Episodios

  • KIN by Tayari Jones >> How on earth did I not read An American Marriage??

    KIN by Tayari Jones >> How on earth did I not read An American Marriage??
    Apr 6 2026
    The reading public had ridiculously high expectations for whatever followed Jones’s break-out bestseller—and wow have those expectations have been met. KIN might seem like a straightforward, delightful page turner but the book is so good because of all the nuanced, complex ways that Jones develops structure, dialogue, plot, figurative language, minor characters, historical setting etc. Listen in to FULLY APPRECIATE this rich work.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 4 m
  • NEAR TO THE WILD HEART by Clarice Lispector >> It is ABOUT TIME we took a close look at this Brazilian genius.

    NEAR TO THE WILD HEART by Clarice Lispector >> It is ABOUT TIME we took a close look at this Brazilian genius.
    Mar 30 2026
    Wow was this rewarding. Lispector's cult following knows what it's talking about! her body of work is globally, universally acclaimed for an approach that truly feels singular. Listen in to hear how her harrowing childhood informs her writing. Together we'll dig deep into how stream of consciousness, figurative language and writing from the body all add to the genius. These slim novels are the kind of work that REALLY reward deeper analysis.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 8 m
  • VIGIL >> Whether you loved this--or wish you loved it a little more--this talk is for you.

    VIGIL >> Whether you loved this--or wish you loved it a little more--this talk is for you.
    Mar 25 2026
    Saunders fans came to this with very high expectations. Rightly! This MacArthur-winning genius won the Booker for the insanely great Lincoln in the Bardo! When VIGIL fell a tiny bit short for me, I went to the source--interviews with George--to really understand what he was going for. I wanted the best experience of this book! The results were fascinating. Listen in to gain the deepest appreciation for why Saunders is always worth our while.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 12 m
  • NOW I SURRENDER by Álvaro Enrigue >> Even if "alt-western" doesn't pull you right in, this one is seriously worth your while..

    NOW I SURRENDER by Álvaro Enrigue >> Even if "alt-western" doesn't pull you right in, this one is seriously worth your while..
    Mar 21 2026
    Even *I*--longtime Enrigue superfan--was a little suspicious of this one. Turns out a "multifaceted war story," a "Western that Goes Where McCarthy Wouldn't," the story of the surrender of Geronimo, was RIVETING.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 17 m
  • DUBLINERS by James Joyce >> How else should anyone celebrate March 17?

    DUBLINERS by James Joyce >> How else should anyone celebrate March 17?
    Mar 17 2026
    Happy St. Patrick's Day! Let us thank GOD for the Irishification of the American arts! This lecture explores the haunting “An Encounter” before delving into the masterpiece, “The Dead.” Find out how Joyce changed the face of literature, and how his portrayal of the Irish people is actually a portrayal of EVERYONE. Maybe Joyce seems a little heavy?? Choose from my talks on Sally Rooney's INTERMEZZO, Claire Keegan's radical SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE or FOSTER, Anna Burns's insanely great MILKMAN or a handful of other Irish masterpieces.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 37 m
  • "DANCE IN AMERICA" by Lorrie Moore >> How on EARTH did it take this long for us to do a Moore episode??

    "DANCE IN AMERICA" by Lorrie Moore >> How on EARTH did it take this long for us to do a Moore episode??
    Mar 9 2026
    There are dozens of reasons why Moore is one of my favorite writers of all time. Indulge yourself in the 20 minutes it takes to read (or listen to!) this story then dig DEEP with me. The work is ridiculously smart and dark and poignant and unique and HILARIOUS. I'll say it before we even start: YOU'RE WELCOME.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 3 m
  • STONE YARD DEVOTIONAL by Charlotte Wood >> Wow does this novel reward some close reading. Wood is a genius!

    STONE YARD DEVOTIONAL by Charlotte Wood >> Wow does this novel reward some close reading. Wood is a genius!
    Mar 6 2026
    This Booker Prize shortlister SEEMS quiet, spacious and spare but wow is it rich. The closer you look (allow me to guide you), the better it gets. Don't let the subtleties of this gorgeous novel be lost on you! Listen in now.
    Más Menos
    58 m
  • YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES by Álvaro Enrigue >> Want an even deeper understanding of this complex, hilarious, dark, unique novel?? Tune in!

    YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES by Álvaro Enrigue >> Want an even deeper understanding of this complex, hilarious, dark, unique novel?? Tune in!
    Mar 3 2026
    People! Enrigue's new novel NOW I SURRENDER comes out today in English. Before you dive into that one, brush up on all the ways the man is a genius. This exploration of YOU DREAMED OF EMPIRES will give you a deeper understanding of the title, the unique narrative stance, why the book feels so dreamy, the humor and whether or not we can read this as a FEMINIST novel.
    Más Menos
    1 h y 4 m