New Books Network

Andrea Flores, a cultural anthropologist at Brown University and author of The Succeeders, shares insights from her ethnographic research on immigrant youth in Nashville. She explores how these students redefine belonging and use academic success as moral proof against stereotypes. Flores discusses the impact of their cultural ties and family sacrifices on their educational journeys. The conversation touches on respectability politics and how students navigate identity amid societal pressures, ultimately transforming individual achievements into collective gains for their communities.

In this discussion, the hosts delve into the ethereal world of a 1987 classic film. They explore the role of angels as mere observers, highlighting how their presence shapes the narrative without intervention. The conversation shifts to the film's impressionistic style, likening it to a painting that lingers in the viewer's mind. Key scenes reveal a profound take on humanity, with small pleasures like coffee becoming sacred. Ultimately, they ponder the delicate balance between material experience and spiritual life, suggesting that love and amazement can lead to redemption.

Thomas Haigh, a historian of computing and professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, dives into the evolution of artificial intelligence as a brand. He shares how the label 'AI' has consistently attracted disparate technologies over the decades. Haigh connects historical AI hype to current trends, stressing the importance of regulation focused on specific applications rather than the broad term 'AI.' He also explores the origins of the label, its cultural roots, and the impact of military funding, providing a captivating look at AI’s complex history.

David Silkenat, a senior lecturer in American history at the University of Edinburgh, delves into how enslaved people shaped and were shaped by the Southern environment in his book. He highlights the profound impact of Southern planters' exploitation on ecosystems, from soil depletion to invasive species. Silkenat discusses the role of wild spaces as both refuge and threat for the enslaved, and how hurricanes disproportionately affected them. He connects historical environmental choices to modern issues of climate and racial justice, emphasizing enduring scars.

Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is a constitutional law professor and civil rights attorney, with a vibrant background as a playwright and author. In her discussion, she delves into 500 years of protest history in the U.S., starting with Indigenous resistance against colonization. She unearths stories of notable figures like Muhammad Ali and David Buckel, illustrating how diverse movements have shaped America. Browne-Marshall emphasizes the significance of understanding both well-known and forgotten activists to inspire current and future protests.

In this engaging discussion, Dainy Bernstein, a literary scholar and editor, explores the intricate world of Orthodox Jewish childhoods alongside guests Hannah Lebovits and Miriam Moster. They dive into how artifacts like music and modesty diagrams shape identity and community values. Bernstein breaks down the diverse subcultures within Orthodox life, while Lebovits highlights the emotional impact of A.B. Rottenberg's children's music. Moster discusses the role of Hanukkah songs in outreach, examining nostalgia and cultural intersections that define this unique upbringing.

Shantala Sriramaiah, a teacher and founder of the Veda Studies platform, shares her transformative journey from the tech industry to preserving her family's chanting legacy. She explains how her works, "Nitya Prārthanā" and "Nitya Dhyāna," promote infusing sacredness into daily life through Sanskrit prayers and Vedic mantras. The conversation explores the challenges of adapting traditional teachings for a global audience, the significance of quality controls in recitation, and the profound impact of prayerful living on wellness and mindfulness.

Caitlin Galway, an acclaimed author known for her novel Bonavere Howl, discusses her captivating short-story collection, A Song for Wildcats. She delves into the connective themes of grief and philosophy, revealing the origins of her stories during the pandemic. With a focus on dark whimsy, Galway explores settings like postwar Australia and the Troubles in Ireland, showcasing the emotional depth of her characters. She reads an excerpt that navigates love and violence, and shares insights into her writing process and future projects.

Dr. Sylvia D. Hoffert, an expert in American and women's history, dives into the nuances of gossip and rumor in antebellum Hillsborough, North Carolina. She reveals how gossip acted as social glue, shaping relationships and creating in-groups and out-groups. Hoffert discusses striking cases such as the malicious rumors surrounding Mary Smith, and how free Black residents managed their reputations. She also explores the role of gossip in enslaved communities, community power dynamics, and its surprising connections to mental health in elite women.

Tom Bratrud, an Associate Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Bergen, explores how city migrants are reshaping Norway’s rural landscapes. He discusses the socio-economic divide between urban and rural areas and the impact of digital connectivity on rural living. Bratrud highlights the cultural revival triggered by urbanites establishing second homes and the tensions that arise between them and local residents. He also delves into the role of social media in these transformations, showcasing how new digital communities influence local dynamics.