New Books Network

Jamie Kreiner, a historian and professor at the University of Georgia, dives into the world of medieval monks and their struggles with distraction in her book, The Wandering Mind. She reveals how these monks viewed distraction as a matter of life and death, employing techniques like regimented schedules and memory training to conquer it. Kreiner discusses gendered perspectives on distraction, the impact of bodily needs, and the ambivalence towards books as tools for focus. Her insights reveal that our modern distraction challenges echo those of the past.

Min Joo Lee, an Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at Occidental College and author of *Finding Mr. Perfect*, dives into the world of K-Dramas and their impact on romance tourism. She explores how depictions of Korean masculinity shape interracial relationships between foreign tourists and Korean men. Lee discusses the evolution of Korean masculinity in media, the roles of government in promoting Hallyu tourism, and the surprising gaps between K-drama fantasies and real-life encounters. Her insights reveal the complex dynamics of desire and cultural perceptions in the age of global fandom.

Laurie Parsons, an academic researcher based in London, delves into the concept of carbon colonialism, revealing how wealthy nations offload their environmental responsibilities. Her insights from 15 years of research in Cambodia expose the stark realities of outsourcing and its impact on vulnerable communities. Parsons critiques the adequacy of consumer-focused sustainability, highlights rampant greenwashing, and stresses the need for political action to regulate supply chains. She connects the dots between production practices and climate injustice, urging listeners to demand accountability.

Ines Prodöhl, a historian with expertise in agriculture and commodity flows, dives into the fascinating history of soybeans from 1900 to 1950. She shares how soy became a vital resource, particularly in Manchuria and Germany, driven by the demand for fats. Ines explains Germany's reliance on Manchurian soy after WWI, the U.S. integration of soy into agriculture to combat soil depletion, and the environmental consequences of soybean expansion today. Her insights provide a captivating look at the globalization of this critical crop.

John M. Findlay, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Washington, dives into his book on the crucial transformation of the American West from 1940 to 2000. He discusses how World War II ignited an enduring mobilization, reshaping the region socially and economically. Findlay highlights the rise of social movements, the influence of Western conservatism, and the complex dynamics of land conflict. He also touches on his father's migration tale and the lasting impacts of nuclear legacies, exposing the rich history still worthy of exploration.

Justin Gregg, a senior research associate with the Dolphin Communication Project and author of If Nietzsche Were a Narwhal, challenges the notion of human exceptionalism. He explores whether our intelligence is more of a liability, leading to existential angst and environmental destruction. Gregg highlights the unique cognitive features of humans and compares them to animals, revealing surprising insights. Discussions range from casual inference in humans to morality's dark side and the discussion of aphantasia, sparking questions about happiness and intelligence in different species.

Oline Eaton, a scholar and writer specializing in Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, shares insights from her book, *Finding Jackie: A Life Reinvented*. She unveils the lesser-known facets of Jackie's life, particularly her reinvention after JFK's assassination. Eaton discusses the impact of paparazzi, the trauma Jackie faced, and her struggles with media narratives. With fresh archival evidence, she highlights Jackie's bold decisions, including her scandalous marriage to Aristotle Onassis, and calls for diverse voices in women's biographies, challenging traditional narratives.

In this discussion, historian Jorge Marco dives into the dark depths of Franco’s regime in Spain, focusing on mass repression and the role of the Catholic Church in shaping a fearful new society. He explains how the Francoist state employed rapid military trials, and collective violence to instill terror among both victims and supporters. Marco reveals the church's complicity in classifying 'enemies' and enforcing compliance through rituals of conversion. The conversation also highlights how the legacy of this brutal regime still affects former prisoners and communities today.

Elizabeth Kelly Gray, an Associate Professor of History at Towson University and author, explores the fascinating history of drug addiction in America from 1776 to 1914. She discusses the unregulated use of opiates, the initial non-criminal perception of addiction, and the rise of middle-class morphine users. Gray contrasts historical drug use with today's opioid crisis, highlighting societal perceptions that shaped responses to addiction. The conversation reveals insights into how language, class, and policy have long influenced America’s drug landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Amanda G. Madden, an expert in early modern Italy, delves into the fascinating world of vendetta violence among civic elites. She reveals how this ritualized violence shaped political power and state formation, using the 1547 Modena killings as a vivid case study. Madden further highlights the unexpected roles women played in vendetta networks and discusses how these violent customs spurred legal reforms. Her insights challenge conventional views on violence, portraying it as a driving force behind governance and state evolution.