Why Should I Read This?
Alternate Wednesdays during Morning Edition and All Things Considered
In "Why Should I Read This?" professors from the Wichita State English Department have just 60 seconds to explain why listeners should read their favorite works of literature.
Latest Episodes
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Christopher Marlowe was an atheist, a counterfeiter and a possible spy – a Renaissance rebel. Fran Connor tells us how this informed his most famous character, Dr. Faustus, in today’s Why Should I Read This. -
The phrase “armchair detective” wasn’t around in the 1800s – but if it was, it would apply to this mystery by one of the era’s most scandalous writers. Katie Lanning explains on today’s Why Should I Read This? -
Wichita State English professor and poet Adam Scheffler knows you might not like poetry. But he thinks reading a nearly 200-year-old Shelley sonnet might make you change your mind. He tells us why in today’s Why Should I Read This? -
Wichita State English professor Rebeccah Bechtold thinks Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry and short fiction are overrated. She claims horror enthusiasts are better served by Poe’s one and only novel. She tells us why in today’s Why Should I Read This. -
Kerry Jones is an English professor and author who loves horror – and beautiful prose. She tells us how a book by Stewart O’Nan has both in today’s Why Should I Read This. -
Fran Connor teaches Shakespeare at Wichita State, so it might be surprising that he is recommending a play by two of the bard’s rivals. He tells us why on today’s Why Should I Read This. -
Wichita State English professor Katie Lanning is the greatest living expert on Gulliver’s Travels. Wellllll, she owns more copies than anyone we know. She tells us why on today’s Why Should I Read This.
