Episode 150 The Swifts: a Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln
May 22, 2024
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Author Beth Lincoln discusses unique names in 'The Swifts', exploring family dynamics, secret rooms, and character creation. Celebrity reader LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Kids share favorite books. Podcast supported by LA County Department of Arts and Culture.
Names in 'The Swifts' define characters' traits and emotions.
Book blends murder mystery with suspense and emotional depth for young audiences.
Deep dives
Unique Family Names Based on Dictionary Words
The podcast features a book called The Swifts by Beth Lincoln, focusing on a peculiar family with names taken directly from the dictionary, such as Shenanigans and Felicity. These unconventional names shape the characters' personalities, with each name reflecting traits or emotions. For instance, Shenanigans exhibits a wild and risk-taking nature, while Felicity embodies happiness but faces ridicule. The family's names play a significant role in defining their identities and distinguishing them within the story.
Intriguing Murder Mystery Elements
The book, The Swifts, blends elements of a murder mystery with unexpected plot twists and emotional depth. The young protagonist's quest for hidden treasure during a family reunion drives the narrative's suspense and emotional journey. Readers are kept on edge as the story unfolds, featuring a classic murder mystery structure where the identity of the antagonist remains uncertain until the end. The book maintains a balance between intrigue and appropriate levels of detail, creating a compelling reading experience for young audiences.
Exploring the Impact of Names on Identity
The podcast delves into the theme of whether names define individuals, prompting discussions among the young readers from the Artesia Library. While names like Shenanigans or Felicity reflect traits and emotions, the children express varied views on the extent to which names shape one's personality. The characters' journey in the book raises questions about self-discovery versus predetermined identities based on names. Ultimately, the podcast explores the complex interplay between names, personal experiences, and individual identity development.
We celebrate our 150th episode with readers at the Artesia branch of the LA County Public Library discuss Beth Lincoln's tale of a family whose names come from the dictionary. Our celebrity reader is LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Kitty Felde is host.
Favorite Books from the Artesia branch of the LA County Library:
This episode was supported in part by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan.
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