Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

In this episode of the New York Times Book Review, Nora Ami discusses 'Brotherless Night' by V. V. Ganesanathan. The podcast explores how Ganesanathan brings forth the complexities of human relationships and violence during Sri Lanka's brutal civil war. Sashi, the main character, navigates through societal and moral restrictions amidst the brutality of war. The podcast underscores the reality of living in a society with impending danger, highlighting how Ganesanathan's treatment of such serious themes results in a novel profoundly concerned with real moments of a real war.

In this episode, we review Anh Nhu's evocative novel, 'Ghost Music'. Protagonist Song Yan, a former concert pianist in Beijing, embarks on a surreal journey after receiving mysterious mushroom deliveries from a supposed deceased pianist. The novel weaves together reality and the dreamlike, in an exploration of what it truly means to live fully, or conversely, the consequences of not doing so. This careful braid of mundane and magical is compared to the works of early Murakami, Patrick Modiano and Keiri Kitamura, illustrating a profound 'in-betweenness' where matter and spirit converge.

Join host Nora Ami as she dives into Tomohiko Morimi's novel 'The Tatami Galaxy,' an alternate history where the protagonist gets several chances to live his college life differently. We also explore Alexander Rose's 'The Lion and The Fox,' which captures an intriguing Confederate plot to build a fleet during the Civil War. The podcast highlights the complexities of the characters, the beautiful translation of the books, and the gripping depiction of historical events.

This episode delves into an enlightening discussion on Jefferson Cowie's 'Freedom's Dominion', a haunting journey tracing the deep-rooted racism and resistance against federal power in an Alabama county. The prodigious historian captures the narrative from Wallace's repressive creed, through the 19th and 20th centuries, to its echoes in today's right-wing rhetoric. The podcast reveals how the book is incredibly pertinent as it sheds light on the enduring racisms and staunch aversion to government, a truly essential read for anyone seeking to understand the profoundly unhealthy relationship between racism and zealous anti-government sentiment.

This episode explores Fred Hoag's adventure book 'Of Ice and Men', showcasing the historical and humorous tales of how ice transformed civilization, from ancient ice pits to refrigeration's contribution to climate change. The second part delves into 'Screaming on the Inside' by Jessica Gross, an honest exposition of the challenges faced by modern American mothers, offering a raw glimpse into the dichotomy between societal expectations and personal realities of motherhood.

This New York Times Book Review podcast, hosted by Nora Ami, delves into 'The Intimate City: Walking New York' by Michael Kimmelman, a collection depicting journeys across New York City reflecting history, architecture, and urban life; and 'Aesthetica' by Allie Rowbottom, a novel illuminating the obsessive pursuit of beauty in the age of cosmetic surgery and social media.

This podcast episode delves into former First Lady Michelle Obama's new book, 'The Light We Carry.' Host Nora Ami discusses Obama's significant insights into navigating one's personal challenges, societal tension, and more, and how they resonate deeply with readers. The podcast episode provides a thoughtful review, highlighting Obama's anecdotes, personal philosophy, and her relatability, making it a compelling exploration of resilience, personal growth, and moving forward during uncertain times.

This episode of the New York Times Book Review delves into the circuitous journey of Catherine Dunn's overlooked novel, 'Toad, from creation in the 1970s to its eventual publication after the author's death. We explore Dunns unique style and its reflection of societal pain and struggles of self-perception. Then, we shift to an exploration of James Vincents 'Beyond Measure, a book unravelling the story of the human experience through the lens of measurements - revealing them as tools for both understanding and social cohesion. Our podcast sheds light on the seemingly mundane and overlooked aspects of life and literature.