Shana Ferguson, a stage manager, shares her concern about not feeling like a 'real' reader. They discuss her love for historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy genres. The podcast explores the role of a stage manager, a memoir by Alan Alda, strategies for finding recommendations, and recommends books that combine historical fiction with magical elements.
The podcast discusses the concept of being a 'real' reader and challenges the idea that only certain types of readers are considered legitimate.
The podcast aims to provide support and insight to help the guest reconnect with her love for historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy genres.
Deep dives
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed and Other Things I've Learned by Alan Alda
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed is a memoir by Alan Alda, known for his role in the TV show M*A*S*H. He shares his experiences growing up in a show business family, his journey in the entertainment industry, and his personal reflections. The memoir is filled with humor and provides insight into Alda's life and career.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Ender's Game is a science fiction novel set in a dystopian future. It follows the story of Ender Wiggin, a young boy chosen to attend Battle School, where he trains to become a military commander to fight against an alien species. The book explores themes of war, leadership, and morality, and is known for its action-packed plot and complex characters.
Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
The Outlander series is a beloved historical fiction and fantasy saga following the adventures of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who is transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. The series combines elements of romance, war, time travel, and rich historical detail. It has captivated readers with its epic storyline and compelling characters.
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
The History of Love is a literary fiction novel that weaves together the story of Leo Gursky, a Holocaust survivor, and Alma Singer, a young girl searching for the story behind a book her mother is translating. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling. While some readers might find the book's reflective and introspective style engaging, others might not connect with its characters and plot.
Today Anne is joined in conversation with Shana Ferguson, a NYC-based stage manager with a particularly bookish concern: she doesn't often feel like a "real" reader. Of course, we think any kind of reader is a "real" reader, so Anne couldn't wait to encourage Shana on her personal reading journey.
Shana loves her work backstage, and in her downtime you’ll often find her baking or drinking tea. Sometimes she’ll also have a book in her hands, but as the daughter of dedicated readers, Shana’s struggled at times to have a firm grasp on her own reading identity.
Shana would love Anne's support in getting some new insight on her reading life, and she's also eager to reconnect with the genres that she loved when she was a younger and more habitual reader: historical fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy. Anne's hopeful Shana feels like a “real" reader after their talk today, and comes away with a short stack of titles she’s excited to read next.