Kick off 2025 with a cozy dive into riveting winter reads! The hosts recommend a mix of new and timeless books, exploring themes like the essence of memories through scent in 'Base Notes' and the intriguing relationships in Sally Rooney's work. Discover a child vaudeville star's life in 'Black and White Baby’, and unravel the historical complexities of race and identity. Finally, ponder the cinematic missteps with a focus on 'Cats.' Tune in for laughter, inspiration, and plenty of bookish treasures!
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Backlisted's 10th Anniversary
Backlisted celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, a milestone in podcasting.
The hosts, Andy Miller and John Mitchinson, reflect on their enduring friendship and the changes they've experienced.
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Get Ready to Jot Down Titles
Prepare to take notes as the hosts recommend numerous books.
The episode covers fiction and nonfiction, old and new.
question_answer ANECDOTE
All My Precious Madness
Andy Miller highly recommends "All My Precious Madness" by Mark Bowles, despite initial reluctance.
Multiple people recommended the book, comparing it to B.S. Johnson, Thomas Bernhard, and Proust.
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Sally Rooney's "Intermezzo" is a short story that delves into the complexities of relationships and the search for meaning in life. Rooney's signature style is evident in the story's sharp wit and insightful observations about human nature. The characters are relatable and flawed, their struggles and triumphs resonating with readers. The story's exploration of themes of love, loss, and identity is both poignant and thought-provoking. Rooney's ability to capture the nuances of human emotion is evident in every line, making "Intermezzo" a captivating and unforgettable read.
The Girls
Emma Cline
The book follows Evie Boyd, a 14-year-old girl living in Northern California in the summer of 1969. Evie is struggling with her parents' divorce and feels disconnected from her family. She becomes fascinated with a group of older girls she sees in the park, particularly Suzanne, and eventually joins them at their ranch, which is led by the charismatic and manipulative Russell. The novel explores themes of teenage vulnerability, the desire for belonging, and the dangers of cult culture. The story alternates between Evie's experiences in 1969 and her life decades later, reflecting on the impact of those events on her life[1][4][5].
The Fraud
A Novel
Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith's "The Fraud" is a historical novel set in 19th-century London, centered around the infamous Tichborne trial. The novel explores themes of identity, justice, and the power of belief in a captivating narrative. Smith masterfully weaves together historical details with contemporary social commentary, creating a compelling story that resonates with modern readers. The characters are richly drawn, and their struggles with identity and belonging are both relatable and thought-provoking. The novel's exploration of populism and the manipulation of truth is particularly relevant in today's political climate. "The Fraud" is a testament to Smith's literary skill and her ability to connect historical events with contemporary issues.
Box Office Poison
Josie Brown
This 608-page graphic novel by Alex Robinson is a complex and absorbing tale that follows the lives of Sherman, Dorothy, Ed, Stephen, Jane, and Mr. Flavor. It is praised for its natural and inspiring dialogue, making it a delightful and whimsical portrayal of young adulthood. The story touches on various aspects of life, including dreary jobs, comic book culture, love, sex, and the challenges of growing up.
All My Precious Madness
All My Precious Madness
Mark Bowles
Base Notes: The Sense of a Life
Base Notes: The Sense of a Life
Adele Stripe
Black And White
Renee Harmoni
The North Road
The North Road
Rob Cowan
Fat Time and Other Stories
Fat Time and Other Stories
Jeffrey Renard Allen
Happy new year! We kick off 2025 - and Backlisted's tenth anniversary year - with our traditional Winter Reading episode, in which Andy, John and Nicky recommend a selection of favourite books to see you through the next few months: fiction and non-fiction, old, new and not yet published. "May you go farther sooner."
Discussed in this episode and available to purchase from bookshop.org/backlisted, if in print.
* To purchase any of the books mentioned in this episode please visit our bookshop at uk.bookshop.org/shop/backlisted where all profits help to sustain this podcast and UK independent bookshops.
* For information about everything mentioned in this episode visit www.backlisted.fm
*If you'd like to support the show and join in with the book chat, listen without adverts, receive the show early and with extra bonus fortnightly episodes, become a Patreon at www.patreon.com/backlisted
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