Ep 433 - Epistolary Novels and Upsetting Libby Changes!

Jane Yolen's 'The Devil's Arithmetic' is a historical fiction novel that transports Hannah Stern, a young Jewish girl, from her modern-day life to 1942 Poland. Through a mysterious experience during a Passover Seder, Hannah finds herself in a Polish village and is soon captured by the Nazis and taken to a concentration camp. Renamed Chaya, she experiences the horrors of the Holocaust firsthand, witnessing the brutality and dehumanization inflicted upon the Jewish people. The novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the importance of remembering the past, offering a poignant and accessible narrative for young readers. Chaya's journey becomes a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the need to bear witness to history.

Suzanne Collins's "Sunrise on the Reaping" is the fifth installment in the "Hunger Games" series, serving as a prequel to the original trilogy. This book delves into the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, a pivotal character in the original series, offering a glimpse into his experiences as a tribute in the Hunger Games. Readers can expect a continuation of the series' signature blend of dystopian fiction, political intrigue, and survival elements. The novel promises to expand the world of Panem and provide further insight into the events that shaped the lives of its characters. It's likely to be a highly anticipated addition to the "Hunger Games" saga.

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A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay tells the story of the Barrett family, whose lives are disrupted when 14-year-old Marjorie begins displaying signs of acute schizophrenia. Desperate for help, her family turns to an exorcism, which becomes a reality TV show. The novel explores themes of perception, reality, and the blurred lines between psychological trauma and supernatural events. It is told through the recollections of Marjorie's younger sister, Merry, now an adult, as she reflects on the events that destroyed her family.

Play Nice chronicles the 33-year saga of Blizzard Entertainment, from its humble beginnings to its current struggles with corporate takeover and scandals. Based on interviews with over 300 current and former employees, the book delves into the company's creative highs and lows, including the impact of Activision's influence and the sexual misconduct lawsuit that led to a $69 billion acquisition. It offers a vivid portrait of the gaming industry's complexities and challenges.