Sai Sion, an actor and podcaster, seeks Anne's help in discovering new reads to match the next chapter of his life journey. They discuss the practical impact of fiction, a book about surviving through art in a dystopian world, adopting different personas, a debut novel exploring love and oppression in Nigeria, the intersection of epistolary romance and science fiction adventure, and various book recommendations.
"Station 11" by Emily St. John Mandel explores the importance of art and culture in a post-apocalyptic world.
In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, the protagonist's journey delves into themes of self-improvement, isolation, and finding one's true identity.
Ruth Reichl's memoir "Garlic and Sapphires" explores the themes of authenticity and personal identity through her experiences as a food critic.
Elizabeth Gilbert's book "Big Magic" focuses on the creative process and the significance of embracing fear.
The reader is seeking diverse perspectives and life-changing reads beyond the conventional Western narrative.
Deep dives
Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel
Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel is a novel about a traveling theater troupe in a post-apocalyptic world. It explores themes of survival and the importance of art and culture in society.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Circe by Madeline Miller is a high fantasy novel based on Greek mythology. The protagonist, Circe, is a sorceress who is exiled to an island. The story delves into themes of self-improvement, isolation, and finding one's true identity.
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl is a memoir that focuses on her career as a food critic. She adopts various disguises to maintain anonymity and explores themes of authenticity and personal identity.
Not for you: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is not a good fit for the reader as it explores the creative process and the importance of embracing fear in pursuing creative endeavors.
Recent Reads: Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen, Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
The reader has recently been reading Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen, a graphic novel about family, immigration, and identity. They have also been reading Exit West by Mohsin Hamid, a novel about love and migration in a war-torn world.
Looking for: A map to find life-changing reads and authors from all over the world
The reader is seeking books that can guide them to life-changing reads and introduce them to authors from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. They are interested in diverse perspectives and stories that go beyond the conventional Western narrative.
Recommendation 1: Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto is a novel set in Japan that explores themes of death, fate, and isolation. It is a heartfelt story about finding one's place in the world and the power of human connection.
Recommendation 2: And Then He Sang a Lullaby by Onyeka Nwelue
And Then He Sang a Lullaby by Onyeka Nwelue is a thought-provoking novel set in Nigeria. It explores love, identity, and the challenges faced by queer individuals in a society where homosexuality is illegal.
Recommendation 3: This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is a unique epistolary science fiction novella. It tells the story of two enemy agents who fall in love while traveling through different timelines in a race to win a time war.
Today's guest grew up with a deep love for science fiction and fantasy. While his reading tastes have broadened as an adult, he's still drawn to stories that come with a bit of magic.
Sai Sion recently moved from New Orleans to Austin, Texas, where he enjoys his career as an actor and podcaster. He's found that reading helps him to make sense of what's happening in his life off the page, too, and he'd love Anne's help in discovering new reads to match the next chapter of his life journey. He's also eager to add more non-Western authors to his reading list. Anne delivers a round-up of recommendations that will hopefully spark some new magic in Sai's reading life.