Podcast Summary: Summer Reading with Melissa and Colin

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Deep Dish
• Host/Author: The Gospel Coalition
• Episode: Summer Reading with Melissa and Colin (from TGC's Gospelbound Podcast)
• Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In the "Summer Reading" episode of The Deep Dish, co-hosts Melissa Krueger and Colin Hansen delve into the significance of reading amidst the distractions of modern multimedia. The conversation explores personal reading habits, the impact of technology on attention spans, and offers a comprehensive list of book recommendations tailored for spiritual growth and personal development.

The Importance of Reading in the Digital Age

Melissa and Colin begin by addressing the declining attention spans caused by television and social media. Colin reflects on his reading experiences by the lake, highlighting how reading provides relaxation and concentration away from the hustle of daily life.

Colin Hansen [00:34]: "Summer is a time for reading. Work slows down a bit... I've read everything from history to fiction to theology on that couch."

Melissa emphasizes the necessity of reading in today's multimedia landscape, arguing that it fosters deeper cognitive engagement compared to the superficial consumption of information through screens.

Melissa Krueger [02:35]: "I have noticed even in my own brain, a slowness to really read the words of a paragraph."

Balancing Different Reading Formats: Physical, Digital, Audiobooks

The hosts discuss their preferences for various reading formats. Melissa favors physical books for deep, thoughtful reading, especially for Christian texts and commentaries.

Melissa Krueger [13:51]: "My comfortable place is with a real physical book. I like to mark up my books... I need them in a physical form."

Colin, on the other hand, appreciates the flexibility of digital formats and audiobooks for their convenience, especially when traveling or multitasking.

Colin Hansen [14:05]: "My three year old son grabbed off the shelf...it is a long book, I gotta say."

They also touch upon the limitations of audiobooks for complex or dense materials, with Melissa sharing her challenges in engaging with thoughtful audiobooks.

Melissa Krueger [17:21]: "I have struggled to read audiobooks. My brain just wanders."

Summer Reading Habits and Personal Experiences

Melissa shares her evolving reading habits, particularly her preference for physical books when studying and digital formats for leisure reading like fiction during travel.

Colin discusses his own summer reading routine, emphasizing the importance of selecting books that are both enjoyable and enriching.

Challenges in Reading and Encouraging Children

The conversation shifts to the difficulty of encouraging children to read in an age dominated by digital distractions. Colin recounts his daughter's initial dislike for reading and his efforts to instill a love for books by assuring her of the vast worlds she can explore through reading.

Colin Hansen [03:54]: "I told her that not liking reading is not like just not enjoying certain foods. Maturity is developing your taste for food. It's also developing your taste for what kind of reading you would enjoy."

Melissa speculates that her daughter's reluctance may stem from a mismatch between her current reading level and her interests.

Melissa Krueger [05:36]: "I have a feeling with her, it's going to come down to probably her ability to read right now does not match her interest level."

Book Recommendations by Genre

Biography and Historical Nonfiction

Colin and Melissa highly recommend biographies and historical nonfiction for their depth and ability to shape readers' perspectives.

Colin Hansen [25:44]: "Biography is not the only form of history that I enjoy... Peter Brown on Augustine is probably one of the best."

Melissa echoes this sentiment, highlighting Christian biographies that have profoundly influenced her faith journey.

Melissa Krueger [46:56]: "A Chance to Die by Elizabeth Elliott was hugely formational for me."

They discuss influential figures like Martin Luther and Jonathan Edwards, emphasizing the value of learning from historical Christian leaders.

Fiction

The hosts advocate for fiction that not only entertains but also fosters personal and spiritual growth. Melissa shares her admiration for Wendell Berry's Hannah Coulter and Kate Morton's engaging storytelling.

Melissa Krueger [48:23]: "Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry is... I just wept when I finished it."

Colin recommends classics like Tolstoy's Brothers Karamazov and Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, noting their enduring relevance and ability to provoke thoughtful reflection.

Colin Hansen [62:21]: "Brothers Karamazov is one of those books. It reshapes entire civilizations."

General Nonfiction

Melissa praises Malcolm Gladwell's works for their engaging narrative style and insightful analysis, which have been instrumental in her personal and parenting strategies.

Melissa Krueger [56:49]: "I really love David and Goliath. That was really helpful for me."

Colin adds David Brooks' How to Know a Person to the list, commending its impact on readers' personal and relational understanding.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

Melissa shares personal anecdotes about struggling with certain books, such as Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy, highlighting the challenges of engaging with dense historical narratives.

Melissa Krueger [37:06]: "I've given up on Wolf Hall. It's very dense."

Colin relates by mentioning his own experiences giving up on Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch due to its lack of personal edification.

Colin Hansen [40:15]: "I could not get anything out of this. I just couldn't keep going."

These reflections underscore the importance of selecting books that resonate personally and contribute to one's spiritual and intellectual growth.

Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, Melissa and Colin encourage listeners to embrace reading as a vital practice for spiritual and personal development. They emphasize the enduring value of books in fostering deep, reflective thinking and building richer discipleship relationships.

Melissa previews upcoming episodes of The Deep Dish, promising more deep and engaging conversations with diverse women guests.

Melissa Krueger [71:13]: "We promise they will, Lord willing, be deep and fun to listen to."

Colin teases future content, including a potential "Top 25 Theology Stories" episode, highlighting their commitment to providing valuable literary guidance.

Colin Hansen [72:10]: "Let's give people what they want here at the end. Some beach reads."

Notable Quotes

• Colin Hansen [00:34]: "Summer is a time for reading. Work slows down a bit... I've read everything from history to fiction to theology on that couch."

• Melissa Krueger [02:35]: "I have noticed even in my own brain, a slowness to really read the words of a paragraph."

• Colin Hansen [03:54]: "I told her that not liking reading is not like just not enjoying certain foods."

• Melissa Krueger [05:36]: "I have a feeling with her, it's going to come down to probably her ability to read right now does not match her interest level."

• Colin Hansen [25:44]: "Biography is not the only form of history that I enjoy... Peter Brown on Augustine is probably one of the best."

• Melissa Krueger [56:49]: "I really love David and Goliath. That was really helpful for me."

• Melissa Krueger [37:06]: "I've given up on Wolf Hall. It's very dense."

• Colin Hansen [40:15]: "I could not get anything out of this. I just couldn't keep going."

• Melissa Krueger [71:13]: "We promise they will, Lord willing, be deep and fun to listen to."

• Colin Hansen [72:10]: "Let's give people what they want here at the end. Some beach reads."

Conclusion

The "Summer Reading" episode of The Deep Dish serves as a heartfelt exploration of the enduring importance of reading in nurturing faith, personal growth, and intellectual engagement. Melissa Krueger and Colin Hansen provide thoughtful insights and a robust list of book recommendations, encouraging listeners to cultivate a deep and meaningful reading habit this summer.

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