Today's guest is my original literary inspiration. We dive into Herzog by Saul Bellow, one of the many books my mom dissected in her graduate studies. Along the way we talk about long distance relationships in the 90s, the strangeness of canned beans, and whether we've found the most unlikable protagonist in literature.

The first monthly ranking of books I've read in a given month. Books discussed are: A Burning, All My Sons, Kim Jiyoung Born 1982, The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, Master of Poisons, My Sister's Keeper, Red at the Bone, With the Fire on High

My guest, travel writer Jessica Poitevien, and I gush about QUEENIE, the debut novel by Candace Carty-Williams. Along the way we discuss bucket lists, antiracist reading, and the dumpster fire that online dating can be.

I dive into the wild world of theatre by starting with one of its greats. Helped by my sister, Neha, we explore what makes All My Sons so special. Along the way we talk about stealing food from people's refrigerators, why Hamlet isn't the best introduction to theatre, and cool teachers that let you sneak into their classroom to act out versions of long forgotten plays.

Anvita and I talk about the nostalgic appeal and emotional resonance of Jodi Picoult's landmark novel My Sister's Keeper. When do subplots work and when do they not? Who's more mature, a thirteen year old girl or a thirty year old lawyer? Tune in to find out!