Joy's Book Reviews

Chat about some motifs, symbols, and characters from the first half of the novel - This episode is a solo episode where I chat about what interests me from the first half of the novel with focus on character development and some motifs/symbols. 

I hope it gives you some things to think about as you go into the second half of the novel!

Discussion of behavioral psychology in the World State (through chapter 6) - This episode dives into the World State's engagement of behavioral psychology in order to control its citizens and how this setting is a warning for us. How does the World State enforce its laws? Why do the citizens follow blindly? What does the study of behavioral conditioning have to do with all of this? 

I hope it gives you some insight into behavioral psychology and gives you something to think about in regards to our own society. 

Special Guest: Mr. N

Discussion of bioethics in the World State as you begin the novel (Chapters 1~3) - This episode dives into understanding a bit about how Huxley's World State works, starting with how they make humans - babies. We talk a bit about baby making in the World State and how it happens truly - outside of the novel world; a little bit of reproductive science for your ears. 

I hope it gives you some insight as you dive into this weird weird world that Huxley imagines. And I hope you get a little giggle along the way. 

Special Guest: Ms. R

Some more background information before reading the novel - In this episode, we delve into some important historic figures that Aldous Huxley satirizes in his novel: Politicians, Philosophers, Ideologists, Scientists, Industrialist, and one religious figure. 

I hope it gives you some background context before you dive into the novel - Keep in mind - Huxley did not choose his character names for absolutely no reason. They all have meanings ... More on that on a later episode ...

Repeat Special Guest: Mr. A.

Some historic background information before reading the novel - We delve into the history of science and technology, some politics and philosophies of his time that Aldous Huxley was satirizing in his novel. 

I hope it gives you some background context before you dive into the novel - and it gives you something to think about while reading the novel!

Special Guest: Mr. A.