Episode 627 - Lynn Shelton

Reality Hunger: A Manifesto is a book that challenges conventional literary forms by advocating for a more fluid and experimental approach to writing. The book, composed of 618 fragments, many of which are quotations, is arranged alphabetically and thematically. Shields argues against the linear, realist, and plotted forms of literature, instead promoting the essay as a form that embodies a 'trying' of something new and unbound by traditional rules. The book also explores the interplay between memoir and reportage, facts and identity, and the blurring of lines between fiction and nonfiction in contemporary culture.

Couples is a 1968 novel by John Updike that explores the lives of ten married couples in the small Massachusetts town of Tarbox. The novel delves into themes of infidelity, social change, and the impact of the sexual revolution on American society. It is known for its frank portrayal of sex and relationships, set against the backdrop of significant historical events like the Kennedy assassination.

In 'Reviving Ophelia', Mary Pipher explores the significant challenges adolescent girls face due to societal pressures, including mental health issues, eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-esteem problems. Using case studies from her therapeutic practice, Pipher illustrates how the transition from childhood to adolescence is marked by objectification and sexualization, leading to low self-esteem and distorted body images. The book provides guidance for parents, educators, and therapists on fostering open communication, nurturing girls' unique strengths, and encouraging them to resist harmful societal pressures. Pipher also advocates for broader societal changes, such as media literacy and comprehensive sex education, to protect adolescent girls. The updated edition, co-authored with her daughter Sara Pipher Gilliam, includes new insights and comparisons between the experiences of girls in 1994 and 2019.