CARRIE by Stephen King >> Find out why King deserves serious literary respect. Plus, obviously: halloween!
You might think of CARRIE is just SCARY , but narrative stance, sophisticated structure, use of motif and "scientific evidence" are all integral in making it so good. Treat yourself .
--------
1:20:34
--------
1:20:34
THE COPENHAGEN TRILOGY (and "The Umbrella"!!) by Tove Ditlevsen >> You'll appreciate the trilogy all the more with a little FICTION under your belt.
Ditlevsen's three-volume memoir has made a huge impression on American readers. When I found it slightly underwhelming, I wondered if I would appreciate the work more fully if I knew her FICTION. She's hugely critically acclaimed in her native Denmark. She's written 29 books. A look at one very short story will shift your perspective, leaving you with a much deeper appreciation of this literary icon.
--------
48:42
--------
48:42
LET US DESCEND by Jesmyn Ward > > Readers, I LOVED this rewriting of Dante's Divine Comedy. Listen to why this best seller DESERVES its place on all those BEST OF 2023 lists!
I was really moved by Salvage the Bones. Tune in to find out why Ward's work just keeps getting better and better.
--------
1:08:57
--------
1:08:57
SMALL MERCIES by Dennis Lehane >> Lehane has hinted this might be his last novel--tune in to hear why the crime thriller works so well in his hands.
Weirdly, amazon added the subtitle "A Detective Mystery" to Small Mercies. When one of the best things about this book is that it's NOT a detective at the center. You all know this genre isn't my usual fare, but Lehane's historical focus, together with his excellent prose, and dialogue (plus plot, duh) made this so satisfying to dive into.
--------
44:03
--------
44:03
THE WHITE ALBUM by Joan Didion (part 1 of 3) > Maybe Didion is just what we need in these dark days?
Didion is never afraid to stare down the most troubling parts of our country--incisively and boldly. Which somehow always makes me feel better?? Herein I argue for the importance of this seminal work, I touch on Didion’s biography ,then dig into why her engaging, dark, entirely inimitable prose deserves its iconic status. (parts 2 and 3 below)
If you love to read, The Foxed Page is for you. With these deep dives into the best books, you’ll gain a richer understanding of the title at hand, all while learning to read everything better.
Choose from long-form lectures, quick recommendations, talks on old favorites and plenty of episodes from the archives.
Listen to The Foxed Page--with Kimberly Ford, best-selling author, former adjunct professor and Ph.D.
New Zealand