That Lit Podcast #1 : Alexandra Naughton and Jesse Prado

'The Dying Animal' by Philip Roth explores the life of David Kepesh, an aging professor who becomes infatuated with a much younger Cuban student, Consuelo Castillo. The novel delves into themes of desire, mortality, and the complexities of aging. Kepesh's obsession with Consuelo leads him to confront his own vulnerabilities and fears about losing his vitality. Roth's narrative is filled with introspection and provocative observations on human nature. The book examines the power dynamics in relationships and the challenges of maintaining intimacy as one grows older.

Abdulrazak Gurnah's "Theft" is a novel set in 1990s Zanzibar, exploring the complexities of injustice, class, and personal growth against the backdrop of a society grappling with its past. The story centers around three young people navigating their lives amidst historical injustices and social dynamics. The novel delves into themes of false accusations, wealth disparity, and the enduring impact of colonialism. Gurnah masterfully weaves together the personal struggles of his characters with the broader socio-political context of Zanzibar, creating a poignant and insightful narrative. Through their experiences, the characters grapple with their identities and find their way in a world marked by both hardship and hope.

American Pastoral is a novel by Philip Roth that delves into the life of Seymour 'Swede' Levov, a Jewish-American businessman and former high school star athlete from Newark, New Jersey. The story, narrated by Nathan Zuckerman, unfolds at a 45th high school reunion where Zuckerman learns about the tragic events that shattered the Levov family's seemingly perfect life. The novel explores themes of the American Dream, assimilation, and the social and political upheaval of the 1960s, particularly through the actions of Swede's daughter Merry, who becomes involved in anti-war activism and commits a violent act. The book is part of Roth's American Trilogy, which also includes 'I Married a Communist' and 'The Human Stain'. It won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and is praised for its vivid character portraits and its exploration of the complexities and disillusionments of American life in the late 20th century.

This Side of Paradise chronicles the life of Amory Blaine from his childhood through his early twenties. The novel is divided into three sections: 'Book One: The Romantic Egotist,' 'Interlude,' and 'Book Two: The Education of a Personage. ' It follows Amory's experiences at Princeton University, his service in World War I, and his subsequent struggles with love, identity, and social class. The book is known for its experimental narrative structure, which includes poetry, letters, and stream-of-consciousness sections. It reflects the themes of the 'Lost Generation,' exploring the disillusionment and moral ambiguity of the post-war era.

Glory, the seventh album by Perfume Genius, is set to be released on March 28, 2025. Produced by Blake Mills and co-written with his partner Alan Wyffels, the album features collaborations with artists like Aldous Harding, Jim Keltner, Meg Duffy, and Gregory Uhlmann. It tackles familiar subjects from Hadreas's past work but with a more 'wiry and driving' presentation, and it rebukes the tendency to view aging as a tragedy in gay culture.