CraftLit - Serialized Classic Literature for Busy Book Lovers

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CraftLit is—Annotated Audiobooks for Busy People Love the classics (or wish you did) *** No time to pick up a book? Not any more! *** This weekly annotated audiobook podcast presents curated classic literature in a serialized format. The host—Heather Ordover—"teaches to the joke" by filling in any relevant tidbits before listening to the next chapter of the book. *** Callers regularly send in voicemail comments for play on the air to keep the "book club" vibe going. *** The podcast has been in continuous weekly production since 2006 - Our current book, "Recollections of Joan of Arc" by Mark Twain begins with episode 581.* * As seen in What's Hot on iTunes * * As heard on NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday | FiberHooligans | Podcast 411 | Marly Bird's Yarn Thing Podcast | Math-4-Knitters | Eddie's Room | Libsyn's Podcasting Luminaries | Chilling Tales for Dark Nights | WEBS podcast--Classic Audiobooks: because loving great books in a busy world is tough--

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Recent Reviews
  • Still Love That Bubblegum Sound
    Great Way To Experience Great Literature
    I have been listening to CraftLit through her many moves from Arizona to PA, it is an excellent Podcast that educates not only about literature by many other things.
  • dactyljd
    Classic Lit and Contemporary Conversation
    No matter how many times I have encountered a classic (I have read Emma many times), I always learn something new from Heather.
  • Feelsosilly
    Most Excellent!!
    I have listened to CraftLit for years - I believe I began during Jane Eyre, but I’ve listened to so many books and episodes I can’t remember. I have been exposed to many more classics than I would have without CraftLit - and have been richly rewarded by not only the content of the books, but also by author background, subtle humor, historical settings/politics/sociology, and so much more. Heather does not spoon feed - she teaches, challenges and inspires further research into so many topics related to the readings. She has a large and loyal following, and I am delighted to be a included in this group!
  • Have a Wonderful Day!:)
    Simply Lovely
    I simply adore this podcast! So many good books and fun conversations. I learn so much every time! I started listening as a way to hear my favorite book, the Count of Monte Cristo, and have since loved the show! Thank you Heather and team:)
  • Morpho3
    Wonderful!
    I do many crafts, but primarily cross stitch and embroidery. I can’t read and stitch, so in comes the podcast. I found CraftLit one sleepless night when my insomnia was getting the best of me. My mental health is terrible, and the podcast was just what the doctor ordered. I fell in love with the podcast from the start, and get excited when a new episode drops!
  • WoollyJumpers
    Smart!
    I’ve been listening since Tale of Two Cities. Heather is warm, witty, and insightful. The serial delivery of both known and forgotten novels allows for “teaching” and listening time so the episodes stay at the hour-or-less mark. One of only two podcasts still around from 2006-07 and in my weekly downloads.
  • Jenny Steele
    The show has changed
    I used to love this podcast. I listened to the entirety of The Count of Monte Cristo, which is no small feat! But in more recent years, the show feels much more negative and not as fun as it used to be.
  • how bout dem cowboys!!
    So satisfying!
    Hello, Nick from NC. Kind of late joining in with this app. But I ever so appreciate the Craftlit app that I listen through Apple podcast. Thank you! I’m listening to books I don’t had time to read presently, or never had the opportunity in my younger years. Right now I’m jumping around from one title to another. I’m currently listening to the Gulliver’s travels series! Thank you for what you do. And thank you for keeping it crafty! I’m a knitter, crocheter and seamstress.
  • Praise Cheeses
    High praise
    I have an annoying particularity when it comes to the sandwiching of story time between discussion. Happily, the host and discussion in CraftLit add to the experience of the texts, and point out great little bits that I would surely have missed had they not been addressed. Thanks!
  • taylgoo
    Entertaining, educational and witty!
    As a brand new listener, I’m stoked that there are YEARS of episodes and books to catch up on! Heather, the host, is smart, funny and an excellent curator. Highly recommend for anyone who loves books and nerding out about words and classic literature. Thank you for creating!
  • Superarie
    Wonderful
    A definite highlight of my week! I love it!!
  • ㅉㅇㄹㅎ
    I love this podcast.
    Great podcast. Sorry my iphone somehow stopped showing upload dates. Are you back?
  • SeaLady222
    Like a Cozy Lit Window on a Winter’s Night
    It’s been a couple - or a few? Years since I’ve listened, I’m not sure why... But I just started Anne of Green Gables, and the intro music alone took me right back to when I was finishing college and starting to knit more and more. I was so missing my literature classes, and Craftlit helped me to find the enjoyment and analysis I was missing. I’m so happy that this podcast exists, giving us the classics with such insight. It’s like coming home after a long trip, and I can’t wait to revisit some of my favorites, too! Thank you, Heather!
  • MT_Ike
    Superb!
    Heather helped me understand Pride and Prejudice, got me through Anne of the Green Gables, and Frankenstein. Books I probably wouldn’t have read, much less understood without her informed and entertaining commentary. Start listening and you will have years of episodes to enjoy!!!
