Classical Et Cetera

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we tackle a common question: should students read abridged classics? Are they helpful, or do they take away from the original work? From children’s retellings to difficult texts, we explore when abridged books can serve a purpose and when they should be set aside. The answer isn’t simple, but one principle remains: the original always matters. What We're Reading from This Episode: "Momo" Michael Ende (Martin) "The Black Wolf" Louise Penny (Tanya) "He Leadeth Me" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "The Christian Idea, Volume 1" W. Brian Welter (Paul)

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we take on a risky topic: the worst books we’ve ever read. From beloved classics to modern favorites, we ask what truly makes a book bad. Is it poor writing, or something deeper? Can a beautifully written book still lead readers astray? Along the way, we discuss children’s literature, modern novels, and the importance of discernment in reading. Not every popular book is worth your time, and some may be worth avoiding altogether. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "The Black Wolf" Louise Penny (Tanya) "He Leadeth Me" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "Mo Mo" Michael Ende (Martin) "Remarkably Bright Creatures" Shelby Van Pelt (Jessica)

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we begin a new series on the best books of each era by turning to ancient Greece! From Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to the tragedies and philosophers, we explore the foundational works that shaped Western thought. Whether you’re new to the Greeks or looking to revisit them, this conversation offers guidance on what to read and why it matters. Join us as we consider the essential authors, enduring ideas, and lasting influence of ancient Greek literature—and where to begin your reading Reading List for Ancient Greece Homer — Iliad, Odyssey Tragedy — Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides Philosophy — Plato (Apology), Aristotle History — Herodotus, Thucydides *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Tanya) "With God in Russia" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "Be Frank With Me" Julia Claiborne Johnson (Jessica) "The Ministry of Fear" Graham Greene (Paul) Various Hesiod writings (Alex)

How should parents and teachers respond when children learn differently? Should the curriculum change for each child, or should the child be formed by the curriculum? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we discuss teaching children with different personalities and temperaments, and why the modern idea of “learning styles” may not be the right place to begin. We explore the difference between temperament and aptitude, how to maintain consistent academic standards, and practical ways parents can help very different children succeed within the same curriculum. Along the way, we offer encouragement for homeschool families navigating daily challenges while keeping the long view of education in mind.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we turn from fiction to Christian nonfiction books that have shaped our faith. From _Mere Christianity_ and Augustine’s _Confessions_ to biographies, letters, and works on prayer and discernment, we share the books that have strengthened, challenged, and sustained us. This isn’t a canon, but rather an honest conversation about the titles we return to and why they matter for classical Christian readers. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Leigh & Tanya) "Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austin (Tanya) "With God in Russia" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "A Tale of Two Cities" Charles Dickens (Tanya) "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall (Paul) "A Confederacy of Dunces" John Kennedy Toole (Paul)

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we talk about home libraries—what they are, how they grow, and why they matter. From organizing (or not organizing) shelves to collecting meaningful editions, this conversation explores how the books in our homes reflect the life of the mind. We discuss lending versus hoarding, building a collection that is actually used, and why a home library is more than bookshelves—it’s a culture of reading lived out in the home. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Christianity & Culture" T.S. Eliot (Martin) "Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austin (Tanya) "The Digital Delusion" Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath (Tanya) "Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Tanya) "Olav Audunssøn" Sigrid Undset (Kathy) "Marce Catlett" Wendell Berry (Paul) "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall (Paul) "Climbing Parnassus" Tracy Lee Simmons (Paul)

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore the idea of "poetic knowledge"—a way of knowing that begins with experience and imagination before moving to analysis. Has modern education become too abstract, too quickly? We discuss the role of wonder in learning, the proper order of education, and why children need to encounter reality as a whole before breaking it into parts. From literature and discussion to classroom practice, this conversation considers what it means to begin learning well. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Paradise Lost" John Milton (Ian) "The Big Sleep" Raymond Chandler (Martin) "Climbing Parnassus" Tracy Lee Simmons (Paul) "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall Smith (Paul)

What happens when screens replace books and classroom technology replaces thinking? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we examine research showing how screens, scrolling text, and digital note-taking undermine attention, memory, and deep learning. Drawing on neuroscience and classroom experience, we discuss why scrolling isn’t reading, why speed and engagement aren’t the same as understanding, and why technology-heavy classrooms often produce less learning, not more. The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath is the book that inspired this episode's conversation. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Marce Catlett" Wendell Berry (Tanya & Paul) "What Happened to You?" Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey (Paul) "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall Smith (Martin)

In this mailbag episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we respond to listener questions on a range of parenting and homeschooling topics. We talk about limiting video games, responding to boredom in children, and how much attention homeschool parents should give to modern pop culture versus older stories, books, and models. Drawing on principles of classical education, we explore how attention, imagination, and formation shape a child’s learning. Join the conversation as we think through these questions together! *What We're Reading* from This Episode: Stoner" John Williams (Paul) Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Tanya) North and South" Elizabeth Gaskell (Tanya) Marce Catlett" Wendell Berry (Tanya) Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austen (Tanya) By Her Own Design" Piper Huguley (Jessica)

How should adults think about reading goals for the coming year—and how do you read more books without letting reading become a burden? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we talk about reading goals for 2026 and what it takes to build a reading life that lasts. Whether you’re an avid reader, returning after a long break, or feeling overwhelmed by unfinished books, this conversation explores better ways to read with intention and balance. We discuss fiction and nonfiction, reading for work versus pleasure, and why shared reading and conversation matter so much. Comment your reading list for 2026! Book recommendations are always welcome. *Tanya's Stack of Books* Sense and Sensibility — Jane Austen The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating — Elisabeth Tova Bailey Absent in the Spring — Agatha Christie The Door — Magda Szabo Mystery and Manners — Flannery O'Connor The Headmaster — John McPhee Marce Catlett — Wendell Berry *Martin's Stack of Books* The Giver — Lois Lowry Booth Tarkington Biography Wonderworks — Angus Fletcher The Master and His Emissary — Iain McGilchrist Primal Intelligence — Angus Fletcher The Digital Delusion — Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath The Last of the Mohicans — James Fenimore Cooper Quo Vadis — Henryk Sienkiewicz Sense and Sensibility — Jane Austen The Jungle Book — Rudyard Kipling *Paul's Stack of Books* The Greek Way — Edith Hamilton The Biological Farmer — Gary F. Zimmer The Liturgy of the Land — Thomas D. Van Horn & Jason M. Craig Against the Machine — Paul Kingsnorth The Wild Orchid — Sigrid Undset The Southern Tradition at Bay — Richard M. Weaver The Ministry of Fear — Graham Greene *Jessica's Stack of Books* I Beheld the Mountains — Joseph Payne The Modern Proper — Holly Erickson & Natalie Mortimer Remarkably Bright Creatures — Shelby Van Pelt Little Women — Louisa May Alcott By Her Own Design — Piper Huguley

There is no shortage of advice about how Latin _should_ be taught—immersion, conversation, grammar-first, or a blending of methods. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we step back and ask a more fundamental question: what should be the real _goal_ of learning Latin, and how should that goal shape the way we teach it? We discuss grammar versus immersion, reading and speaking, and why different methods produce very different results—especially for children. Join us as we clarify common misconceptions and answer several listener questions! *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Hamnet" Maggie O'Farrell (Tanya) "Hamlet" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "North and South" Elizabeth Gaskell (Tanya) "Trust" Hernan Diaz (Paul) "Mythology" Edith Hamilton (Martin) "Plutarch's Lives" Plutarch (Martin) "Practical Theology" Peter Kreeft (Martin) "The Portrait of a Lady" Henry James (Martin)