Ep 23: 2015 Year in Review

In 'Creed', James Herbert crafts a story around Joseph Creed, a morally ambiguous paparazzo who captures a disturbing image at a celebrity funeral. This act sets off a chain of terrifying events as Creed discovers he has crossed paths with supernatural entities known as the Fallen Angels of Europe. The novel blends elements of horror and dark humor, showcasing Herbert's ability to create complex, flawed characters.

Daisy Goodwin's 'Victoria' is a captivating novel that delves into the life of the young Queen Victoria as she navigates her ascension to the throne at the age of eighteen. Drawing from Victoria's diaries, Goodwin vividly portrays the queen's journey from adolescence to adulthood, highlighting her relationships with key figures like Lord Melbourne and Prince Albert. The novel explores themes of youth, love, and the challenges of royal duty.

Room is a novel by Emma Donoghue that tells the story of Jack, a five-year-old boy who has never known a world outside the 11-foot square room where he was born and raised. The room is his entire universe, shared with his mother, whom he calls 'Ma'. Unaware of the true nature of their confinement, Jack believes the world outside is fictional, as depicted on TV. His mother, abducted at 19 and held captive for seven years, has created a structured and loving environment for Jack despite the dire circumstances. When Ma devises an escape plan, Jack's world is turned upside down as they face the challenges of the outside world and the complexities of their new freedom. The novel explores themes of resilience, motherly love, and the process of adjusting to a new reality.

The novel tells the story of Therese Belivet, a 19-year-old sales assistant who falls deeply in love with Carol Aird, a sophisticated and wealthy woman in the midst of a divorce and a custody battle. Their relationship, though mutual, is fraught with societal disapproval and personal complications. The story explores themes of love, identity, and the constraints of societal norms in the 1950s. Highsmith drew heavily from her own life experiences and relationships in writing this semi-autobiographical novel.

This book presents a stunning collection of Hafiz's most intimate poems, translated and interpreted by Daniel Ladinsky. It imparts the wonderful qualities of Hafiz as a spiritual teacher, including an audacious love, profound knowledge, wild generosity, and a sweet, playful genius. The poems explore themes of the beloved, faith, and exposing hypocrisy, and are known for their ability to encourage love, happiness, and a deep spiritual connection. Although Ladinsky's renderings are not traditional translations but rather modern interpretations, they have been praised for their accessibility and timeless appeal.

Spotlight, also known as Wicked Uncle, is the twelfth Miss Silver mystery by Patricia Wentworth. The story revolves around Dorinda Brown, who takes a job as a secretary and becomes involved in a complex web of blackmail orchestrated by her uncle, Glen Porteous. Miss Silver intervenes when Dorinda is mistakenly accused of shoplifting, setting the stage for unraveling the mystery. The novel explores themes of post-war society and the intricate lives of its characters.

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The novel follows Agu's journey as he is coerced into joining a rebel force after his village is torn apart by war. It vividly portrays the psychological and physical trauma experienced by child soldiers, highlighting the brutal realities of war and its dehumanizing effects. Through Agu's first-person narrative, the book explores themes of identity, loyalty, manipulation, and the loss of innocence, providing a powerful commentary on the horrors of civil war and its impact on communities.

Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight" is a Western film set in a remote stagecoach stop during a blizzard. The film features a group of strangers, including bounty hunters and a Confederate soldier, who become trapped together. Tensions rise as their true identities and motives are revealed, leading to violence and betrayal. The film's claustrophobic setting and sharp dialogue create a sense of suspense and dread. Its exploration of themes like racism, revenge, and the fragility of human relationships is presented through a darkly comedic lens.

The Big Short tells the story of the 2007-08 financial crisis through the lens of several key players who predicted and profited from the collapse of the housing market. The book focuses on characters such as Steve Eisman, Mike Burry, Greg Lippmann, and the founders of Cornwall Capital, who saw the impending disaster and made significant gains by shorting the market. Lewis explains the complex financial instruments and the systemic failures that led to the crisis, making the narrative both accessible and engaging.