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

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

In this podcast episode, we review the novel 'Lucy by the Sea' by Elizabeth Strout. Set amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the novel depicts the struggles of protagonist Lucy Barton, a renowned novelist who abruptly moves from Manhattan to Maine. The podcast discusses themes of the novel like self-reflection, privilege, and the nuanced human response to global crises. It shines a light on Strout's capturing of the shift in societal consciousness during unprecedented times and emphasizes the novel's discourse around the hidden facets of privilege.

This episode explores Joyce Carol Oates' novel 'Babysitter'. Profiling Hannah Jarrett, a privileged woman living the American dream who steps into an illicit affair with terrifying repercussions, while a sinister figure, dubbed 'Babysitter' by the media, lurks in the background. The story deconstructs the illusion of safety in privilege amid 1970s suburban America. Oates' narrative prowess and acute socio-cultural commentary are lauded, despite moments of narrative hand-holding. A compelling, albeit disturbing read, touching on topics of violence, infidelity, and societal disparity.

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

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

This episode of The New York Times book review podcast explores two riveting books, 'My Government Means to Kill Me' by Rashid Newsome, a text blurring the boundaries between biography and fiction, and 'Slender Man: Online Obsession, Mental Illness, and The Violent Crime of Two Midwestern Girls' by Kathleen Hale, an investigative exploration of a horrifying real-life incident. The hosts dive into each story with careful analysis, bringing to light the nuances and contextual histories of their characters, offering an insightful discussion for literature enthusiasts.

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

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

Examining the life and views of Felix Frankfurter, a justice who served the Supreme Court from 1939 to 1962. An advocate for narrow decisions and democratic process deference, Frankfurter's vision is discussed in context of current political climate. The podcast also features an in-depth analysis of Brad Snyder's book, 'Democratic Justice, Felix Frankfurter, the Supreme Court, and the Making of the Liberal Establishment', providing remarkable insights into Frankfurter's personal experiences and his contribution to the liberal establishment.