Barbara returns to an emphasis on great works of literature in this interview with Dr. Cicero Bruce, Professor of English at Dalton State College, about The Divine Comedy, an epic Italian poem from the late Middle Ages. Anyone interested in literature needs to listen in!

In this episode, Barbara continues her reading and analysis of Jane Eyre, including background material about Charlotte Bronte and other related works. What did Bronte think of Jane Austen? What famous novel seems like a copy of Jane Eyre? What do readers get wrong about Jane Eyre? Find out.

One of the greatest novels of English literature, Jane Eyre, is often filmed, but the adaptations leave something to be desired. In a two-parter, Barbara Tucker talks us through the book and in the process delves into the author, the background, the criticism, and how the films miss so much of this glorious work.

www.barbaragrahamtucker.net

https://www.colorfulcrowpublishing.com/

Pat Johnson Walker of Roswell, GA, joins Barbara to discuss the publication of her first novel, The Mountains Don’t Forget, launching in late August 2026.

Corrections to recording: Prudence Massey is based on Pat Walker's great grandmother, not her aunt. Our guest today goes by the name of Pat Walker Johnson, not Patricia. I regret these errors.

Links

Pre-order: https://www.colorfulcrowpublishing.com/products/p/pre-order-the-mountains-dont-forget-pat-w-johnson-paperback

News about Book Launch: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10243499299808852&set=a.10202231389976898

Barbara analyzes the 1953 novel The Go-Between. Is it good? Worth reading? What does it help us understand about Victorian/Edwardian England, the UK, and fiction writing? This is a solo podcast.

Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes. In this first episode of Season Nine, Barbara talks with Jon Rackley of Dalton, GA, about how he uses creativity in his industrial setting (safety compliance) and more to the point, public speaking, through his experience in Toastmasters, International.

Links:

Toastmasters International (find a local group): https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-club

Barbara Tucker’s website: https://www.barbaragrahamtucker.net

Dr. Tami Tomasello, Associate Professor Communication at Dalton State College, joins us to discuss creativity, boredom, AI, and online teaching, sharing from her vast knowledge of mass media and communication studies.

Books mentioned

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

The Shallows by Nicholas Carr

Hitmakers by Derek Thompson

Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi

How we Got to Now by Steven Johnson

Barbara talks about her latest book and gets personal and a little controversial.