New Books Network

Andrea Flores, a cultural anthropologist at Brown University and author of The Succeeders, shares insights from her ethnographic research on immigrant youth in Nashville. She explores how these students redefine belonging and use academic success as moral proof against stereotypes. Flores discusses the impact of their cultural ties and family sacrifices on their educational journeys. The conversation touches on respectability politics and how students navigate identity amid societal pressures, ultimately transforming individual achievements into collective gains for their communities.

In this discussion, the hosts delve into the ethereal world of a 1987 classic film. They explore the role of angels as mere observers, highlighting how their presence shapes the narrative without intervention. The conversation shifts to the film's impressionistic style, likening it to a painting that lingers in the viewer's mind. Key scenes reveal a profound take on humanity, with small pleasures like coffee becoming sacred. Ultimately, they ponder the delicate balance between material experience and spiritual life, suggesting that love and amazement can lead to redemption.

Thomas Haigh, a historian of computing and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, dives into the evolution of artificial intelligence as a brand. He shares how the label 'AI' has consistently attracted disparate technologies over the decades. Haigh connects historical AI hype to current trends, stressing the importance of regulation focused on specific applications rather than the broad term 'AI.' He also explores the origins of the label, its cultural roots, and the impact of military funding, providing a captivating look at AI’s complex history.

David Silkenat, a senior lecturer in American history at the University of Edinburgh, delves into how enslaved people shaped and were shaped by the Southern environment in his book. He highlights the profound impact of Southern planters' exploitation on ecosystems, from soil depletion to invasive species. Silkenat discusses the role of wild spaces as both refuge and threat for the enslaved, and how hurricanes disproportionately affected them. He connects historical environmental choices to modern issues of climate and racial justice, emphasizing enduring scars.

Exploring 500 years of protest and resistance in US history—and how its force is foundational and can empower us to navigate our chaotic world In this timely new book in Beacon’s successful ReVisioning History series, professor Gloria Browne-Marshall delves into the history of protest movements and rebellion in the United States. Beginning with Indigenous peoples’ resistance to European colonization and continuing through to today’s climate change demonstrations, Browne-Marshall sheds light on known and forgotten movements and their unsung leaders, revealing how protest has shaped our nation and remains a vital force for change today. Drawing upon legal documents, archival material, memoir, government documents and secondary sources, A Protest History of the United States (Beacon Press, 2026) gives voice to those who pushed back against the mistreatment of others, themselves, and in some instances planet Earth. Browne-Marshall highlights stories of individuals from all walks of life, backgrounds, and time periods who helped bring strong attention to their causes. Those stories include those of: Wahunsenacock, more commonly known to history as Chief Powhatan, who took on English invaders in pre-colonial America in 1607; legendary boxer Muhammad Ali who refused to be inducted into the US military during the Vietnam era and appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court; and David Buckel, LGBTQ+ rights lawyer and environmental activist who protested against fossil fuels by committing self-immolation in 2018. Regardless of whether these protests accomplished their end goals, Browne-Marshall reminds us that dissent is always meaningful and impactful. In fact, reading this book is an act of protest. Find Professor Gloria J. Browne-Marshall at her website and on Instagram. And find host Sullivan Summer at her website, on Instagram, and on Substack where she and Gloria continued their conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this engaging discussion, Dainy Bernstein, a literary scholar and editor, explores the intricate world of Orthodox Jewish childhoods alongside guests Hannah Lebovits and Miriam Moster. They dive into how artifacts like music and modesty diagrams shape identity and community values. Bernstein breaks down the diverse subcultures within Orthodox life, while Lebovits highlights the emotional impact of A.B. Rottenberg's children's music. Moster discusses the role of Hanukkah songs in outreach, examining nostalgia and cultural intersections that define this unique upbringing.

Shantala Sriramaiah, a teacher and founder of the Veda Studies platform, shares her transformative journey from the tech industry to preserving her family's chanting legacy. She explains how her works, "Nitya Prārthanā" and "Nitya Dhyāna," promote infusing sacredness into daily life through Sanskrit prayers and Vedic mantras. The conversation explores the challenges of adapting traditional teachings for a global audience, the significance of quality controls in recitation, and the profound impact of prayerful living on wellness and mindfulness.

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Caitlin Galway about her short fiction collection, A Song for Wildcats (Dundurn Press, 2025).   An arresting, vividly imaginative collection of stories capturing the complexity of intimacy and the depths of the unravelling mind.Infatuation and violence grow between two girls in the enchanting wilderness of postwar Australia as they spin disturbing fantasies to escape their families. Two young men in the midst of the 1968 French student revolts navigate — and at times resist — the philosophical and emotional nature of love. An orphaned boy and his estranged aunt are thrown together on a quiet peninsula at the height of the Troubles in Ireland, where their deeply rooted fear attracts the attention of shape-shifting phantoms of war.The five long-form stories in A Song for Wildcats are uncanny portraits of grief and resilience and are imbued with unique beauty, insight, and resonance from one of the country's most exciting authors. Caitlin Galway is the author of the novel Bonavere Howl. Her work has been published in journals, anthologies, and media outlets throughout Canada, and she has won or been nominated for numerous prizes. She lives in Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Dr. Sylvia D. Hoffert, an expert in American and women's history, dives into the nuances of gossip and rumor in antebellum Hillsborough, North Carolina. She reveals how gossip acted as social glue, shaping relationships and creating in-groups and out-groups. Hoffert discusses striking cases such as the malicious rumors surrounding Mary Smith, and how free Black residents managed their reputations. She also explores the role of gossip in enslaved communities, community power dynamics, and its surprising connections to mental health in elite women.

Tom Bratrud, an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen, explores how city migrants are reshaping Norway’s rural landscapes. He discusses the socio-economic divide between urban and rural areas and the impact of digital connectivity on rural living. Bratrud highlights the cultural revival triggered by urbanites establishing second homes and the tensions that arise between them and local residents. He also delves into the role of social media in these transformations, showcasing how new digital communities influence local dynamics.