Jonathan Lethem, a celebrated author known for his inventive storytelling, chats from his Maine home about his latest book, *Cellophane Bricks*. He shares quirky insights on life, from the joys of tomato sandwiches to amusing road trip tales of driving across the U.S. The conversation takes a turn into thought-provoking territory as Lethem reflects on the mundane aspects of creativity in the age of AI, and how nostalgic music exploration has changed over the years. His witty banter adds a delightful twist to the profound topics discussed.

Jonathan Lethem, acclaimed author of 'The Fortress of Solitude,' delves into the novel's exploration of gentrification, cultural appropriation, and the superhero genre. He reflects on the nostalgic ties of 1970s Brooklyn, the responsibilities of writers regarding racial representation, and how past movements influence today's activism. Lethem discusses the significance of comics in his life and how they connect with the emotional journeys of his characters, making a case for the enduring relevance of his work as it nears its 20th anniversary.

Jonathan Lethem reads James Thurber's short story "The Wood Duck" and discusses Thurber with The New Yorker's fiction editor, Deborah Treisman. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices