Against Everyone with Conner Habib AEWCH 288: HOW TO LIVE IN 2025: READ with ALEXANDER CHEE
In this engaging discussion, author Alexander Chee delves into the nourishing power of reading in uncertain times. He emphasizes how literature enriches our experiences and offers comfort amidst chaos. Chee also explores the art of authentic storytelling, encouraging deeper narratives over superficiality. The conversation takes a unique turn with tarot readings, linking them to personal empowerment and identity. Throughout, themes of transformation in literature and the dark allure of horror are examined, making for a thought-provoking dive into how we navigate our lives through stories.
01:32:12
Early Encounters with Language
- Conner Habib read the dictionary as a teen to feel closer to his awakening sexuality.
- Reading the word "penis" intensified something real outside of him.
Reading and Altered States
- Reading style affects consciousness, going beyond empathy.
- Tracing an author's thinking creates new pathways in the reader's mind.
Intense Encounters
- Alexander Chee aims for reader absorption through sensory language, echoing Annie Dillard's writing style.
- Krista Wolf describes reading as intensifying our engagement with life, not as escapism.
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Intro
00:00 • 5min
The Nourishing Power of Reading in Uncertain Times
04:54 • 5min
The Transformative Power of Reading
09:24 • 24min
The Art of Authentic Storytelling
33:18 • 19min
Navigating Anxiety Through Tarot and Narrative
51:57 • 17min
Transformations in Tarot: Death and Renewal
01:08:44 • 13min
Exploring the Dark Allure of Horror Literature
01:21:35 • 3min
Navigating Identity Through Literature
01:24:31 • 8min
#13103
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Edinburgh
Alexander Chee
#55299
A Death in the Family
Karl Ove Knausgård
#5059
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
Crossroads
Ben Goldfarb
#4384
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Corrections
Jonathan Franzen
#13365
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Blue of Noon
Georges Bataille
Harry Mathews
Georges Bataille's 'Blue of Noon' is a novel exploring themes of transgression, excess, and the limits of human experience.
The novel follows the protagonist's descent into a state of profound alienation and his attempts to confront the absurdity of existence.
Bataille's writing style is characterized by its raw intensity and unflinching portrayal of human desires and passions.
The novel's exploration of sexuality, violence, and the sacred challenges conventional moral boundaries.
'Blue of Noon' is considered one of Bataille's most powerful and disturbing works, reflecting his broader philosophical concerns with transgression and the limits of human understanding.
#15485
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The situation and the story
Vivian Gornick
#2949
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
A Visit from the Goon Squad
Jennifer Egan
#1124
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Power
Why Some People Have It—and Others Don’t
Jeffrey Pfeffer
In this book, Jeffrey Pfeffer provides insightful and often counterintuitive advice on how power is successfully built and maintained in organizations.
Drawing from his extensive experience in consulting and teaching, Pfeffer argues that power is not just for a select few but can be harnessed by anyone.
The book dispels the myth that power is only for those in charge and instead reveals the true paths to career success, emphasizing the importance of personal networks, reputation, and effective social interactions.
Pfeffer uses numerous examples from various countries and industries to illustrate his points, making the book an essential organizational survival manual and a new standard in the field of leadership and management.
#55503
Tony Tulathimutte's Rejection
null
Tony Tulathimutte
#57276
The Fourth Dimension
null
Ingeborg Bachmann
Ingeborg Bachmann's "The Fourth Dimension" is a collection of interviews that offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the most important writers of the 20th century.
The interviews explore Bachmann's life, work, and ideas, providing insights into her creative process and her views on literature, politics, and society.
Bachmann's reflections on the nature of language, the role of the writer, and the challenges of living in a rapidly changing world are both insightful and thought-provoking.
The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Bachmann's work or in the broader context of 20th-century literature.
The interviews reveal Bachmann's intelligence, wit, and profound understanding of the human condition.
#51405
Hopscotch
Julio Cortázar
Julio Cortázar's "Hopscotch" is a groundbreaking novel known for its experimental structure and nonlinear narrative.
The reader is given the freedom to choose their own path through the story, creating a unique and personalized reading experience.
The novel explores themes of identity, reality, and the nature of storytelling itself.
Cortázar's writing is characterized by its playful use of language and its surreal imagery.
"Hopscotch" is a challenging but rewarding read, offering a unique and unforgettable journey into the world of the imagination.
#12381
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Cassandra
Claudette Williams
#25946
City of Angels
null
Christa Wolf
Christa Wolf's "City of Angels" is a novel that explores the experiences of an East German woman writer living in Los Angeles after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The novel is characterized by its exploration of themes of identity, exile, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Wolf's writing is both lyrical and insightful, creating a powerful and unforgettable narrative.
