Snoozecast

Tonight, we’ll read the first half to “The Adventure of the Six Napoleans” written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as part of 1903’s “The Return of Sherlock Holmes”. The second half will air next week. Tonight’s story revolves around a series of seemingly bizarre and senseless crimes involving the destruction of plaster busts of Napoleon Bonaparte. As Sherlock Holmes investigates, he uncovers a complex plot involving a stolen pearl, a vengeful Italian criminal, and a clever hiding place. Busts, especially those of famous historical figures like Napolean in this story, were common decorative items in English Victorian and Edwardian homes. They served as a symbol of cultural awareness and intellectual interest. Even though our story is set more than a century after Napoleon died, he was still a major figure who had dominated the political landscape for a significant period of European history. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the 23rd chapter of “Anne of Green Gables”, the classic 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This chapter is titled “Anne Comes to Grief in an Affair of Honor” In the previous chapter, Anne was thrilled to receive her first formal invitation to tea, which she considered a grand and sophisticated event. Despite her excitement, the outing didn’t go entirely as planned—she wore a dress she later realized was less than ideal, and a misunderstanding over the tea set left her mortified. However, Anne’s charm and quick wit helped her recover, and she left the gathering with a renewed sense of belonging in Avonlea. Now, in this chapter, we’ll see Anne’s unyielding sense of pride and imagination lead her into yet another scrape, one that tests her resolve and teaches her an unexpected lesson about honor. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, for our monthly Snoozecast Deluxe bonus episode, we’ll read a Snoozecast original story featuring the day in the life of the famous American folkhero Johnny Appleseed. Born Johnathan Chapman, Johnny was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced trees grown with apple seeds (rather than through grafting) to large parts of many states including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario and West Virginia. He became an American legend while still alive, due to his kind, generous ways, his leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance that he attributed to apples. He was also a missionary for The New Church and the inspiration for many museums and historical sites. The popular image is of Johnny Appleseed spreading apple seeds randomly everywhere he went. In fact, he planted nurseries rather than orchards, built fences around them to protect them from livestock and wildlife, left the nurseries in the care of a neighbor who sold trees on shares, and returned every year or two to tend the nursery.  It is said that toward the end of his career he encountered a travelling missionary preaching to an open-air congregation. The sermon was long and severe on the topic of extravagance, because the pioneers were buying such indulgences as calico and imported tea. The preacher repeatedly asked "Where now is there a man who, like the primitive Christians, is traveling to heaven barefooted and clad in coarse raiment?" Finally, Johnny Appleseed walked up to him, put his bare foot on the stump that had served as a pulpit, and said, "Here's your primitive Christian!" Thank you to our premium subscribers, and we hope that our Deluxe listeners enjoy tonight’s sleep story. If you are interested in learning more about what Snoozecast+ and Snoozecast+ Deluxe offer, please go to snoozecast.com/plus — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read “Snow White”, a 19th-century German fairy tale which is today known widely across the Western world. Snoozecast first aired this story back in 2020. In 1812 the Brothers Grimm published it along with many other folktales they collected. It wasn’t until exactly one century later, in 1912, that the seven dwarfs were given individual names in the Broadway play “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”. Walt Disney's 1937 film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” chose different names for the dwarves, still. This particular Grimm story, which is commonly referred to as "Snow White", should not be confused with the story of "Snow-White and Rose-Red", another fairy tale, similarly named, also collected by the Brothers Grimm. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read a Snoozcast original titled “The Root King”. Deep beneath the earth sleep The Root King, who ensures that the land is fertile and the crops grow strong. This year however, The Root King fails to rise and the fields grow barren. The village elders send a chosen one underground to wake The Root King, only to discover the secret of his slumber. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the next chapter of “Good Wives” written by Louisa May Alcott titled “Beth’s Secret”. This is also known as the second half of the “Little Women” novel and is considered the 36th chapter as part of that work as a whole. In the last chapter, Laurie graduates with honors and invites Jo to celebrate with him, but during their walk, he finally confesses his love for her, hoping she’ll reciprocate. Jo, though fond of him, gently but firmly declines, explaining she cannot love him in the way he desires and believes they are unsuited for marriage. Despite Laurie’s disappointment and insistence, Jo holds to her decision, urging him to move on, though it pains them both. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read excerpts from “Healthful Sports for Boys”, written by A.R. Calhoun and published in 1882. Also known as Alfred Rochfort, born in 1844, Calhoun was an American soldier, author, journalist and critic. He served in the Union army during the U.S. Civil War. "Healthful Sports for Boys," was a guide to engaging in physical activities that promoted health and well-being. One popular game covered in the book was marbles. Calhoun likely saw the value in marbles not just as a fun pastime, but also as a way to develop hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and social skills. Glass marbles ultimately came into being around the middle of the 1800's, not too long before this book was written. It is believed that they were first created by glassmakers who shaped bits of leftover glass at the end of the day to take home for their children. For Calhoun, games like this wasn't just about exercise. His book emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, fair play, and the development of character. Our episode tonight offers a glimpse into the sporting world of a bygone era, reflecting the values and ideals of the time. