New Books Network

Join Gaurav Suri, an associate professor of psychology, and Jay McClelland, a renowned cognitive scientist at Stanford, as they dive into their groundbreaking book, exploring how intelligence emerges in both humans and machines. They discuss how our decision-making processes resemble the operations of neural networks, drawing parallels with ant colonies and the evolution of electrical signaling. The duo also addresses the implications of their findings for understanding consciousness and AI, sparking a fascinating conversation on empathy in our technological age.

In this engaging discussion, poet and scholar Theresa Muñoz delves into her upcoming collection, Archivum, which intricately explores themes of memory, migration, and personal artifacts. She shares insights from her research into writers' archives, particularly Muriel Spark's, illustrating how these documents reveal deep emotions connected to familial bonds and loss. Theresa also reflects on the importance of preserving diverse voices, including notable women writers, and her aim to raise awareness of archives as vital resources for understanding our past and shaping future narratives.

Dr. Xia Huang, an Assistant Professor at Emory University specializing in GeoAI and human-environment interaction, explores the transformative power of geospatial AI. Key topics include how AI alters geographic inquiry and the importance of transparent, explainable algorithms. She highlights the necessity of community involvement in GeoAI to address justice and accountability. Dr. Huang discusses global disparities in access to GeoAI education and envisions a future where technology aligns with ethical practices and inclusivity.

Adair Rounthwaite, a historian of contemporary art and chair at the University of Washington, dives into the vibrant art scene of socialist Zagreb. She explores the Group of Six Authors' innovative public art events from the 1970s, transforming state-controlled spaces into platforms for personal expression. Rounthwaite discusses the intimate relationships and collaborations among artists, the role of language in critiquing ideology, and compares Yugoslav practices with global avant-garde movements. She also hints at her upcoming research on right-wing art, ensuring a provocative dialogue ahead.

William Cooper, author of The Trial of Donald H. Rumsfeld, dives into his gripping alternative history where Rumsfeld is tried for the 2003 Iraq invasion. Cooper discusses how the events of September 11 fueled his interest in politics and led to this fictional trial at the International Criminal Court. He shares insights on Rumsfeld's rise, a dramatic plotline involving a fictional Iranian war, and the nuanced portrayal of powerful figures and their fallibility. Cooper also hints at potential future projects, including trials of other notorious figures.

Elissa Bemporad, Ungar Chair in East European Jewish History and Holocaust, discusses her new volume on early Soviet Jewish history. She explores the pivotal years of 1917-1930, detailing three major turning points. Bemporad highlights the richness of regional Jewish identities and how Soviet policies reshaped cultural life. She contrasts the era's duality as the 'best and worst of times' for Jews amidst emancipation and anti-Semitism. The impact of Soviet family laws on women's rights also takes center stage, alongside her ongoing biographical work on Esther Frumkin.

Jakub Gortat, an Assistant Professor specializing in Austrian and German cinema, delves into the complexities of memory politics in post-war Austria. He highlights how films from 1945-1955 often avoided confronting the Nazi past, reflecting a national myth of victimhood. Gortat contrasts Austrian and German cinema, noting how narrative techniques downplayed war realities. He evaluates the impact of filmmakers' former Nazi ties on storytelling and recommends key films to better understand this era's cinematic landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Annie Kelley, Executive Editor at Random House Studio and a children's book aficionado, shares her journey from a young book lover in Kuwait to a leading voice in children's publishing. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing, urging authors to avoid trends and write from the heart. Annie also elaborates on her unique talent for matching manuscripts with illustrators and highlights her excitement for upcoming projects like 'Emily Saw a Door', showcasing distinctive art and inclusive themes. Her insights into the editor-author relationship are invaluable for aspiring writers.

Holocaust historian Paula Oppermann delves into her book on the Pērkonkrusts, Latvia's most significant right-wing political party from the 1930s. She details the roots of Latvian antisemitism linked to early nationalism and discusses the party's infamous propaganda and its connection to university politics. The conversation highlights the street violence stemming from a football match and the group's adaptation to bans. Oppermann also examines the legacy of fascism and antisemitism in Latvia post-World War II, making it a crucial study of European fascist movements.

Brian Baker, a veteran punk-rock guitarist with Bad Religion and Minor Threat, shares his journey from music to photography. He discusses how his casual iPhone shots evolved into a compelling visual narrative in his book The Road. Exploring themes of tour life, he highlights his obsession with peculiar artifacts, guitars, and candid backstage moments. Baker reveals the collaborative process with curator Jennifer Sakai and the choice to let images speak for themselves without captions. He also reflects on touring plans and his gratitude for turning his passion into a published collection.