Culture Study Podcast Dozens of New-To-You Books for Your TBR Pile
Maris Kreizman, an avid reader and book critic known for her essay collection 'I Want to Burn This Place Down,' joins for a lively discussion on expanding literary horizons. They explore the emotional connections with books found in indie bookstores, share recommendations across genres, and dive into themes of comfort in literature. Kreizman highlights contemporary works and captivating narratives, encouraging listeners to reignite their reading passion with a new stack of must-reads.
01:04:46
Shop Local To Find Better Books
- Visit indie bookstores and talk to booksellers to discover unexpected, well-curated titles.
- Handle and browse physical books to get a tactile sense that often leads to better picks.
Career Pivot From Editor To Book Curator
- Maris planned to be a traditional book editor and worked at Simon & Schuster in her twenties.
- After a layoff she pivoted to roles like Book of the Month and Kickstarter, staying close to books.
Stretch Reading Gently
- Readers widen their tastes by leaving their comfort zones a bit instead of staying stuck in familiar genres.
- Small, intentional reading challenges expand what you enjoy without erasing comfort choices.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Expanding Literary Horizons
04:08 • 8min
Books and Comfort: A Journey Through Literature and Life
12:33 • 9min
Exploring Contemporary Romance and Literature
21:13 • 28min
Exploring Literary Page Turners and Skin Care Innovations
49:30 • 5min
Exploring Compelling Reads: Nonfiction and Fiction Must-Reads
54:23 • 5min
Curated Comfort Reads and Reigniting Reading Habits
59:25 • 5min
#53153
The Best Bad Things
Katrina Carrasco
#31973
Dot and the Kangaroo
Ethel Pedley
#63216
The giant's house
Elizabeth McCracken
Elizabeth McCracken's 'The Giant's House' is a poignant coming-of-age story set in a small town in Cape Cod during World War II. The novel centers on librarian Peggy Cort, an introspective young woman who feels like an outsider in her community.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets James Carlson, a boy afflicted with gigantism.
As James grows, their connection deepens, and Peggy finds herself drawn to his unique perspective on the world.
The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging in a world marked by change and uncertainty.
'The Giant's House' is celebrated for its lyrical prose and unforgettable characters.
#61369
Whiskey when we're dry
John Larison
#25244
Boy, Snow, Bird
Helen Oyeyemi
#28534
Liquid, A Love Story
null
Mariam Rahmani
#29260
Cowboys Are My Weakness
Pam Houston
#43394
Happy All the Time
Laurie Colwin
#68170
Eat the Document
Dana Spiotta
#53658
Wild Dark Flowers
null
Charlotte McConaghy
#15619
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The group
Mary McCarthy
#68772
Boys of My Youth
null
Jo Ann Beard
#12145
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Nora Goes off Script
Annabel Monaghan
#30655
Writers & Lovers
Lily King
Writers & Lovers follows Casey Peabody, a woman in her thirties living in Boston, as she grapples with grief, financial struggles, and complex romantic entanglements while working on her first novel.
The novel explores themes of art, love, and ambition, offering a poignant portrayal of a young woman finding her courage for life.
#17750
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Interestings
Meg Wolitzer
The novel begins at Camp Spirit-in-the-Woods in 1974, where six teenagers, including Jules, Ethan, Ash, Goodman, Cathy, and Jonah, form a tight-knit group they call 'The Interestings'.
The story spans over 40 years, tracing their lives as they navigate careers, relationships, and personal struggles.
It delves into themes such as the pursuit of artistic ambitions, the challenges of feminism, and the complexities of long-term friendships.
The characters face various life events, including successes, failures, and personal crises, all while maintaining a deep connection with each other despite their diverging paths.
#21771
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Free Food for Millionaires
Min Jin Lee
Free Food for Millionaires is Min Jin Lee's debut novel, published in 2007.
It follows Casey Han, a strong-willed daughter of Korean immigrants, as she strives to join Manhattan's elite while dealing with her family's expectations and her own financial struggles.
The novel explores themes of intergenerational strife, immigrant struggles, and social mobility in a city marked by stark contrasts between wealth and poverty.
#1262
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
Rules of civility
George Washington
This book contains a list of 110 rules that George Washington copied from a French etiquette manual written by Jesuits in 1595.
