#538
Mentioned in 33 episodes

THE NICKEL BOYS

Book • 2019
The Nickel Boys is a powerful and disturbing novel that delves into the horrors of Nickel Academy, a segregated juvenile reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.

The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and idealistic young man who is falsely accused of stealing a car and sent to Nickel Academy.

There, he and his friend Turner navigate the brutal and corrupt environment, marked by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

The novel explores themes of systemic injustice, human perseverance, and the lasting impact of trauma.

It alternates between the 1960s and the present, as the dark history of Nickel Academy is uncovered and its survivors come forward to share their experiences.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 33 episodes

Mentioned by
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Tonya Mosley
and
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Eddie Glaude Jr.
in relation to a film adaptation and its subtle imagery of MLK.
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Adam Nayman
as a uniquely adapted literary work.
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Linda Holmes
as a story of two black boys forming an unshakeable bond at a segregated reform school.
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Linda Holmes
when discussing films nominated for Best Picture.
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Sean Fennessey
and Amanda Dobbins while discussing one of the best movies of 2024, an adaptation of the novel.
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Surekha Davies
as a source of inspiration for her writing style.
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Stephen Thompson
when discussing this year's Oscar nominations.
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Troy Young
as a movie based on his book, describing it as a sad but worthwhile story.
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as a Best Picture contender, pushed for award season.
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Matt Belloni
while discussing film adaptations.
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Simon Mayo
as the basis for the film "Nickel Boys", directed by Ramel Ross.
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in the context of potential best picture contenders.
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Jeff O'Neal
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Rebecca Schinsky
in their Pulitzer Prize ranking discussion, highlighting its powerful narrative and unflinching portrayal of historical injustices.
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Sean Fennessey
when discussing movies.
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Mentioned as a nominee for Best Actor in the Brody Awards.
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Mentioned by
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Dave Davies
as a novel adapted into a film, based on the true story of the Dozier School for Boys.
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April LaJoy
when discussing books she has read from the Best Picture nominees list.
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while discussing his experience playing the game.
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Mentioned by the podcast hosts while discussing the film adaptation of the novel and its use of first-person perspective.
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