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the classic fairy tale “The Golden Goose”. We found this version in Katherine Pyle’s 1918 “Mother’s Nursery Tales”. “The Golden Goose” was one of many folk tales documented and published by The Brothers Grimm. Snoozecast first read this story back in 2020. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were German scholars who collected and published folklore during the 19th century. Their collection of tales helped preserve and popularize these stories, which were previously passed down orally through generations. While the Grimms' versions are widely known today, many of these tales have roots in much older oral traditions and exist in various forms across different cultures. In this tale, a simple and sweet man named John finds a goose with golden feathers- and it turns his whole world on its head. The story is a reminder that generosity and kindness can lead to unexpected rewards. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we shall read the next part to “Persuasion”, the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen, and published in 1817. The story concerns Anne Elliot, an Englishwoman whose family moves in order to lower their expenses, by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. In the last episode, the off-season tourists to the beach town of Lyme become acquainted with Captain Wentworth’s friends, Captain and Mrs. Harville along with Captain Benwick. At a dinner party, Anne spends the evening chatting about poetry and literature with the melancholic Captain Benwick. The next day, a gentleman stranger seems captivated with Anne’s fine looks, which seemed to have regained their earlier charms amidst the fresh air and change of scene. In the last chapter, and in the coming episode, there is mention of the “cobb” that tourists visit in Lyme. The cobb is a real-life harbor wall originally constructed in ancient times to act as a breakwater to protect the ships and the town. To this day, no one knows for sure when it was originally constructed, or why it is called the Cobb. We will pick up within chapter twelve. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the opening to “The Invisible Man”, a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells, published in 1897. The title of this story refers to a scientist named Griffin, whose devotion to the study of optics leads him to a remarkable breakthrough: he has invented a way to render oneself invisible. However, as Griffin eagerly tests his invention on himself, he soon realizes the consequences of his success – the inability to reverse the invisibility. This novel’s exploration of the profound implications of scientific discovery and its impact on the human condition resonated deeply with readers. "The Invisible Man" established Wells's reputation as a visionary genius who was the “father of science fiction”. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read a chapter titled “An Old Road.” from “A Rambler’s Lease” by Bradford Torrey, published in 1892. Torrey was an American ornithologist who wrote many stories about his experiences walking through woods while bird watching.  The preface he wrote to tonight’s book is paraphrased as follows: “The writer of this little book has found so much pleasure in other men's woods and fields that he has come to look upon himself as in some sort the owner of them. Their lawful possessors will not begrudge him this feeling, he believes, nor take it amiss if he assumes, even in this public way, to hold a rambler's lease of their property. His private opinion is that the world belongs to those who enjoy it.” — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the conclusion to “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,” a classic science fiction adventure novel by French writer Jules Verne. We first began Twenty Thousand Leagues in April of 2022. Cheers to you if you’ve listened along with us for the entire journey aboard the Nautilus. Each completed novel Snoozecast reads is available as a separate podcast if you’d like to listen through continuously. Just search for “Snoozecast Presents” and the title of the novel wherever you listen to podcasts. In the previous episode, Captain Nemo, filled with anger and vengeance, prepares to attack a warship that has been pursuing the Nautilus. Unfurling a black flag, he reveals his intent to sink the ship, driven by past personal losses. Despite attempts to dissuade him, Nemo is resolute, seeing the warship as his oppressor. Arronax and his companions, horrified but powerless, witness the tension as the Nautilus nears the ship. Nemo’s attack is swift and destructive, sinking the vessel. Afterwards, deeply affected, Nemo retreats to his room, where he mourns his lost family, leaving the crew in silence. We will pick up within chapter 22. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read excerpts from the book “Fresh Fields” by John Burroughs, published in 1896. The main section we will read is titled “At Sea”.  In "Fresh Fields," Burroughs takes us on a journey through his travels and observations of the natural world, both in America and abroad. This collection of essays showcases Burroughs' keen eye for detail and his deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of nature. John Burroughs was an American nature essayist, active in the U.S. conservation movement. Burroughs accompanied many personalities of the time in his later years, including Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Ford (who gave him an automobile), and Thomas Edison. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll continue our journey through "The Rose and the Ring," by William Makepeace Thackeray, first published in 1854. The previous episode aired last month. In the last episode, we learned how Princess Angelica's parents neglected to invite Fairy Blackstick to her christening, resulting in Gruffanuff, the strict doorman, being transformed into a brass knocker as punishment for his rudeness. Now, as we turn the page, we explore the lively relationship between Princess Angelica and Prince Giglio. Thackeray masterfully blends humor and fantasy, inviting us to witness the enchanting complexities of young love in this magical realm. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the 22nd chapter of “Anne of Green Gables”, the classic 1908 novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This chapter is titled “Anne is Invited Out to Tea” In the previous chapter, Anne is excited about the new minister and his wife Mrs. Allan, who she decides is a kindred spirit. Marilla invites the Allans to tea and Anne is allowed to bake a cake. Anne flavors the cake with what she thinks is vanilla, but ends up being Anodyne Liniment. Although Anne assumes the worst and becomes bereft, Mrs. Allan kindly forgives the mistake. Anodyne Liniment was a topical pain reliever, not meant for consumption, let alone the flavoring of a cake. Ingredients may have included menthol, camphor and possibly turpentine, which would have created a bitter, medicinal and unpleasant flavor. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, for the last episode of our 6th annual “Spooky Sleep Story Series”, we shall read a Snoozecast original, “The Cat Who Speaks Once a Year.” about a young girl Lila Everwood who loves Halloween especially – because it’s the only night of the year her cat, Toby, can speak. We hoped you tuned in every Wednesday this month for sleep stories of the darker variety- like classic horror literature and ghost stories. If you prefer to avoid the mildly macabre we hope you’ll enjoy one of our many other stories available wherever you listen to podcasts. Every year Lila and Toby set out on Halloween on small adventures, solving magical mysteries and keeping their town of New Hope safe from mischievous spirits. However, this Halloween is different, as Toby seems tense, hinting that the force they’ll be up against this year has been waiting for centuries to reclaim the town… — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the conclusion to a Snoozecast original sleep story titled “Max Morrow and the Train of Tomorrow. Previously on Max Morrow…Max finds a mysterious train ticket in his grandfather’s old jacket that leads him to a hidden train station platform, where he boarded a strange, time-traveling train called The Flying Yankee. Inside, he meets Professor Aldous “Tock” Tickwell, who tells him he’s a new “Guardian of Time” and whisks him off to Munich, 1893 to help set right a potential developing ripple in time centered on a young Albert Einstein. — read by 'N' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the next chapter of “Good Wives” written by Louisa May Alcott titled “Heartache”. This is also known as the second half of the “Little Women” novel and is considered the 35th chapter as part of that work as a whole. In the last chapter, Jo tried to make a living by writing sensational stories for a magazine, keeping it a secret from her family. She was successful, but when Professor Bhaer gently criticized such work as shallow and harmful, it made her reconsider. Realizing she was sacrificing her integrity for quick money, Jo burned her manuscripts and decided to stop writing anything she wouldn’t be proud of. Though it meant starting over, it marked a turning point as she chose a more genuine path, guided by her own conscience and the Professor’s encouragement. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, as part of our 6th annual spooky sleep story series, we’ll rebroadcast the opening to “Carmilla”, an 1872 Gothic novella by Irish author Sheridan Le Fanu which first aired in October of 2022. Tune in every Wednesday this month for sleep stories of the darker variety- like classic horror literature and ghost stories. If you prefer to avoid the mildly macabre we hope you’ll enjoy one of our many other stories available wherever you listen to podcasts. Originally published in 1872, Carmilla predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula by over 25 years and is considered one of the earliest works of vampire fiction. Sheridan Le Fanu’s novella is a gothic tale set in a remote Austrian estate, where a young woman named Laura encounters the enigmatic and alluring Carmilla. What begins as an unexpected friendship quickly descends into something far more sinister as Laura becomes entangled in Carmilla’s dark, seductive influence. What makes Carmilla particularly fascinating is its portrayal of a female vampire with overtly sensual undertones, challenging Victorian norms. The novella is rich with gothic atmosphere, utilizing isolated settings, eerie dreams, and uncanny occurrences to build suspense. Le Fanu’s story is not only notable for its eerie ambiance but also for its early feminist subtext. Carmilla is portrayed as a powerful, predatory force in a genre that typically cast women as passive victims. For fans of gothic literature and early vampire lore, Carmilla remains a foundational piece, paving the way for the vampire genre as we know it today, and offering a haunting tale of desire, fear, and the dangers lurking behind a beautiful façade. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, we’ll read the opening to “The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices”, written in collaboration by Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. Snoozecast first read this story back in the year 2020. An instrumental event in Wilkie Collins’s career was an introduction in 1851 when he was in his late twenties, to Charles Dickens by a mutual friend. They became lifelong friends and collaborators. For example, first, Collins acted with Dickens in a play together. Among the audience were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Then one of Collins's stories was published in Dickens's magazine the next year. Later that year Collins went on tour with Dickens's company of amateur actors. “The Lazy Tour” reads as an autobiographical tour taken by the two of them in the north of Britain. What resulted is extremely whimsical, occasionally absurd, and it has to be said, very much of its time. The book takes place in the year 1857 and provides insight into the friendship and adventures of the pair of titans of Victorian literature. — read by 'M' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices