Crack The Book: A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Great Books – Details, episodes & analysis

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Crack The Book: A Beginner's Guide to Reading the Great Books

Cheryl Drury

Education

Arts

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 87

Confused by Confucius? Daunted by Dante? Shook by Shakespeare? I get it! I'm Cheryl, a reader exploring the world's most influential books one episode at a time. I don't do lectures, and I can't do jargon. But we do have friendly conversations about why (and whether) these books still matter. Each episode, we tackle a great book or two—The Divine Comedy, The Canterbury Tales, The Odyssey, The Prince—unpacking the big ideas, memorable moments, and surprising ways these stories connect to life today. If you've ever thought "I should read that" but didn't know where to start, you're in the right place. Subscribe to Crack the Book. Let's find out what's inside.

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🇬🇧 Great Britain - selfImprovement
07/04/2026
#81
🇬🇧 Great Britain - selfImprovement
30/05/2025
#80

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https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm
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https://cheryldrury.substack.com/p/crack-the-book-start-here?r=u3t2r
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https://crackthebook.captivate.fm
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https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd
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Score global : 83%

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Let It Be. Episode 11: The Stoicism of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus

Season 2 · Episode 11

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 • Duration 31:51

Episode Overview

This week, I consider the Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and Epictetus’ Enchiridion, part of Ted Gioia’s Humanities List (link below!). Moving from Greek dramas to 2nd-century Roman Stoics, we first talk about the move from Greek lit to Roman, how the mindset and history will impact what we read. I cover Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus in depth, mention Admiral Stockdale (a modern Stoic) and end the episode with Rudyard Kipling's poem "If."

Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations

Meditations, the private journal of a Roman emperor, emphasizes self-focus, humility, and inner peace. Key takeaways include:

Focus on your own mind and skills, not others’ actions or opinions.
Embrace nature to cultivate curiosity and appreciation for the world.
Accept life’s brevity and smallness, acting virtuously without expecting rewards.
Find peace within, not in external escapes like vacation homes.
Hold pleasures loosely to achieve contentment in the present moment.
I note the surprising modernity of Aurelius’ advice but question its contradictions, like the futility of life versus the call to virtue.

Epictetus’ Enchiridion

Epictetus, a former slave turned philosopher, offers a direct, practical guide in The Enchiridion. I prefer Epictetus’ straightforward style, finding it more relatable than Aurelius’ introspections. Highlights include:

Distinguish what harms the body from what affects the will—Epictetus’ own lameness adds poignancy to this teaching.
Know your limits and operate fully within them, committing wholeheartedly to your purpose.
Avoid excess in speech, laughter, or indulgence, embracing simplicity.
Consider the parallels to Biblical teachings like Colossians 3:17.

Reflections and Challenges

I don't love Stoicism, as I think it sacrifices deep love and beauty. But there's no doubt that its ideals have a place in society--Stockdale and Kipling both reflect that. Translation struggles (George Long’s arcane 1877 version versus Gregory Hays’ readable Meditations) and time management issues due to travel delayed this week’s reading. Classical music (Haydn’s Symphonies 45, 94, and 104) enriched the experience, though I skipped the art.

What’s Next

Next week, I explore Suetonius’ Twelve Caesars with Mozart’s symphonies and Italian art by Botticelli and Caravaggio. Subscribe to follow the journey!

LINKS

Ted Gioia/The Honest Broker’s 12-Month Immersive Humanities Course (paywalled!)

My Amazon Book List (NOT an affiliate link)

Haydn's Surprise Symphony

Admiral James Stockdale

Spencer Klavan (Modern Classicist)

CONNECT

To read more of my writing, visit my Substack - https://www.cheryldrury.substack.com.

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crack-the-book/id1749793321

Captivate - https://crackthebook.captivate.fm

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I Can See Clearly Now. Week 10: The Bible

Season 2 · Episode 10

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 • Duration 34:27

I'm reading and talking about Ted Gioia's "Immersive Humanities Course," 52 weeks of World Classics.

Reading a familiar text in a bigger reading list like this offers its own special challenges. I start with a little insight about what to do when that happens.

I think the best way to talk about these very familiar books is to take them one at a time. Then I have some thoughts about translations (again) and reading in general.

Genesis: This is a much longer book than you think! The story starts out very broad and then narrows to tell how God decides to work through a man named Abram. We then see how God continues to work through now-Abraham’s family, through Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. None of these men are perfect, or even very heroic except possibly Joseph, but God uses them anyway. Genesis is different than the other very old texts (religious and otherwise) we’ve read in this schedule, and it’s certainly quite different than the Greek philosophy. We see a God who is personal and emotional, capable of anger and also great love, and who is both all-powerful and yet interested in every individual in the entire world.