The rules, translated into English by Francis Hawkins in 1640, cover various aspects of social behavior, including respect for others, proper conduct in company, and general courtesies.
These rules were influential in shaping Washington's character and behavior throughout his life, and they remain relevant today as a guide to respectful and considerate behavior.
#39405
Permared
null
Deborah Magpie Earling
#59494
Enter Ghost
null
Isabella Hammad
#46950
News of the World
Paulette Jiles
Set in the 1870s, 'News of the World' follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, an elderly widower who travels from town to town reading news from newspapers to the locals.
He is hired to return Johanna, a 10-year-old girl who has been living with the Kiowa Indian tribe for four years, to her relatives near San Antonio.
As they navigate the harsh and lawless Texas frontier, they face numerous challenges, including bandits, Comanche raids, and violent weather.
Despite their differences, they form a strong bond, with Captain Kidd teaching Johanna how to speak English and adapt to white culture.
The story is a poignant exploration of human goodness, hope, and the unexpected bonds that form between people from different backgrounds.
#18001
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Trust Exercise
Jennifer Lim
Adina Verson
Susan Choi
Suehyla El-Attar
#43350
Detransition, Baby
Tori Peters
#14317
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The Rachel Incident
Caroline O'Donoghue
The Rachel Incident is a novel that follows the story of Rachel and her friend James as they navigate the complexities of early adulthood in Ireland.
The story delves into themes of class, morality, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of economic and social challenges.
Through Rachel's narrative, O'Donoghue explores the messy realities of transitioning into adulthood.
#13834
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Headshot
Rita Bullwinkle
#9918
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Outlawed
Anna North
In 'Outlawed', Anna North crafts a story set in an alternate 19th-century America where a devastating flu pandemic has led to a society obsessed with procreation.
Ada, a 17-year-old midwife, is forced to leave her home after failing to conceive.
She first seeks refuge in a convent and then joins the Hole in the Wall Gang, a group of outcast women led by the enigmatic and nonbinary Kid. The gang's mission is to create a safe haven for women rejected by society, but their plan is fraught with danger.
The novel explores themes of gender, sexual expression, and the struggle for freedom in a rigidly patriarchal world.
#5575
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Audition
Everything an Actor Needs to Know to Get the Part
Michael Shurtleff
This book, written by Michael Shurtleff, provides comprehensive advice on auditioning techniques.
Drawing from his extensive experience in casting over 200 Broadway shows and various film and television productions, Shurtleff offers practical guidance for actors.
The book includes his famous '12 Guideposts' for monologue and scene work, such as 'Relationships – how to create them onstage' and 'Conflict – what are you fighting for?
' It covers every aspect of auditioning, from basic acting techniques to handling distractions and risks, and is applicable not only to actors but also to other areas of life where 'auditions' occur.
#7687
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Trees
Percival Everett
Javier Calvo
Jordi Martín Lloret
#9710
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Flashlights
Susan Choi
#2717
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
God of the Woods
Liz Moore
#5984
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
I Want to Burn This Place Down
Essays
Maris Kreizman
#8178
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Real American
Julie Lythcott-Haims
In 'Real American,' Julie Lythcott-Haims shares a deeply personal and candid look at her experiences growing up as a biracial woman.
The book is a collection of vignettes that address her internal struggles with race, identity, and belonging.
It delves into microaggressions, discrimination, and racism, and how these factors have shaped her life.
The memoir also highlights the healing power of community in overcoming the isolation and self-loathing that often accompany being considered 'the other.
' Lythcott-Haims' narrative is a powerful exploration of what it means to be Black in America and her path to self-love and acceptance.
#7081
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Burnham Wood
Eleanor Catton
#17964
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Beautyland
Marie-Helene Bertino
Over on the newsletter, our book concierge threads — when people ask for specific book recommendations, and readers then offer their suggestions — regularly top 1500 comments. We wanted to bring the same energy to the podcast, and Maris Kreizman, author of The Maris Review and I Want To Burn This Place Down, reads more (and more widely) than anyone else I know. I promise: you’ll leave this episode with a new pile of books you want to read immediately. (And honestly, that’s the Back to School Adult Energy I crave).
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