EP 5: What Books Got You Through Your Childhood? feat. John Mitchinson

Jun 2, 2021

Join John Mitchinson, a celebrated publisher and co-host of the Backlisted podcast, as he shares his profound affinity for books. He discusses the magic of storytelling, the transformative power of literature in personal growth, and his unique publishing journey. Highlighting how books connect us all, John reflects on pivotal literary moments that shaped his life. Delve into the emotional impact of literature, including navigating childhood trauma and finding solace in nature, making this a must-listen for every book lover!

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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Book Discovery

Martin Shaw found a book called "Folk Tales of Devon" in Minneapolis.
It had a picture of his grandmother's dream house, sparking his interest in local stories.

ANECDOTE

Book's Journey

Martin Shaw was told to read "Moortown Diaries" by Hugh Lupton.
Shaw found a used copy, only to discover it belonged to Lupton himself.

ANECDOTE

Pandemic Reading

John Mitchinson found a William Maxwell novel.
Reading it during the pandemic gave it new meaning, connecting him to Maxwell's mother's death in the 1918 pandemic.

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1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

In the Vineyard of the Text

Ivan Illich

In this book, Ivan Illich examines the Didascalicon of Hugh of St. Victor, a medieval work that marks a significant transition in reading practices from vocal to silent reading. Illich discusses the impact of technological innovations on reading habits, comparing the twelfth-century revolution in reading to the changes brought about by the printing press and the computer age. The book delves into the cultural and historical context of reading, highlighting the evolution of 'bookish' reading and its implications for Western society.

Ulysses

James Joyce

Ulysses is a groundbreaking and complex modernist novel that chronicles the experiences of three Dubliners over a single day. The novel is loosely based on Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey', with Leopold Bloom paralleling Odysseus, Stephen Dedalus paralleling Telemachus, and Molly Bloom paralleling Penelope. It explores themes such as antisemitism, human sexuality, British rule in Ireland, Catholicism, and Irish nationalism. The novel is known for its innovative use of language and narrative techniques, including stream-of-consciousness and multiple literary styles. It captures the essence of early 20th-century Dublin, providing a detailed snapshot of the city's social, political, and cultural landscape[2][3][5].

Finnegans Wake

David Hayman

James Joyce

Finnegans Wake is James Joyce's final and most complex work, written over a period of seventeen years. The novel is set in a dream world where the protagonist, Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker (HCE), and his family—wife Anna Livia Plurabelle (ALP) and their children Shem, Shaun, and Issy—undergo various transformations and identities. The book is known for its innovative use of language, combining elements from multiple languages and creating new words through portmanteaus and puns. It explores themes of identity, history, and the cyclical nature of life, drawing on Irish mythology, biblical narratives, and personal experiences. The novel's structure is circular, ending with the sentence that begins the book, creating a continuous loop[3][4][5].

Dubliners

James Joyce

Dubliners is a collection of short stories by James Joyce, first published in 1914. The stories are arranged to track the lives of Dubliners from childhood to old age, exploring themes such as the 'paralysis' of Irish society, the desire for escape, and the intersection of life and death. Each story features a different plot and characters but is connected by the theme of epiphany, where characters experience life-changing moments of revelation. The collection is known for its realistic portrayal of Dublin life, highlighting issues such as alcoholism, religious tension, and political concerns of the time[1][3][4].

Tristram Shandy

Laurence Sterne

In the Wake

On Blackness and Being

Christina Sharpe

Christina Sharpe's "In the Wake" is a groundbreaking work in Black Studies that explores the ongoing effects of slavery and its legacy on Black life. The book uses a unique interdisciplinary approach, blending theory, personal narrative, and critical analysis to examine the ways in which the past continues to shape the present. Sharpe's writing style is both poetic and analytical, creating a powerful and moving exploration of trauma, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for Black liberation. The book has had a significant impact on the field, influencing how scholars and activists approach the study of race and racism. Its focus on the lingering effects of historical trauma has resonated deeply with readers and scholars alike.

Circe

Madeline Miller

In this novel, Madeline Miller reimagines the life of Circe, the daughter of the Titan sun god Helios and the nymph Perse. Circe, who is neither as powerful as her father nor as alluring as her mother, finds her own path through the discovery of witchcraft. After being banished to the island of Aiaia by Zeus, Circe hones her magical abilities and encounters various figures from Greek mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus, Icarus, Medea, and Odysseus. The story explores themes of identity, love, loss, and female strength in a patriarchal world. Circe's journey is marked by her transformation from an outcast to a powerful goddess who must choose between her divine heritage and her love for mortals.

The Song of Achilles

Madeline Miller

José Miguel Pallarés Sanmiguel

This novel retells the story of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, a young prince exiled from his homeland after an act of violence. Patroclus forms an inseparable bond with Achilles, the son of the sea goddess Thetis and King Peleus. As they grow up together, they are trained by the centaur Chiron and eventually join the war effort when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped. The story explores their deep love for each other, the pressures of destiny, and the tragic consequences of their choices. Miller incorporates Greek mythology seamlessly, making the gods and their histories integral to the narrative. The book is a poignant exploration of love, bravery, and the human cost of war[2][3][5].

Moby Dick

Herman Melville

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature[2][3][5].

So Long, See You Tomorrow

Bill Evel

Moortown Diaries

null

Ted Hughes

They came like swallows

William Maxwell

A Celtic miscellany

Kenneth Jackson

Treacle Walker

Alan Garner

The Seekers

Meetings with Remarkable Musicians

John Densmore

Agua viva

Clarice Lispector

Snowy Tower

Martin Shaw

Coleman Barks

Where Should We Run To?

null

Alan Garner

The dark is rising

Susan Cooper

Smoke Hole

None

Martin Shaw