  • CAPS Grammy
    Love this Podcast
    This is a great podcast, but where are you Heather?? Nothing has shown up in my feed since last October. I wrote this a while ago and failed to send, so I am adding to it since a new episode showed up today. Hurrah! I started with Anne of Green Gables, and loved it so much, I went back to the very beginning. I’m now on The Scarlet Letter. Thank you, Heather, for all of the literature and insight.
  • Clearheaded
    New listener
    Just found your lovely podcast. You are very interesting and I am looking forward to finishing the age of innocence! Keep up the good work! 💗
  • Buyers Should Know
    A daily go to!
    I love this Podcast! I’ve been listening to it for years and I got my boyfriend to start listening too! We are so excited to hear what may come up next! Thank you so much Heather for continuing and being so inspirational. Keep it going
  • Branwynnemay
    I Wish I’d Known About This One Earlier!
    I can’t believe I just found this podcast! The host is witty and cool and her insights into each book is everything. The work put into such engaging, professional-sounding audio books has me delighted. I LOVE this podcast!!!
  • RaeNRandall
    So so great!
    I love this podcast!! It is soothing. Almost like listening to an old friend.
  • Totoroslp
    How did I not know this existed?
    And why was the internet hiding this from me? It's really great; I'm listening to the Anne of Green Gables episodes now. I love the annotations-she goes into depth in things like religious history, political history, even geology. I look forward to going through back episodes and listening to some books I haven't read before!
  • IndyMamaBear
    Crafting & Literature? Everything but the tea and the cat!
    Heather takes the work out of choosing a good audio book. She always picks great readers and tops them of with insightful, intelligent studies of the work at hand. I’m smarter, because of this podcast. (And probably a better a human. ) The crafty talks are real and cozy, but easy to skip when you’re anxious to hear the next chapter of a book.
  • NatFields
    Pleased
    I just finished listening to one of the older podcasts, the one on Jane Eyre Chapter 5. I think it was one my first full episodes to listen to. I was really pleased to listen to such a rich podcast. I enjoyed the thorough discussion, it also moved me to think of ways I can give towards the recent tragedies that have been occurring due to hurricanes and also brought back memories of when I lived in NYC during Sandy. The interview was a nice addition, it motivated me to continue learning how to knit. I'm looking forward to listening to more.
  • esqdrea
    This is the best way to learn about literature!
    Heather is an amazing host/producer/teacher. I love classic literature, and I am experiencing so many works that I missed out on in school. This is absolutely my favorite podcast, and I eagerly look forward to every new episode.
  • Jan from the REAL Northern Cal
    Very good, with one caveat
    I really enjoy this podcast and wish it had been around long years ago when I taught English to high schoolers. I really could have been a much, much better teacher. My only reason for not purchasing a paid subscription is that it just takes too long to read a book. This is my first book with Heather--"The Count of Monte Cristo"--and it's already been 18 months since we started. By now I've lost track of some of the threads in the book. I may purchase a subscription once this one is over, and then I'll be able to download all episodes of former books studied on this podcast and binge listen instead of wait a week or more for every episode.
  • Financial Karma Coach
    Episode with the Amazing Niel Giularte (November 9, 2016)
    Loved this episode. Heather and Niel had a great time hanging out and I enjoyed learning about Niels story and the various careers he had before getting to his documentary work. He shares some great tips for being a true visionary, creative and thought leader.
  • Obireader
    The best!
    A wonderful podcast, serializing classic literature and adding "annotations". The annotations are provided by the host, Heather Ordover, and are notable for their insight and helpfulness in shedding light on the historical context and arcane details that would have been common knowledge to an author's contemporary readers. I started listening several years ago, at very beginning with the first episode and have been hooked ever since. This is clearly a labor of love.
  • time to get knitting
    Where is Heather??
    Well I can't believe after a year I was sitting thinking about the podcasts I use to listen to on my touch and oh my! I thought how silly I was to not have added CraftLit back to my subscribed listens! Oh how I missed her! Thank goodness there she was and to hear her voice again made me smile. One of the very best podcasts out there. Never again will I change devices and forget to add.
  • Craftnomad
    Thailand Listener Loves CraftLit!
    I've been listening to podcasts for more than 10 years and CraftLit is one of my favorites. The audio books always have wonderful narrators. Heather is an English teacher and has a background in theater, so she always has interesting tidbits to share that give us more information about the author orthe historic significance of the book that further enhance our enjoyment and understanding of the current novel. An added bonus is that she is also a crafter, so she often has crafty news about what she is making or interesting things happening in the crafty world. Her online personality is one that makes you feel you are among friends. We get occasional news about her family, without anything that violates privacy. And we learn about other podcasts and readers. Heather always says, "CraftLit listenes are just better!" Well, that gos for you, too, Heather. You and your podcast are just better!
  • jwlflorick
    Never miss it!
    Heather helped to reignite my interest in knitting and classic literature all in one superb podcast. I never miss an episode and look forward to expanding my literary and crafty horizons!
