New Books Network

In this engaging conversation, Carlo Rotella, a Boston College professor and author of insightful works like Good With Their Hands, shares how literature can provide solace during tough times. He discusses the comfort found in ancient texts and sagas, highlighting their unique perspectives. Rotella also explores the appeal of unlikable characters and the role of voice over plot, citing P.G. Wodehouse as a source of joy. Their dialogue illuminates how reading about the absurdities of life can help us navigate the darkness.

In this engaging conversation, historian Amy Erdman Farrell delves into the rich yet complicated history of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Drawing on her childhood experiences, she reveals how the organization influenced the lives of over 50 million girls. Topics include the intersections of race and feminism, the impact of segregation policies, and the role of Girl Scouts in Native American boarding schools. With a balance of personal reflections and extensive research, Farrell emphasizes the need to confront the organization’s discriminatory past while celebrating its legacy.

In this engaging discussion, Peter C. Bisschop, a leading voice in Puranic studies, and Elizabeth A. Cecil, expert in material culture, dive into the creation of PURANA Media, an innovative open-access journal. They explore the importance of viewing Purana beyond texts to include cultural practices and contemporary interpretations. They discuss the concept of Purana as world-making, blending temporal and spatial dimensions. The conversation highlights the journal's interdisciplinary approach and its mission to bridge the past with modern cultural narratives.

Dr. Sharon Sliwinski, a Professor in Information and Media Studies and author of *An Alphabet for Dreamers*, explores the significance of dreams in social knowledge and healing. She discusses how dreams can serve as critical resources for understanding social conflicts and collective experiences. Sliwinski details her work with the Museum of Dreams and the transformative power of dream-sharing in fostering deep conversations. Through playful pedagogy, she emphasizes attentiveness to dreams as a key to new ways of seeing the world.

In this discussion, Alexandra Ghiț, a historian and postdoctoral researcher, digs into her book about the critical role women played in welfare during the austerity of interwar Bucharest. She illustrates how women, through various forms of unpaid labor, became essential social workers amid economic turmoil. Ghiț explores women's work patterns, wage gaps, and municipal welfare roles, revealing the intricate ties of gender and societal expectations. Additionally, she highlights the influence of transnational reforms on local welfare practices and the legacies of these historical struggles.

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Roche, a history professor and author of "The Conservative Frontier," unpacks the origins of American conservatism, tracing its roots back to West Texas cattle ranching. He delves into the impact of figures like C.W. Post and J. Evetts Haley on local and national politics. Roche highlights how environmental factors and the rise of ‘cowboy conservatism’ shaped the Texas GOP and its enduring influence. He also emphasizes the importance of regional history in forming political identities, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how place matters in politics.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Lara Schwartz, a lawyer, professor, and founder of the Project on Civic Dialogue, explores the intricacies of fostering dialogue in politically charged environments. She emphasizes the importance of listening generously and engaging with uncertainty, encouraging students to embrace a mindset of inquiry. Schwartz critiques simplistic political labels and advocates for practice in good-faith dialogue to bridge differences. With insights on balancing free expression and responsibility, she offers a hopeful perspective on higher education's potential for meaningful discourse.

Joseph Torigian, an Associate Professor at American University and research fellow at the Hoover History Lab, explores the life of Xi Zhongxun, father of Xi Jinping. He discusses Xi's radical beginnings, his complex role during Japan's invasion, and the strategic importance of his work in northern China. The conversation dives into Xi's tumultuous political history, including his purges and rehabilitation, and his contributions to China's economic reforms. Torigian emphasizes how Xi's experiences illuminate the inner workings of the Chinese Communist Party.

Thomas Gidney, a postdoctoral researcher in international history, dives into the surprising history of colonial membership in the League of Nations. He reveals how this anomaly challenged assumptions about sovereignty by allowing colonies like India and Ireland a voice long before independence. Gidney discusses the implications of membership for colonial politics, the contrasting perspectives of nationalists, and how these early representations shaped modern discussions about colonialism and sovereignty. His insights link historical practices to contemporary issues in international relations.

Shibban Banerji, an architect and historian from UC Berkeley, dives into the fascinating interplay between occult modernism and the spiritualization of democracy. He explores how early 20th-century upheaval led to a new global consciousness that united diverse urban spaces. Banerji discusses the role of ashrams in South Asia as democratic alternatives, critiques of global planning from figures like Paul Otlet, and the feminist perspectives in Marion Mahony Griffin's works. His insights reveal how modernism shaped an ethical vision for our interconnected world.