New Books Network

Jamie Rowen, a legal scholar and author of Worthy of Justice, dives into the intriguing world of Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs). She discusses how these courts are shaped not just by veterans' actions but by societal perceptions of their worth. Rowen highlights her extensive fieldwork, revealing the varied experiences of veterans across different court models. She addresses the impact of trauma and race, questioning who gets seen as deserving support within the criminal justice system. Her insights open a dialogue on how societal beliefs influence legal alternatives.

Sara Swenson, an Assistant Professor at Dartmouth College, dives into the vibrant world of Buddhist charity in urban Vietnam. She shares her journey from a Christian upbringing to exploring Vietnamese Buddhism's impact on community aid. Swenson reveals how every temple embodies charity and how social media amplifies grassroots efforts. She also discusses the complexities of belonging, identity, and merit-making among volunteers, and how modern narratives challenge stereotypes about Vietnamese youth. This unique blend of ethnography uncovers the interpersonal ties that define contemporary Buddhist practice.

Zoë McGee, an academic specializing in 18th- and early-19th-century literature, discusses how novels by Austen and her contemporaries reflect on sexual consent and societal attitudes. She connects themes from Regency novels to modern #MeToo debates, revealing that these literary works provide insights into historical rape culture. McGee analyzes characters like Fanny Price and explores how financial control complicates consent. She contemplates the enduring relevance of these issues and the responsibility of literature to educate about consent and victimhood.

Madhuri Deshmukh, a Professor of English at Oakton College and a scholar of Marathi literature, dives deep into the world of women's grindmill songs. She reveals how these age-old oral traditions, traditionally overlooked in literary studies, embody rich poetic archives. Deshmukh discusses the blend of labor and art, detailing her fieldwork and the significant influence of these songs on Marathi literature. She also highlights the creative contributions of marginalized women, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping vernacular literary culture.

Samuel Fullerton, an Assistant Professor of History at the University of North Texas, explores the unexpected world of 17th-century sexual politics in English culture. He reveals how explicit sexual language surged during the English Civil Wars, transforming public discourse. Fullerton discusses how lewd pamphlets portrayed royalists and parliamentarians and argues that sexual rhetoric mobilized the masses more effectively than traditional political debate. He also connects sexual politics to the Restoration and examines its lasting legacy in shaping political identities.

Michael J. Illuzzi, a political scientist and author, discusses his new book exploring the concept of peoplehood in America. He contrasts 'mending stories,' which embrace inclusivity and address past injustices, with 'bleaching stories' that erase them. Illuzzi shares insights from historical figures like Lincoln and Fred Hampton, revealing how coalition-building can foster equality. He emphasizes the need for contemporary narratives that unify rather than divide, warning against the dangers of authoritarianism in our current political landscape.

Imran Mulla, a journalist at Middle East Eye and historian, shares insights from his book on the Ottoman caliphate and its intriguing aftermath. He delves into the radical resurgence efforts by Indian Muslims and the opulent Nizam of Hyderabad to revive the caliphate after its 1924 abolition. Discussing cultural intersections, he highlights the significance of a 1931 royal marriage alliance and explores alternate histories where Hyderabad could have become a caliphal center. Mulla emphasizes the importance of these connections for understanding contemporary Muslim political landscapes.

Explore Lukas Foss's engaging reflections from his 1982 lecture on contemporary American music. He delves into the rise of minimalism, tying it to popular music and meditation. Foss critiques tonality's evolution, comparing serialism with aleatory methods to highlight surprising creativity. He shares his journey from strict rules to spontaneous composition, emphasizing the joy of unexpected musical moments. The discussion also touches on the role of technology and the risks of amplification, alongside enlightening perspectives on music education and influential composers.

Dr. Cara Gormally, a professor, researcher, and cartoonist, dives into the depths of chronic busyness in academia and the transformative power of storytelling in their graphic memoir. They discuss how trauma can manifest as a relentless work ethic and the journey through therapy towards healing. Gormally emphasizes the significance of radical self-acceptance and the art of comics in expressing complex emotions. They highlight the importance of community support and reflect on the challenging yet rewarding process of personal transformation, urging listeners to reconsider the 'work harder' mentality.

In this insightful discussion, Jose Eos Trinidad, an assistant professor at UC Berkeley, explores how local organizations shape U.S. education. He highlights the invisible networks influencing school policies, drawing from his research in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York. Trinidad discusses the challenges of student dropout rates and introduces concepts like early warning indicators. He examines the benefits and risks of external players in education, urging educators and policymakers to recognize the power of these 'outside-in' changes.