  • StephanieBrigley
    Fantastic!!
    I absolutely LOVE this podcast :) I listen to it every single day at work and it makes time fly listening to these great books. I love how she explains the books too I have learned so much information and she really helps you understand the book and the author.
  • Koala750
    Favorite podcast
    This podcast is for anyone who enjoys a good story. However it is the commentary Heather (the host) provides that makes this podcast stand out. I have discovered so many new to me books through the podcast that I wouldn't have read or listen to (or in some cases even heard of) without CraftLit. CraftLit is my favorite podcast and it makes my day when I see there is a new episode.
  • Martaschmarta
    FABULOUS!
    I've been listening since the podcast began years ago. There just isn't anyone better at combining great literature with entertaining audio than Heather Ordover of the CraftLit podcast. As a secondary English teacher, I've also used her expert insight into classic literature numerous times with my students. I can't praise her work enough. I hope she never stops recording.
  • LauraDye
    An all-time favorite
    One of the very first podcasts I ever subscribed to, and still one of the best. It brings so much insight to books I've read before, and causes me to fall in love with ones I've never picked up. After 9 years of podcasting, it still feels fresh.
  • knitrun
    Top of the list
    New episodes every weekend -- and they jump straight to the top of my list every time! Awesome, awesome, awesome!
  • Dawn Peterman
    Love this
    With busy hands, it is really hard to get time to read a book. This podcast allows me to listen. I am getting to listen to books that I would not ordinarily pick up to read. Can't thank you enough.
  • cynfullyyours
    Love books this is the podcast for u
    I was searching for a something to listen to during my commute and I love this one. Great insight into book and love the crafting information. Started about a month ago and I'm addicted. Love Heather's extras
  • MicheleStitches
    Doesn't get any better than this!
    Such an excellent podcast! Great audio quality and excellent CONTENT. Insightful thoughts on the literature being covered. Makes me feel so much smarter for having listened. BONUS POINTS for helping me teach literature to my teenage daughter. Oh. Yeah.
  • Skittle Nutts
    Outstanding
    My favorite podcast by far!
  • Deb in MD
    Great Podcast
    I've been a loyal listener for a long time now. Even if I don't love the book being read, I'm always learning new aspects of the literature. I got my English-teacher husband hooked on it as well; he finds the background info invaluable when teaching related works.
  • tkknits
    Always Entertaining
    I have followed Heather around the country as she has moved to different geographic areas in the US. She makes each home and community come alive. I have listened to CraftLit from the beginning and enjoyed the discussion of all of the novels. Heather loves to create and is one of the most interesting people I listen to. Her voice is amazing. The podcast is of the highest quality.
  • Lorimae1176
    Absolutely my favorite podcast!
    What could be better than listening to great books and having them explained, critiqued and discussed by a fabulous teacher? I only wish I'd had a teacher like Heather in high school or college.
  • iknitalone
    Never gets old
    I have been listening to Craftlit since 2009. It just keeps getting better. If you like books and learning this is for you.
  • drMolly, the BeanQueen
    Love at first hear !
    I've been listening for quite some time, but this is my first review - the title says it ALL!
  • CarrieMtn
    Crafting+Books=Awesomeness
    I love knitting, spinning, sewing, quilting and stories. This wonderful host, with a marvelous voice, eloquently combines all of these.
  • MzLabby
    Exceptional
    Heather does an amazing job of educating the listener about outdated language and customs. Intellagent thoughtful guide to classic books. A pleasure to listen to with the best of the best readers with voices that are a pleasure to hear.
  • Shellann14
    Shellann14
    I started with episode 1 about 2 years ago and have been slowly working my way forward. I have loved being able to gorge myself on craftlit, I am not sure what I am going to do once I catch up to real time. I have so enjoyed listening to and actually getting a understanding of books that I know I would have never picked up again after high school, let alone books that I would have never read at all. Do not even get me started on the crafty part. Because of Heather I can now spin with a drop spindle and I have knit my first sock (soon to become pair of socks)
  • lkmemphis
    One of the best podcasts around!
    Heather (yes, I feel like I can be on a first-name basis with her) is a wonderful podcaster and discussant for the books she offers to us. I listen/view quite a few podcasts, but hers is one of my very favorites! She has a great voice to listen to and is always up to something innovative and engaging in her craft life. I feel like my review is long overdue!
  • Gisele_Oliveira
    Awesome podcast
    I'm really glad that I found this podcast. It's really interesting. Keep up the good work Heather.
  • cappuccino136
    My Favorite podcast
    Heather gives thoughful insights and shares helpful facts gleaned from her research and years of experience reading and teaching literature. The crafting component is fun and creative. She talks like a good friend sitting and crafting together. The sound quality and production is clear and professional. Excellent podcast all around.
  • ghfvyfycdf
    Everything I miss about English Class
    This show gives me everything I miss about taking english classes - the insights, the hidden jokes, the historical context - without any homework. I've been listening so long, that when I attended a talk Heather gave, it was like seeing an old friend. I recommend this show all the time.
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