Ecclesiastes: This is a poem of sorts, and you definitely know part of it because of the Byrds’ “Turn Turn Turn.” The main character, the Preacher (likely King Solomon), reflects at the end of his days on “What’s it all for?” He never settles on a real answer but reflects on how to live, so in its themes it is a lot more like Plato or Aristotle. It’s not didactic like Confucius’ Analects. It feels a lot more like the Dhammapada, but less fatalistic and actually lovelier in its construction. I think the weariness of Ecclesiastes speaks to the human condition, common across time and geography.

Matthew: The first Gospel opens with Jesus’ genealogy through Joseph, and I think Matthew’s emphasis as he relates the story of Jesus’ life is on the fact that the very people who should have been most willing to hear the message did not. Matthew is rooted in Jewish scripture, continually quoting prophets as he relates Jesus’ ministry. The book starts with three chapters known as the Sermon on the Mount, which is harder to read straight through than I expected. It is a lot of sayings and aphorisms, not a lot of story, and you know by now how I feel about that. The book then moves into more narrative as the miracles increase in type and scope, leading to the crucifixion. The teachings from Jesus and Matthew’s own writing are aimed squarely at the Jewish leaders here, pointing out what they are missing and their refusal to see Jesus for who he is.

Don't Fear the Reaper. Week 1: Plato's Republic and The Last Days of Socrates

Season 2 · Episode 1

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • Duration 31:44

I'm reading Ted Gioia's "Immersive Humanities Course," 52 weeks of World Classics. We start with Plato! The Last Days of Socrates and excerpts from The Republic.

I'm a beginner at reading the classics, but I've decided to just "crack the book" and get started. Here are a few of my key take-aways from Plato:

Human nature just doesn’t change.
The distinction between an Idea (maybe think of it as a quality, like Beauty) and the thing that has the beauty (like a beautiful vase, for example) is important.
These books covered things I had heard of, like the Theory of Ideas, the Argument from Affinity, and the Theory of Recollection, as well as reflections on the nature of the soul.
Book I of The Republic is all about “doing right,” a phrase for a Greek word that is also translated “justice” but incorporates a much bigger and more moral sense than mere legal justice.
Finally, the Cave Allegory. I thought it was basically about not seeing things clearly, but learning to see them as they really are. In fact it is much, much more than that.

This is a year-long challenge! Join me next week for Greek Lyric Poetry (the text from Richard Lattimore) and The Odyssey.

CONNECT

For all the episodes of Crack the Book, check out the list here.

For more of my writing, visit my Substack.

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Crack The Book Trailer

Season 2

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • Duration 01:36

A NEW ADVENTURE.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of diving into those classic books you feel like you should have read by now, but don’t know where to start, Crack The Book is for you.

I’m your host, Cheryl. I stumbled upon a list of classic books and realized how much I’d missed. I wanted to understand these stories and ideas and didn’t know where to start. But I was tired of feeling out of the loop and told myself - I can do this.

And you can too.

In each episode, we unpack an all-time classic book - Plato, Confucius, Dante, and more - exploring their stories, their lessons, and how we can apply them to our lives today.

We’re going to take a walk through the humanities, starting from the earliest epics ever written through to the 21st century modern classics.

So come along with me - I’ll break down the big ideas, share my honest take on what’s worth your time, and show you how these classics can connect to your life.

I’m by no means an expert on these works, but I’m excited for you to join me on this adventure of curiosity and discovery.

Whether you’re new to these books or revisiting them with fresh eyes, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe to Crack The Book now on your favorite podcast platform.

The first episode launches March 18th.

CONNECT

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

How To Buy A Boat (And Why You Need A Broker) [REPLAY]

Season 1 · Episode 31

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 • Duration 34:03

While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year. We interviewed our boat broker Michal Bach and learned a lot. If you enjoyed this interview, check out some of our other guests: JB Turner on August 6, 2024, Kate Seremeth on September 10, 2024, and Ali Hasell on November 26, 2024.

Buying a boat is easier said than done. And finding the right one isn’t that simple either. Thankfully, we had Michael Bach on our side when we bought our sailboat, Abide.

Michael joins me in this episode to share his story of becoming a broker which started out working in shipyards and racing. We then uncover the process we went through together of finding the right boat and arranging the purchase and works.

This episode is packed with surprising stories, professional expertise, and practical advice for anyone interested in sailing!

Highlights from this episode:

Our broker Michael’s journey from boat racing to finding Abide.
How Michael sniffs out the duds when looking for boats for his clients.
Who is the typical boat owner?
How the boat buying process works.
How COVID prompted us (and many others) to sail more.

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

CONNECT

Michael Bach - mbach@bycyacht.com.

