The first episode of 2022 has been--like everything these days--delayed due to COVID. Paul talks about his favourite films, TV shows, albums, and--of course!--books of 2021. 

Find the entire list here:

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8864790044362597696/898794928096278104

Paul talks about a perfect novel, a work of art, and a book that shows us through its folksy meanderings and mountains of injustice what people really are, and what they really should be.

Springsteen, Bruce. "The Ghost of Tom Joad," from The Ghost of Tom Joad. USA: Columbia, 1995.

Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Penguin, 2006. 

In a comedown from the Hallowe'en season, Paul explores the roots of great Victorian horror and its ability to play upon our most basic fears despite all of our modern comforts. This rambling episode sees references to Dracula by Bram Stoker, The Wolfman (2010) by Joe Johnston, Dr, Jekyl and Mr. Hyde and The Inivisible Man. 

Paul's favourite novel EVER is Frank Herbert's 1965 science-fiction masterwork, Dune.  Visionary Canuck Denis Villeneuve adapted about the first half of the book into a blockbuster. Paul saw it. Paul talks about it. 

Villeneuve, Denis. Dune. Legendary Pictures: USA, 2021. 

Paul looks at the under-appreciated but undefinable historical Viking fiction novel Eaters of the Dead which was written as an adaptation of Beowulf. Paul also briefly discusses the pretty darn good film adaptation with the far superior title: The 13th Warrior.

Crichton, Michael. Eaters of the Dead. New York: Ballantine, 1992. 
McTiernan, John. The 13th Warrior. USA: Touchstone Pictures, 1999.   

Paul looks at the first three seasons of the fine HBO anthology series True Detective, created by by Nic Pizzolatto. S'a good show. 

In honour of Sept 30's National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Paul takes a brief look at some texts related to this topic, and the bad Westerners have done reflected in literature.

Conrad, Joseph. Heart of Darkness & Tales of Unrest. London: Arcturus, 2010.
Coppola, Francis Ford. Apocalypse Now. USA: United Artists, 1979. 

Waxing nostalgic about Grade 9 and Mr. Ed Maloney, Paul analyzes John Steinbeck's masterful little novella, The Pearl. 

Steinbeck, John. The Pearl .  Toronto, Bantam, 1986. 

August's second august guest Coen is here to discuss the works of Dav Pilkey.

Reader Fynn discusses the fine comedy/fantasy series Bone by Jeff Smith.