The Daily Stoic Susan Straight on the Power of Story
Jan 23, 2021
Susan Straight, an award-winning author and professor at UC Riverside, shares insights on the transformative power of storytelling. She discusses how personal narratives, particularly those of women, often go unrecorded in history. The conversation explores the joy of writing and the impact of literature on identity and community. Susan reflects on her childhood in Riverside, reminiscing about the influence of place on creativity. She emphasizes how stories shape personal and collective histories, connecting individuals to their roots and to one another.
01:14:00
Early Inspiration
- Susan Straight was inspired to become a writer at a young age after reading Anne of Green Gables.
- The book's protagonist, also aspiring to be a writer, resonated with her.
Unlikely Writers
- Writers often emerge from backgrounds where writing isn't a common profession.
- A single encouraging teacher or mentor can significantly impact a budding writer's trajectory.
Unexpected Path
- Susan Straight's mother discouraged her from cheerleading, leading to an accident.
- This incident and her mother's subsequent advice inadvertently fueled her writing pursuits.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Exploring the Impact of Storytelling and Memoir
04:20 • 4min
Rooted in Reflection
08:25 • 17min
Exploring Hidden Narratives and Culinary Treasures
25:34 • 4min
Reflections on Community and Identity
29:48 • 21min
The Transformative Power of Literature and Personal Well-being
50:20 • 4min
Unsung Stories of Resilience
54:01 • 15min
Nostalgia and Nature in Riverside
01:08:33 • 11min
Reflections on Riverside and Hidden Histories
01:19:33 • 3min
Go Tell It on the Mountain
James Baldwin
James Baldwin's "Go Tell It on the Mountain" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complexities of faith, family, and race in Harlem during the 1930s.
The novel follows the life of John Grimes, a young man grappling with his religious beliefs and his relationship with his family.
Baldwin's powerful prose captures the emotional intensity of John's experiences, revealing the profound impact of racism and religious hypocrisy on his life.
The novel's exploration of themes of faith, sexuality, and racial identity continues to resonate with readers today.
It is considered a masterpiece of American literature, showcasing Baldwin's unique ability to blend personal narrative with social commentary.
The Moviegoer
Walker Percy
Walker Percy's "The Moviegoer" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of alienation, meaning, and the search for authenticity in modern society.
The story follows Binx Bolling, a young stockbroker in New Orleans, as he grapples with existential questions and the search for meaning in his life.
Percy's writing is characterized by its wit, intelligence, and insightful exploration of human nature.
The novel blends elements of Southern Gothic and existentialism, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative.
It's a story about finding one's place in the world and the challenges of living a meaningful life.
Little House on the Prairie
Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Little House on the Prairie series consists of nine novels that follow the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder from her childhood in the Big Woods of Wisconsin to her adulthood in the Dakota Territory.
The books chronicle the Ingalls family's experiences, including their moves to various parts of the American frontier, their struggles with disease and natural disasters, and their daily life as pioneers.
The series includes titles such as 'Little House in the Big Woods,' 'Little House on the Prairie,' 'On the Banks of Plum Creek,' 'By the Shores of Silver Lake,' 'The Long Winter,' 'Little Town on the Prairie,' 'These Happy Golden Years,' and 'Farmer Boy,' which is about Almanzo Wilder, Laura's future husband.
The Daily Stoic
366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Ryan Holiday
Stephen Hanselman
This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers.
Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life.
The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe.
Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature.
Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Anne of Green Gables
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Published in 1908, the novel tells the story of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl who is sent by mistake to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Avonlea.
Despite initial reservations, Anne's vivid imagination, talkativeness, and joyful spirit transform the lives of the Cuthberts and the community.
The novel follows Anne's adventures in school, her friendships, and her rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, as well as her growth and adaptation to her new home.
Montgomery infused the work with her own girlhood experiences and the rural life and traditions of Prince Edward Island.
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been expelled from Pencey Prep, as he spends three days wandering around New York City.
The novel explores Holden's disillusionment with the world around him, his feelings of loneliness and disconnection, and his struggle to find genuine relationships.
