Reading the World | قراءة العالم | World Literature, Critical Reading, & Culture

Terry Whalin on Publishing Myths: Why Being Published Is Not the Same as Being Read

What does it really mean for a book to be published—and why does publication not guarantee that a book will actually be read? In this episode of Reading the World, Ali Alhajji speaks with Terry Whalin [https://terrywhalin.blogspot.com], author of 10 Publishing Myths [https://www.marketing4books.com/us-ord] and an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, about the hidden machinery behind book publishing. Drawing on his experience as an author, editor, literary agent, and acquisitions editor, Whalin explains what many writers misunderstand about publishing: author platform, acquisition decisions, distribution, bestseller lists, self-publishing, and the difficult work of reaching readers. The conversation moves beyond practical publishing advice to ask a larger cultural question: how do books become visible, valued, and socially present? Together, Ali and Terry explore the gap between a book being available and a book being read, and what that gap reveals about authorship, readership, literary value, and the systems that shape what reaches public attention. A reflective conversation for writers, readers, students, editors, and anyone interested in publishing, books, literary visibility, and how culture decides what is worth reading. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2566933/fan_mail/new] Reading the World | قراءة العالم A bilingual podcast (English and Arabic) exploring world literature, culture, and higher education as ways of understanding how meaning is produced, circulated, and contested. Each episode takes one question at a time—carefully, clearly, and without oversimplification. Follow the podcast to continue the conversation.

Critical Reading Beyond Tests | How Dyslexics Read the World Differently

Critical reading and higher education demand reckoning with how we measure what students actually understand. Russell Van Brocklen [https://dyslexiaclasses.com] exposes a fundamental flaw: standardized tests capture decoding speed, not the textual complexity and interpretive depth that dyslexic readers often excel at. When institutions design assessment systems that privilege one cognitive route, they don't just misdiagnose struggling readers—they erase entire ways of knowing. We explore why this matters for literacy, learning difference, and the power to define what counts as "good reading" in schools and beyond. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2566933/fan_mail/new] Reading the World | قراءة العالم A bilingual podcast (English and Arabic) exploring world literature, culture, and higher education as ways of understanding how meaning is produced, circulated, and contested. Each episode takes one question at a time—carefully, clearly, and without oversimplification. Follow the podcast to continue the conversation.

Science Diplomacy: Bridging Divides — Building Peace Through Cross-Cultural Scientific Collaboration

Explore the transformative power of science diplomacy and cross-cultural communication in this compelling episode of Reading the World. Dr. Zafra Lerman [https://zafralerman.com/], a renowned chemist and peacebuilder, shares how the Malta Conferences forge critical connections between scientists from conflicted regions, promoting reconciliation and hope through a unique blend of equality, trust, and embodied friendship. This discussion delves into how these innovative efforts embody principles rooted in global humanities and cultural studies, emphasizing the potential for science to transcend political boundaries and foster lasting peace. You'll hear remarkable stories of collaboration between Israeli and Palestinian scientists, illustrating how a critical reading of political and cultural narratives can lead to profound understanding and change. Perfect for listeners interested in world literature, academic discourse, and the broader humanities, this episode highlights how the universal language of science helps humanize conflict and build bridges where diplomacy often fails. Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey [https://www.amazon.com/Human-Rights-Peace-Personal-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B0D5SNZFWY/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VvdieyRQca1efwWGPf2R-d8eumZGxP9wK9owzzPRxwM.4jXg1yQyw24wUqA1K1ktgNhPHgd1HHEwvvohgkHePDU&dib_tag=se&qid=1775879791&refinements=p_27%3AZafra+Lerman&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Zafra+Lerman] Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2566933/fan_mail/new] Reading the World | قراءة العالم A bilingual podcast (English and Arabic) exploring world literature, culture, and higher education as ways of understanding how meaning is produced, circulated, and contested. Each episode takes one question at a time—carefully, clearly, and without oversimplification. Follow the podcast to continue the conversation.

Small Town Secrets and Their Role in Shaping Characters | World Literature & Critical Reading

Explore how Susan Gooch's novels use small-town secrets to reveal complex social dynamics, offering rich insights into world literature and literary theory. This episode highlights the significance of critical reading in understanding how family, reputation, and community shape narrative perception. Gooch's work exemplifies crosscultural communication and global humanities by challenging surface-level judgments and exposing the nuanced interplay of love, loyalty, and secrecy. Join us as we dive into the storytelling techniques that craft layered characters and social worlds, illuminating the power of interpretation and the hidden structures that influence human experience within small-town settings. Whether you're a writer, reader, or academic interested in cultural studies and narrative media, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on how fiction can deepen our understanding of complex social fabrics and global literature. To follow Susan's work, visit: https://www.instagram.com/susangoochauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/susangoochauthor/]. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2566933/fan_mail/new] Reading the World | قراءة العالم A bilingual podcast (English and Arabic) exploring world literature, culture, and higher education as ways of understanding how meaning is produced, circulated, and contested. Each episode takes one question at a time—carefully, clearly, and without oversimplification. Follow the podcast to continue the conversation.

Reading the World: Economics as Language, Story, and Moral Narrative | Economics and Narrative

In this episode of Reading the World—an academic podcast dedicated to critical reading, world literature, and global humanities—Ali Alhajji converses with economist Dr. Doug Cardell to explore how economic ideas are constructed as language, story, and moral narrative. They examine the profound influence of economic storytelling on moral and political beliefs, shedding light on capitalism, socialism, and the complex systems that regulate society. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how narratives shape economic perceptions, and how evidence-based thinking interacts with emotional and moral framing in public discourse. The episode also discusses the unpredictable nature of economic systems, clarifies key concepts like equality and equity, and highlights the vital role of education in shaping economic worldviews. By applying critical reading strategies to economics, this conversation reveals the broader implications for cultural studies, translation studies, and cross-cultural communication. If you're interested in global literature, humanities, and narrative media, this episode offers valuable insights into the stories that underlie our economic realities. You can find out more about Dr. Cardell's work at: https://whysocialismstruggles.com/ [https://whysocialismstruggles.com/]  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2566933/fan_mail/new] Reading the World | قراءة العالم A bilingual podcast (English and Arabic) exploring world literature, culture, and higher education as ways of understanding how meaning is produced, circulated, and contested. Each episode takes one question at a time—carefully, clearly, and without oversimplification. Follow the podcast to continue the conversation.