephone, to almost everyone." - 00:00:03 - "I'm suddenly 13 years old and slathered in SPF 45 reading paper bags on the dock." - 00:00:03 - "It's been 12 years since I've seen Charlie. 12 years since that catastrophic Thanksgiving weekend when everything between Sam and me fell apart." - 00:00:03 - "Sue, who made the best pierogies in the universe? Sue, who treated me like a daughter?" - 00:00:03

28 DEC 2023 · In this podcast episode, Vivian visits her parents and faces intense pressure to marry. Her critical mother and self-made CEO father have arranged a marriage for her with Dante Russo, a powerful man she's never met. The family dinner reveals the arranged match, causing shock and tension between Vivian and Dante. Vivian feels trapped and powerless, dreading the future with a stranger. The episode explores themes of familial expectations, societal pressure, and the clash between personal autonomy and traditional values. Timestamp: - The pressure to get married (00:00:00) Vivian's parents criticize her appearance and pressure her to get married, highlighting their fixation on her marital prospects. - Arranged marriage bombshell (00:05:31) Vivian's father reveals that he has arranged a suitable match for her without her consent, shocking her and leading to a sense of dread and horror. - Meeting Dante Russo (00:11:12) Vivian meets Dante Russo, her arranged fiancé, and experiences a mix of attraction, discomfort, and uncertainty about their future together. Quotes: - "You know, I'm still young. I have plenty of time to meet someone." - "It's clear you don't feel the same urgency as we do, which is why I took matters into my own hands." - "Does Mr. Perfect have a name, or is he known only by his net worth?"