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

The Secrets of Cooking on a Private Yacht with Vanessa Verster [REPLAY]

Season 1 · Episode 30

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 • Duration 34:52

While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year with our chef Vanessa! And if you enjoyed this episode, she also shares life at a charter yacht show. Check out that episode from November 19, 2024.

Are you feeling hungry? You will be after listening to this episode!

Vanessa Verster, our chef on board our sailboat, Abide (and Roland’s wife), joins me on this episode to give us a behind the scenes look into life as a private chef on the sea.

We discover Vanessa’s story of how she got involved in chartering, despite having no initial sailing experience. Vanessa is now part of our crew where she uses her culinary mastery to feed us breakfast, lunch and dinner in a space smaller than most home kitchens!

Highlights from this episode:

Vanessa’s journey to chartering, from South Africa to the USA.
The challenges of cooking for up to ten people in a tiny galley kitchen.
Life on mixed charters and handling diverse groups of guests.
The differences between restaurant and private cheffing.
The process of crafting a menu and why guests don’t get to see it before boarding.
Nightmare guest stories!
The no-go topics of conversation for mixed family charters…

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

CONNECT

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

Our Intrepid Captain’s Story: Part 1 [REPLAY]

Season 1 · Episode 29

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 31:28

While we take a little break, enjoy this episode from last year. And to continue to part 2, check out the episode from July 2, 2024.

We love a challenge. And this story is all about jumping in head first. In episode one I uncovered the story of how our adventure began, from the first time Bill and I went sailing, to coming to own a 136-foot sailboat. If you haven’t listened to episode one already, start there!

In this episode, I’m joined by our intrepid captain Roland, who without him, our adventure might not have been possible. We pick up where we left off with Abide arriving at Belfast's Front Street Shipyard, before winding back time to introduce Roland and how he became our captain.

Highlights from this episode:

How our captain’s journey took him from cleaning the bottoms of boats to joining our crew.
How chartering works, and what it’s like to live on board with people you’ve only just met!
How Hurricane Irma tore through our plans.
Learning about the process from delivery to sailing the world.
How our journey made us see America from a completely new perspective.

Stay subscribed so you don't miss our new podcast adventure!

CONNECT

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

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A New Adventure - What’s Next For The Podcast…

Season 1 · Episode 28

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 • Duration 09:15

I’m making some changes to Adventure On Deck.

Over the past year, this podcast has been a space to share stories of adventure, discovery, and our life aboard Abide. And I thank you so much for being a part of this with me. But as all great stories must, this chapter has come to a natural close, now that we’ve told the refit story.

During our adventures, I’ve discovered how much I love how stories pop up in our own lives and how we can get to know the world as a progression of stories

I’ve also discovered how much I love podcasting and connecting with you!

That’s why, although this story has come to a close, the podcast will live on, but it’s time to steer the course into something new.

In this episode, I talk about what’s coming next in this new chapter.

CONNECT

Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-on-deck/id1749793321

Captivate - https://adventure-on-deck.captivate.fm

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5 Lessons From The Odyssey For Modern-Day Adventurers

Season 1 · Episode 27

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 • Duration 20:08

Have you ever read a book that feels like it was written for the exact moment you’re living?

That’s how I felt when I read Homer’s Odyssey during our last trip to St. Thomas this year. The story of the epic, 20-year journey home has stuck with me, and I couldn’t help but see the parallels to our adventures aboard Abide.

That’s why in this episode, I’m sharing 5 of these parallels that we’ve learnt from. If you haven’t read The Odyssey - don’t worry, I’ll give you some context. And either way, if you’re planning an adventure of your own, there’s something to learn here.

We may not have ended up getting on Poseidon’s bad side - but there have definitely been some unexpected challenges!

In this episode, I share:

5 ways our adventure mirrors Homer’s Odyssey.
How the realities of our trip differed from our expectations.
The sirens (or distractions) we’ve had to resist along the way.
Why “home” looks so different after spending time at sea.
Lessons that you can bring to your own adventures.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

LEARN MORE

For more about Abide - https://svabide.com/

CONNECT

Abide on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sail_abide

Cheryl Drury on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldruryphotographer/

LISTEN

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd

Our Best and Worst Moments of 2024 - And Goal Setting for 2025

Season 1 · Episode 26

Tuesday, January 7, 2025 • Duration 22:27

Happy New Year, Adventurers! What went well in 2024 for you and what went not so well?

This week, I’m joined by my husband, Bill, as we reflect on the highs and lows of 2024 and look ahead to what’s in store for 2025.

We’re playing a little game of ‘Good Thing, Bad Thing’ - a game we loved to play with our kids around the dinner table to get everyone talking about their day. We’re reminiscing about some incredible moments from this past year - and a few not-so-great moments that we can learn from. From launching this podcast to our favorite trips aboard Abide, 2024 has been super busy and full of surprises and lessons.

Highlights from this episode: