New Books Network

Yehudah Halper, a leading scholar in Jewish philosophy, dives into his latest work on Averroes, a 12th-century thinker. He discusses Averroes' unique approach to divine knowledge, prioritizing philosophical inquiry over traditional theology. Halper illustrates how Averroes navigated political pressures while preserving scientific reasoning and differentiates between his various commentaries for different audiences. He also explores intriguing themes like the yearning for the divine and the connections between Averroes' ideas and Kabbalistic thought, underlining his enduring influence on Jewish and Christian intellectual traditions.

In this engaging discussion, award-winning author Sharon White delves into her novel, exploring the struggle of the Sami community in northern Norway against a controversial dam project. She shares insights on her protagonist, Hans Sorensen, an Oslo detective grappling with personal loss and reconciling with his Sami heritage. The landscape of Finnmark plays a crucial role in the narrative, while two women—a journalist and a musician—drive the mystery forward. White's lyrical storytelling intertwines identity, survival, and cultural memory in a rich tapestry.

Tim Seiter, a historian specializing in Spanish Texas and Native American history, discusses his book, "Wrangling Pelicans," exploring the daily lives of presidio soldiers and the Caronquas. He reveals intriguing details about soldiers defying royal orders, harsh living conditions, and vibrant leisure activities like gambling and cockfighting. Seiter reframes the Caronquas from colonial caricatures to influential jewelers, providing a fresh perspective on indigenous roles. He also emphasizes the importance of including Spanish and Native histories in understanding early Texas.

Emily Winderman, an assistant professor and expert in reproductive justice, dives deep into the evolution of the phrase "back-alley abortion" in her new book. She explores its complex origins tied to urban reform, sanitation, and morality debates. Winderman links this rhetoric to significant moments in abortion history, including its weaponization by anti-abortion advocates after Roe v. Wade. She highlights the phrase's adaptability in current discussions following the Dobbs decision, revealing how it perpetuates misconceptions about care and obscures systemic issues.

Join Mason Donovan, a consultant and wellness coach, and Mark Kaplan, a specialist in human resources and leadership, as they explore how parenthood can be a powerful asset in the workplace. They discuss how skills gained from parenting, like resilience and empathy, can enhance leadership qualities. The duo also shares practical strategies for supporting working parents, debunks the myth of the parent as a burden, and highlights companies like Salesforce and Patagonia that excel in parental support. Discover the transformative power of valuing parents at work!

In this engaging discussion, debut novelist Zoe Dubno sheds light on her provocative work, Happiness and Love. She explores the single-paragraph narrative style inspired by Thomas Bernhard, emphasizing how it captures thought and memory. Zoe critiques the art world's superficiality and careerism through her characters at a dinner party. She humorously reflects on the absurdities of fame and celebrity while discussing the novel's optimistic conclusion, where the narrator finds freedom from toxic relationships.

Carl Benedikt Frey, a Dieter Schwarz Associate Professor at the Oxford Internet Institute, delves into the complex relationship between technology and economic progress. He argues that historical stagnation reveals that progress isn't a given. Frey compares the fates of past powers like Victorian Britain and China, discussing how bureaucratic structures can both foster and hinder innovation. He highlights the need for decentralization to ignite growth, while warning that modern trends in both the U.S. and China might lead to stagnation if not addressed.

Dr. Christina Jerne, an Associate Professor and author, dives into the world of anti-mafia activism in Italy, exploring how ordinary citizens are resisting criminal economies. She discusses the evolution of activism mimicking mafia strategies while creating alternative economies, such as 'mafia-free' products and critical tourism. Drawing from her ethnographic research, Christina reveals the political implications of these actions, highlighting how they redefine collective efforts against mafia influence. She also previews her upcoming work focusing on alternative economic models centered on well-being.

Dustin Condren, an associate professor of Russian studies and film/media scholar, dives into the world of Sergei Eisenstein's unrealized film projects. He discusses the creative and theoretical significance of unfinished works, highlighting Eisenstein's ambitious concepts like Glass House and MMM, a time-travel comedy. Condren shares insights into Eisenstein's experiences in Hollywood, exploring how American influences shaped his subsequent projects. He also teases his upcoming research on animal representation in Stalinist cinema, bridging history and creativity.

Nicholas Buccola, Dr. Jules K. Whitehill Professor of Humanism and Ethics, delves into the clash between Barry Goldwater and Martin Luther King Jr. over the meaning of freedom. He discusses how Goldwater's radical individualism contrasted with King's call for equality and civil rights. Buccola explains the implications of their views on federal power, segregation, and the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Their debate reshaped American political discourse and still resonates today, making this story of competing ideals both timely and relevant.