Former NBC producer on silence, shame and finding words after #MeToo

Unspeakable Things: Sex, Lies and Revolution is a provocative book that delves into issues of gender politics, neoliberalism, and personal struggles. Laurie Penny critiques societal norms, discussing topics such as misogyny, sexual freedom, and the impact of capitalism on gender roles. The book also includes personal narratives, offering a candid look at her experiences with activism and personal struggles like anorexia.

Catch and Kill is a detailed and gripping narrative of Ronan Farrow's investigative journalism that exposed Harvey Weinstein as a serial sexual predator. The book chronicles the intense resistance and intimidation Farrow faced, including surveillance by high-priced lawyers and elite spies, as he delved deeper into the story. It also explores similar cases involving other powerful men like Donald Trump and Matt Lauer, highlighting the systemic corruption and cover-ups that allowed these abuses to continue. The book is a testament to the bravery of the women who came forward to expose the truth and spark a global movement against sexual abuse and harassment.

The novel is set in 1862 during the American Civil War and revolves around the death of Willie Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of President Abraham Lincoln. After Willie's death from typhoid fever, his spirit finds itself in a limbo known as the bardo, a concept borrowed from Tibetan Buddhism. Here, he encounters a diverse group of ghosts who are also trapped between the world of the living and the afterlife. The story delves into themes of grief, both personal and national, as Lincoln grapples with the loss of his son amidst the broader context of the Civil War. The novel is characterized by its unique narrative style, which includes a multitude of voices and historical quotes, and its exploration of the human experience of suffering and love.