New Books Network

Bryan A. Banks, an associate professor and historian of early modern Europe, dives into the fascinating world of Huguenot refugees in his insightful discussion. He explores how over 200,000 Huguenots, fleeing France post-Edict of Nantes, influenced Enlightenment debates on citizenship and religious tolerance. Banks examines the work of key figures like Pierre Jurieu and Pierre Bayle, who skillfully combined emotional appeals with calls for reason and rights. Their advocacy not only shaped their identity but also contributed to significant changes in citizenship laws during the French Revolution.

Alex Imas, a behavioral economist and AI expert at the University of Chicago, dives into the intriguing anomalies of behavioral economics alongside insights from his book, The Winner's Curse. He explains the winner’s curse through engaging examples like auctions and explores why biases persist in high-stakes settings. Imas discusses innovative classroom experiments designed to teach behavioral concepts and highlights the endowment effect's impact on market behavior. He also shares his current research on how biases affect firms and online marketplaces.

Dr. Jessica Reuther, an Associate Professor specializing in West African history, delves into girl fostering in Dahomey from 1720 to 1940. She discusses how this practice created complex kinship dynamics and economic exploitation of girls' labor. Reuther explores the various forms of child transfer, the shift in girlhood definitions amidst colonial changes, and the narratives of girls like Ahulepe, who navigated agency and resistance. Her research sheds light on the evolving roles of girls and social mothers against colonial pressures and contemporary legacies.

Jennifer Yip, a historian at the National University of Singapore, delves into her research on wartime logistics in her book about China’s total war. She explains the vital role of food in the Sino-Japanese war, highlighting how grain became a central strategic asset. Yip discusses the transformation of total war concepts within an agrarian context, and the logistical systems that linked food production to military efforts. Her insights reveal the devastating consequences for civilians and the complex dynamics of grain as both necessity and target in the conflict.

Lucy Caplan, a musicologist and author, dives into her groundbreaking work on Black participation in opera. She explores how opera served as a means of self-expression and community identity for Black artists. The discussion highlights key figures like H. Lawrence Freeman, Nora Holt, and Theodore Drury, who each contributed uniquely to the operatic landscape. Caplan also examines the contrasting narratives in Black and white press coverage and the impact of segregation on operatic strategies. Her insights reveal a rich, previously untold history of Black operatic legacy.

Ann Cavlovic, a talented author from Western Quebec, discusses her novel Count on Me, which dives into the complexities of elder care and family dynamics. She reveals how the frailty of aging parents and unresolved debts can fracture families, showcasing sibling rivalry and the darker side of financial entanglements. Through her characters, Cavlovic weaves a narrative that balances empathy and critique, exploring the transactional nature of love and the subtle signs of elder abuse. Her insights into these profound themes are both hopeful and poignant.

Lara Silverman, author and former federal prosecutor, shares her powerful journey of love and resilience following her husband's battle with terminal cancer. They discuss the challenge of finding humor amidst tragedy and the role of faith in their unexpected romance. Lara explores how suffering can nurture spiritual growth and emphasizes the importance of eternal perspective to maintain joy. Her memoir is not just a story of loss, but a testament to the defiant joy that can emerge even in life's darkest moments.

Stephanie Wambugu, a Kenya-born novelist and editor at Joyland Magazine, delves into her debut novel, Lonely Crowds. She explores the intense friendship between Ruth and Maria, revealing how their lives intersect in the competitive New York art scene. Wambugu discusses the impact of class on artistic choices, the ethical limits of representation, and the complexities of desire shaped by cultural backgrounds. The conversation also touches on literary influences and the significance of friendship in shaping identities.

William Ury, an international negotiator and co-author of the best-selling book Getting to Yes, shares insights from his nearly 50 years of experience in conflict resolution. He discusses his belief in the power of hope as a choice and explores the importance of seeing humanity even in war zones. Ury emphasizes creativity in negotiation, the necessity of understanding interests over positions, and the significance of emotional preparation. He also offers advice for aspiring peacemakers, urging them to start locally and embrace small opportunities for mediation.

Rizvana Bradley, an Associate Professor of Film and Media at UC Berkeley, dives deep into the concept of 'Black Aesthesis' in her latest work. She argues that blackness is a foundational yet unrepresentable aspect of modern aesthetics. Discussing the intersection of Black art and philosophy, she critiques the notion of art as mere resistance, highlighting its complex relationship with negativity and modernity. By analyzing various artists, she illustrates how Black art challenges traditional forms and reveals the racialized contours of representation, calling for a reevaluation of aesthetics itself.