Despite his cynicism and criticism of others as 'phonies,' Holden reveals a deep emotional sensitivity, particularly in his interactions with his younger sister Phoebe.
The book delves into themes of adolescent angst, the loss of innocence, and the search for meaning and purpose in a seemingly superficial world.
A tree grows in Brooklyn
Betty Smith
Set in the early 20th century in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' is a poignant and moving tale of Francie Nolan's coming-of-age.
The novel depicts the hardships of Francie's family, including her father's alcoholism and her mother's relentless efforts to keep the family afloat.
Despite the poverty and struggles, Francie's story is one of hope and resilience, symbolized by the tree that grows in the harsh conditions of their tenement neighborhood.
The book explores themes of family, education, and the American promise, offering a detailed and unsentimental portrait of urban life during that era.
Winesburg, Ohio
A Group of Tales of Ohio Small-Town Life
Sherwood Anderson
Published in 1919, 'Winesburg, Ohio' is a short story cycle that delves into the lives of the residents of the fictional town of Winesburg, loosely based on Anderson's childhood home of Clyde, Ohio.
The book is structured around the life of George Willard, a young reporter who becomes the confidant of the town's solitary figures.
Each story focuses on a different character, revealing their inner struggles, loneliness, and the psychological insights that define their lives.
The work is known for its simple yet powerful prose, which emphasizes character over plot, and is considered one of the earliest examples of Modernist literature in America.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
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John Donne
While the podcast mentions "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in relation to a John Donne sermon, it's important to note that the title is most famously associated with Ernest Hemingway's novel.
Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is set during the Spanish Civil War and follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer fighting alongside the Republicans.
The novel explores themes of war, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of political conflict.
Jordan's experiences and relationships highlight the complexities of war and the human cost of ideological battles.
The novel's powerful prose and exploration of universal themes have cemented its place as a classic of 20th-century literature.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Malcolm X
The Autobiography of Malcolm X is a spiritual conversion narrative that outlines Malcolm X's philosophy of black pride, black nationalism, and pan-Africanism.
The book, based on over 50 in-depth interviews conducted by Alex Haley between 1963 and Malcolm X's assassination in 1965, covers Malcolm's childhood, his young adulthood in Boston and New York City, his involvement in organized crime, his prison sentence, and his subsequent involvement with the Nation of Islam.
It also details his disillusionment with the Nation of Islam, his pilgrimage to Mecca, and his travels in Africa.
The book is known for its candid and introspective narrative, offering a personal and historical perspective on the civil rights era and the life of one of its most influential figures.
In the Country of Women
Susan Straight
"In the Country of Women" is Susan Straight's memoir, offering a deeply personal account of the women who shaped her life.
The book explores themes of family, heritage, and the enduring strength of women across generations.
Straight's evocative storytelling brings to life the rich history of her family and their experiences in Riverside, California.
The memoir provides a unique perspective on American history, highlighting the contributions of often-overlooked women.
It's a moving and insightful exploration of identity, resilience, and the power of family bonds.
Highwire moon
Susan Straight
Highwire Moon tells the story of Serafina, a young Mexican-Indian woman who crosses the border to work in California, only to be deported and separated from her daughter Elvia.
Years later, both Serafina and Elvia embark on perilous journeys to find each other, navigating the harsh realities of migrant life and foster care.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Under the feet of Jesus
Helena María Viramontes
Under the Feet of Jesus is a poignant novel that delves into the lives of migrant workers in California, focusing on the story of Estrella, a young girl navigating her coming of age amidst harsh conditions.
The book explores themes of identity, faith, and resilience in the face of adversity, using vivid descriptions and metaphorical imagery to convey the struggles of these invisible workers.
Ryan speaks to professor and author Susan Straight about their first encounter at the University of California, Riverside, finding joy in the private process of writing, how specific books can change your life, and more.
Susan Straight is a professor of creative writing and part of the MFA faculty at the University of California, Riverside, as well as an award-winning author. Her newest book, In the Country of Women, is a memoir based on the people of California and stories from the women in her family.
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