The novel is a testament to Wolf's mastery of storytelling and her ability to create a compelling and unforgettable character.
"City of Angels" is a significant work of contemporary literature, offering a profound and insightful look at the challenges of navigating a world marked by political and social upheaval.
#16467
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
The queen of the night
Alexander Chee
#16477
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Winter in the Blood
James. Welch
James Welch's "Winter in the Blood" is a powerful and moving novel that explores the life of a Native American man struggling with identity, addiction, and the legacy of colonialism.
Welch's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of life on a reservation.
The novel explores themes of family, community, and the search for meaning in a world marked by loss and trauma.
Welch's use of imagery and symbolism creates a rich and evocative atmosphere.
"Winter in the Blood" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of storytelling.
#9377
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
How to write an autobiographical novel
Alexander Chee
Alexander Chee's "How to Write an Autobiographical Novel" is a collection of essays that delve into the art and craft of autobiographical writing.
Chee shares his personal experiences and insights, offering guidance and inspiration to aspiring writers.
The essays explore themes of memory, identity, and the challenges of transforming personal experiences into compelling narratives.
Chee's reflections on the process of writing, the importance of honesty, and the power of storytelling make this collection a valuable resource for both writers and readers.
The book is a blend of memoir and literary criticism, offering a unique perspective on the creative process and the complexities of self-representation.
#47455
Narrow rooms
James Purdy
James Purdy's "Narrow Rooms" is a collection of short stories that showcase his distinctive style, characterized by dark humor, grotesque imagery, and unflinching portrayals of human desire and depravity.
The stories explore themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
Purdy's prose is both elegant and unsettling, creating a unique atmosphere of suspense and unease.
The characters in "Narrow Rooms" are often flawed and morally ambiguous, reflecting the complexities of human nature.
The collection is a testament to Purdy's mastery of language and his ability to create unforgettable characters and stories.
#59672
Wind from an Enemy Sky
null
Darcy McNickol
#30852
The Lord won't mind
Gordon Merrick
#29685
The Strumpet Wind
Gordon Merrick
Gordon Merrick's "The Strumpet Wind" is a novel that explores themes of sexuality, wealth, and power in post-World War II society.
The novel follows the experiences of a handsome young man navigating a world of desire and intrigue.
Merrick's writing is characterized by its frank depiction of sexuality and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships.
The novel is a product of its time, reflecting the social and cultural norms of the era.
"The Strumpet Wind" is a significant work in the history of gay literature, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of gay men in a time when such narratives were often suppressed.
#30431
Black Eagle Child, The Face Paint Narratives
null
Ray Young Bear
#50331
Waiting
Rachel Khong
Ha Jin
Ha Jin's "Waiting" is a poignant and moving novel that explores the lives of several characters in post-Mao China.
The novel is characterized by its realistic portrayal of life under a repressive regime and its exploration of themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world marked by uncertainty.
Jin's writing is both lyrical and understated, creating a powerful and unforgettable narrative.
The characters in "Waiting" are richly drawn and deeply human, reflecting the complexities of life under a totalitarian regime.
The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope.
#54828
Everything you always wanted to know about sex, but were afraid to ask
David Ruben
David R. Reuben
David Reuben's "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask" is a comprehensive guide to human sexuality that was highly influential upon its release.
The book covers a wide range of topics related to sex, including anatomy, physiology, psychology, and social aspects.
Reuben's writing style is straightforward and informative, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience.
The book's frank discussion of sexuality challenged prevailing social taboos and contributed to a greater understanding of sexual health and well-being.
While some of the information in the book may be outdated by today's standards, it remains a significant work in the history of sex education.
This is the is the sixth and final episode in a series of episodes on How To Live in 2025, focusing on the thoughts, feelings, and actions we need to thrive, develop, create, and resist. In other words, tools that don’t merely deaden us in the frantic pursuit of survival, but that assist us in nourishing ourselves, each other, and the world, all together.
This time, the theme is READ
and my guest is ALEXANDER CHEE.
At the end of this episode, the exercise is a little different. First we do a reading for you, the listener, in the world and its anxieties and challeneges. We consider what they are, how to approach them, and how not to approach them. Then, Alex and I do a reading for what you could be reading... We draw a tarot card and let it give book recommendations.
Alex the author of three books, most recently his essay collection How To Write An Autobiographical Novel, and also two novels, Edinburgh and The Queen of the Night.