New Books Network

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Conrad, a high school English teacher with 25 years of experience, shares her innovative approach to teaching literature through picture books. She explains how her seniors develop a love for the genre by interacting with younger children. From creative read-aloud techniques to analyzing character voices, Jennifer highlights the joys of teaching through play. She also emphasizes the importance of diverse storytelling and how picture books can help children navigate complex emotions.

Join Jon Willis, an esteemed astronomer from the University of Victoria, as he explores the captivating search for extraterrestrial life, starting right here on Earth. Discussing topics like the fascinating analogs of alien worlds found in our oceans and deserts, Willis shares insights on Mars' potential for fossils and the importance of studying exoplanet atmospheres. He also highlights the necessity of gathering converging evidence over single biosignatures and the role of dolphin communication in understanding extraterrestrial signals. Dive into the science of astrobiology and our planet's role in the cosmic narrative!

Mark Griffiths, a Reader in political geography at Newcastle University, dives into his book about Checkpoint 300, a pivotal site of control over Palestinian movement. He discusses how this space embodies broader colonial dynamics and shapes daily life for Palestinians. Griffiths reveals the intersection of global complicity, gendered mobility restrictions, and the economic impacts of urban militarization. He emphasizes resilience through everyday adaptations and global solidarity, while advocating for decolonization and accountability in conflict zones.

Elizabeth Chika Tippett, a law professor at the University of Oregon and former Silicon Valley lawyer, reveals how historical master-servant doctrines shape today's workplace. She discusses the persistence of employer control and how it manifests in issues like safety and the rise of employment-at-will post-Civil War. Tippett also explores the Fair Labor Standards Act's impact on inequality and theories behind union decline. She advocates for healthcare reform to reduce employer power and previews her future research on employee ownership and AI liability.

Rayanne Haines, an award-winning hybrid author and poet, dives deep into her poignant new book, which blends poetry and essay to explore themes of grief and identity. She shares the emotional journey of coping with her mother's cancer diagnosis, revealing the complex love-hate relationship she navigates. Rayanne discusses the creative process behind her visceral imagery and the unique structure of her work, highlighting the importance of capturing the nuances of grief. Listeners are left pondering how we engage with the spaces of loss and family dynamics.

Jacob Daniels, an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses his book on the Jews of Edirne, a once-thriving community in the Ottoman Empire. He reveals how Edirne Jews navigated the transition from empire to nation-state without physically relocating. The conversation highlights community dynamics during the Balkan Wars and local politics involving significant figures like Boris Khak. Daniels also examines how borders ultimately reshaped identities and influenced survival during tumultuous times, challenging conventional narratives about Jewish experiences.

John Kaag, a philosopher and professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, is the co-founder of Rebind Publishing, which fuses reading with AI to enhance learning. He discusses the innovative Rebind Study Bible, an interactive tool that brings insights from renowned scholars into the reading experience. Kaag explains how the platform utilizes AI to connect users' questions with expert responses, making classic literature and the Bible more accessible and engaging. His vision involves expanding personalization features to deepen readers' connections with texts.

Political scientist Alexander Cooley, known for his expertise in post-Soviet politics, joins forces with colleague Alexander Dukalskis to discuss their groundbreaking book on the rise of authoritarianism. They explore the fascinating concept of 'authoritarian snapback,' detailing how non-democratic states are countering global liberal norms. Hear them delve into the impact of the 2008 Olympics as a turning point, the role of media propaganda, and how consumer boycotts shape political landscapes. They also warn that no societal domain is safe from authoritarian influence.

Joseph Harley, a historian at Anglia Ruskin University, joins the conversation to discuss his co-edited work, exploring the material culture of the poor in Britain. He highlights the surprising variety of objects owned by impoverished individuals, challenging misconceptions about poverty. Harley tackles the complexity of defining 'poor' across different contexts and showcases fascinating chapters on topics like repurposed wooden egg boxes and the emotional significance of makeshift dolls for working-class girls. The discussion promises fresh insights into the history of poverty through objects.

Maria Bach, a historian of economics, explores how Indian economists from the late 19th century challenged Western development ideas. She highlights Mahadev Ranade's significant contributions and the underappreciated Indian economic thought that offers fresh perspectives on progress and regression. Bach discusses the impact of famines and deindustrialization on Indian economists' concerns and argues that Indian ideas significantly shaped later development theories. The conversation dives into the engagement between Indian and Western economic thought and its influence on post-colonial economics.