New Books Network

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Schulman, an award-winning writer and cultural critic, explores her latest work, shedding light on the complexities of solidarity movements. She discusses how solidarity is relational and not perfect, emphasizing the difference between rescue fantasies and meaningful actions. Schulman also shares strategies for campus organizing and the importance of creativity in activism. Through historical examples, she invites listeners to confront the risks and rewards of standing in solidarity with the oppressed.

Yiming Ma, an accomplished author with a rich background in both business and the arts, dives deep into his novel 'These Memories Do Not Belong To Us.' He elaborates on innovative themes like mind-bank technology, sparked by pandemic anxieties. Ma discusses the interplay of survival and resistance through the lens of a unique constellation novel structure. He also reflects on the influence of Orwellian themes, historical figures, and his Shanghai roots, seamlessly blending cultural narratives with literary exploration.

Bradley Gorski, a literary and culture scholar, dives into the dramatic shifts in Russian literature post-Soviet Union. He discusses the explosion of new publishers in the 1990s and the emergence of the bestseller phenomenon, which reshaped literary themes. Gorski highlights the unexpected rise of women-led detective novels and critiques the market's leaning towards illiberal narratives, showcasing the controversial career of Zakhar Prilepin, a once-celebrated author now entwined with nationalism. His insights illuminate the complex interplay between culture and capitalism.

Debaditya Bhattacharya, a literature teacher and researcher at Jamia Millia Islamia, dives deep into the complexities of Indian universities. He challenges the myth of ancient universities like Takshila and Nalanda while examining the colonial and postcolonial influences on today’s educational landscape. Bhattacharya critiques the NEP 2020 for pushing a platformized approach that undermines public trust and funding. His insights pave the way for reimagining how universities serve diverse communities, blending history with contemporary issues.

In this engaging conversation, Hannah Shafiroff, a talented writer-illustrator known for her upcoming picture book about Jewish holidays, shares her journey from childhood art lover to published author. She discusses her imaginative approach to her book, the inspiration drawn from her own holiday experiences, and the creative process behind her vibrant illustrations. Hannah also offers valuable tips for aspiring writers, including a unique musical method for handling rejections, as she reflects on the importance of persistence and celebrating small victories.

Amit Varshizky, an expert on the intellectual and cultural history of Nazism, dives deep into his book, exploring the metaphysical dimensions of Nazi racial thought. He discusses how Nazi ideology provided a coherent philosophical framework amidst tensions in science and spirituality. Varshizky highlights the cultural pessimism of interwar Germany and the dangerous merging of genetics with political ethics. The conversation also draws connections to contemporary ethnic nationalisms, revealing alarming parallels to today's world.

Christopher Joby, a historian specializing in early modern language contact, discusses his book on Christian missions in seventeenth-century Taiwan. He explores how Indigenous communities responded to Dutch and Spanish missionaries' attempts to replace their beliefs with Christianity. Joby highlights the challenges of translating texts and the innovative scripts created for local languages. The conversation also touches on the legacy of these missionary texts and their continued influence on religious practices in Taiwan and beyond.

Dr. Anya Daly is a philosopher intertwining phenomenology, mind, and Buddhist thought. She shares her journey from law to philosophy, revealing how art nurtures embodied perception and fosters genuine attention. Daly challenges human exceptionalism through art's representation of animal lifeworlds. She also connects Indigenous relational ontologies with mental health frameworks, aiming to enhance well-being among Indigenous communities. Their conversation navigates through the rich interplay of perception, politics, and aesthetics.

David Runnels, an environmental policy researcher and former collaborator with Jim McNeil, delves into the fascinating origins of liberal environmentalism. He explores how an oil man from Alberta and a socialist from Saskatchewan launched the concept of eco-development, shaping global environmental policy. Runnels highlights McNeil's pivotal role in drafting 'Our Common Future' for the Brundtland Commission, which framed sustainable development. The discussion navigates the tensions between capitalism and sustainability, raising questions about the future of this paradigm.

Aurora Levins Morales, a Puerto Rican-Jewish writer and artist, delves into her unique identity shaped by her family's legacy of art and activism. She shares how the history of silt inspired her residency in New Orleans, leading to her book, which connects the Mississippi River's currents with Caribbean waters. Aurora emphasizes the importance of merging art and science for ecological insights and discusses her Ferment project on environmental issues. This conversation is a passionate blend of poetry, history, and social awareness.