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  • THE BLUE FLOWER by Penelope Fitzgerald >> I'm not sure even Novalis himself (the 18th-century poet/philosopher protagonist of this novel) could fully appreciate THIS LEVEL OF LITERARY GENIUS.

    THE BLUE FLOWER by Penelope Fitzgerald >> I'm not sure even Novalis himself (the 18th-century poet/philosopher protagonist of this novel) could fully appreciate THIS LEVEL OF LITERARY GENIUS.
    2026/05/12
    The Blue Flower is considered Fitzgerald's masterpiece, and for good reason. It's challenging--an entirely different approach to historical fiction, with subtle, nuanced, gorgeous prose. She makes late-1700s Saxony feel immediate and accessible and you FEEL so much for these people. Listen in to fully appreciate how she produces a book that readers go back to again and again, gaining so much more every single time.
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    57 分
  • WASHINGTON SQUARE by Henry James >> Comedy of Errors? Realist novel? Feminist treatise?

    WASHINGTON SQUARE by Henry James >> Comedy of Errors? Realist novel? Feminist treatise?
    2026/05/05
    Tune in to hear why James's 1880 New York novel might be all of the above--plus funny! The close look at the innovative, wry narrative stance is reason enough to spend an hour thinking about this slim book. Not to mention the excellent characterization, the use of satire and the send up of the Gothic meddlesome spinster aunt! Treat yourself now!
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    57 分
  • CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata >> I returned to this one in the name of satire but came away with so much more.

    CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata >> I returned to this one in the name of satire but came away with so much more.
    2026/04/27
    I can't remember the last time a novel evoked such strong--and opposing!--reactions. This 2018 novella appealed back then but my re-reading was even more satisfying. Listen in to hear the many ways Murata is a master of satire. Maybe more interestingly, take a fascinating look at sexuality in the novel via two other Murata essays. Indulge yourself in talk about this smart, unique novel now!
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    56 分
  • TRANSCRIPTION by Ben Lerner >> Almost never do I finish a book and wonder what on earth I'll say about it.

    TRANSCRIPTION by Ben Lerner >> Almost never do I finish a book and wonder what on earth I'll say about it.
    2026/04/21
    Lerner's new novel(la) is a revelation. One that deserves a LOT of our attention. It's a text that tests the limits and potentials of what fiction can do. Whether you loved it or came away wondering what the hell you just read, these ninety minutes should deepen your appreciation for this latest from one of my very favorite writers of all time.
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    1 時間 24 分
  • PNIN by Vladimir Nabokov >> This is exactly why Nabokov might be my favorite writer of all time.

    PNIN by Vladimir Nabokov >> This is exactly why Nabokov might be my favorite writer of all time.
    2026/04/17
    The Russian master's slim novel from 1958--just a year after Lolita--is such a dream. Truly one of my favorite books. We dive deep into narrative stance, satire, structure, figurative language, the campus novel and SQUIRRELS.
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    1 時間 6 分
  • 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??
    2026/04/06
    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.
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    1 時間 4 分
  • 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.
    2026/03/30
    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.
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    1 時間 8 分
  • VIGIL by George Saunders >> Whether you loved this--or wish you loved it a little more--this talk is for you.

    VIGIL by George Saunders >> Whether you loved this--or wish you loved it a little more--this talk is for you.
    2026/03/25
    Saunders fans came to this with very high expectations. Rightly! The 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.
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    1 時間 12 分