New Books Network

Jemimah Wei, a debut novelist and National Book Foundation honoree, dives into her novel, which explores the complex sibling dynamics between Genevieve and her adopted sister, Erin, amid Singapore's rapidly modernizing backdrop. She discusses the challenges of portraying class and childhood perceptions in the late '90s and the moral ambiguity of her characters. You'll also hear about her writing process, the surprises in character development, and her future projects. Jemimah's insights make for an engaging conversation about family, rivalry, and personal growth.

Anthony J. Knowles, a Teaching Assistant Professor in Sociology and postdoctoral researcher, explores the industrial histories of the U.S. and Germany's automotive sectors. He dives into how automation impacts labor differently in these countries, shaped by their unique industrial paradigms. Knowles highlights the evolution from Fordism to lean production and discusses challenges in accessing corporate archives. He emphasizes the auto industry's role in economic development and contrasts current shifts, like the transition to electric vehicles.

Dr. Laura Portwood-Stacer, a seasoned developmental editor and founder of Manuscript Works, shares insights from her new guide for academic authors. She discusses the importance of a strong table of contents and how to clarify your mission before revisions. With a focus on defining a scholarly argument, Portwood-Stacer provides practical techniques for finding implicit claims in drafts. She also emphasizes the value of supportive readers and normalizes seeking help, encouraging authors to embrace the developmental editing process as a vital step toward publication.

Karen Pechilis, a scholar of South Asian religions, leads a discussion with Jarrod Whitaker, a Vedic specialist, and Valerie Stoker, an expert in early modern South Asian exchanges. They delve into their six-volume project tracing Hinduism's cultural history from antiquity through the late colonial period. Key topics include the unique themes that frame each volume, the dynamic responses to historical contexts, and the interdisciplinary approach that enriches both teaching and scholarship. Their insights reveal the project's impact on understanding Hindu traditions across time.

Fara Dabhoiwala, a historian and senior research scholar at Princeton University, explores the complex history of free speech. He reveals how this once-radical idea evolved into a cornerstone of democracy. Dabhoiwala discusses the cultural contingencies surrounding speech rights, contrasting modern interpretations with 18th-century foundations. He also highlights how marginalized voices were historically excluded from these debates. Delving into the interplay of media, politics, and censorship, he encourages a re-examination of free speech's purposes in today’s society.

Maria Fedorova, an Assistant Professor at Macalester College and author of Seeds of Exchange, discusses the fascinating transnational agricultural cooperation between the US and Soviet Union during the interwar period. She highlights how both nations sought innovative solutions amidst post-WWI food insecurity, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of this exchange. Fedorova also dives into the evolving perceptions of this collaboration, examining factors like rising anti-communism and women's roles in agricultural narratives, as well as her next research project on cold-climate horticulture.

Daniel J. Sherman, Lineberger Distinguished Professor of Art History at UNC Chapel Hill, dives into the captivating world of French archaeology in his latest book. He reveals the tensions between scientific ambitions and media attention, highlighted by controversies in Carthage and Glozel. Sherman explores the role of journalists, the impact of colonial politics, and how visual archives shaped public perceptions. The conversation also touches on empathy in research and the intricacies of performing archaeology as both spectacle and science.

Aisha Sasha John, a multidisciplinary poet, performer, and choreographer, dives into her latest collection, total: poems. She shares how reading ignites creative energy and describes her art as an 'energetic economy.' Aisha explores reception as a creative methodology and discusses her unique approach to deconstructing language through play. With humor and depth, she reads from her work, emphasizing the spiritual in everyday moments. Aisha also unveils her new project reflecting on her mother's dementia, blending personal vulnerability with artistic risk.

John Minton, a scholar and author, dives into the fascinating world of African American folk music through the lens of the WPA ex-slave narratives. He explores how these interviews reveal the cultural richness of enslaved people's lives, detailing various musical forms like work songs, spirituals, and recreational music. Minton discusses the influence of African musical traditions, adaptations of European instruments, and the interplay between minstrelsy and Black music. The podcast offers insights into how music served not just as an art form, but also as a means of expression and resistance.

Join Fr. Bogdan Bucur, a scholar of patristics, and Dr. Răzvan Porumb, director at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, as they delve into Nicolae Steinhardt's life. They discuss his transformation from a dissident persecuted by communism to a beacon of joy found in Christianity. Steinhardt’s 'Journal of Joy' emphasizes faith, freedom, and moral courage over legalism. The conversation highlights his experiences in prison, including a clandestine baptism, and critiques of modernity that resonate today. Ultimately, they explore how joy can be a powerful resistance.