Classical Et Cetera

The Middle Ages aren't just the Dark Ages! It's one of the richest literary eras in Western history. This week's Classical Et Cetera finds Jessica, Tanya, Paul, and Dr. Dan Scheffler building a reading list for the medieval world. From Beowulf and the Arthurian legends to Dante's Divine Comedy, Boethius, and Thomas Aquinas, there's so much to read here. Whether you're new to medieval literature or filling in the gaps, this conversation will show you what to read, where to start, and why these books still matter. Best Books of the Middle Ages (476–1450 AD) Literature picks: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Beowulf Le Morte d'Arthur Canterbury Tales The Song of Roland Troubadour/lyric poetry of the Middle Ages The Decameron Philosophy & Theology picks: Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica Anselm Bede The Divine Comedy C.S. Lewis, The Discarded Image

Every homeschool parent hits this wall. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we tackle one of the most common and frustrating challenges in home education: the child who just won't do the work. Is it attitude, or is something else going on? We discuss how to diagnose the real problem, why outside accountability matters more than you think, and what simple changes actually move the needle. If you're in the thick of it, this one's for you. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Farmer Giles of Ham" J.R.R. Tolkien (Paul) "The Marriage Portrait" Maggie O'Farrell (Jessica) "The Calamity Club" Kathryn Stockett (Tanya) "Miss Benson's Beetle" Rachel Joyce (Tanya) "Why Knowledge Matters" E.D. Hirsch (Martin) "The Schools We Need" E.D. Hirsch (Martin) "The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion" Beth Brower (Martin)

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)

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

Is a classical education practical in today’s world of trades, technology, and rapidly changing careers? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore that question through the real-life experiences of two classically educated graduates—one studying computer science, the other pursuing a trade. Together, we discuss how classical education prepares students not for a single job, but for many possible paths. From plumbing to programming, we examine transferable skills, lifelong learning, and the formation that equips students for real work and real life. Due to technical difficulties this episode is audio-only. Thanks for bearing with us, and we'll see you next week! *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Trust" Hernan Diaz (Paul) "Every Thing You Ever Wanted to Know About Heaven" Peter Kreeft (Danny) "Oathbringer" Brandon Sanderson (August)