New Books Network

In this enlightening discussion, Weila Gong, a visiting scholar at UC Davis and expert in low-carbon transitions, shares insights from her book on climate leadership in Chinese cities. She introduces ‘bridge leaders,’ vital bureaucrats who turn national policies into local action. The conversation highlights China's local experiments in decarbonization, showcasing innovative examples from Shenzhen and Nanchang. Weila also addresses the geopolitical complexities facing climate initiatives, emphasizing the importance of implementation capacity over mere pledges in assessing China’s climate role.

Mark Norman, a public folklorist and creator of the Folklore Podcast, teams up with Tracey Norman, an expert in witchcraft studies and audiobook narrator, to unveil the hidden narratives of Devon's forgotten witches from 1860 to 1910. They dive into intriguing archival research revealing how public perceptions of witchcraft were shaped by Victorian media. The conversation touches on the blurred lines between herbal remedies and fraud, reflects on the legal attitudes towards witchcraft claims, and highlights compelling cases like the bizarre Miss P involving cocoa.

Riley Linebaugh, a historian and archivist, dives into the fascinating realm of 'migrated archives'—records hidden by the British colonial office in the 1960s. She shares the chaotic processes of record removal, including the controversial Operation Legacy. Linebaugh reveals how these concealed documents now fuel ongoing struggles for Kenya's historical narrative, shedding light on colonial injustices. Her unexpected discoveries, like the role of female secretaries in executing secrecy, add a unique twist to this critical discussion on memory and restitution.

Beenash Jafri, an Associate Professor at UC Davis, delves into her groundbreaking work on Asian diasporic film and its ties to settler colonialism. She explores how films can illuminate the complexities of Asian-Indigenous relationships, using the cowboy figure as a lens to critique erasure and reframe narratives. Jafri emphasizes the importance of friendship as a political practice among marginalized communities and imagines decolonial futures through sensory engagement. Her insights challenge traditional film studies, encouraging a rethinking of solidarity and kinship.

Emanuel Deutschmann, Assistant Professor at the University of Flensburg, discusses his insights on transnational mobility and communication. He reveals that our interactions across borders are heavily influenced by geographic distance, challenging the idea of a fully globalized world. His research spans migration, tourism, and digital connections, uncovering stable regional patterns over decades. Deutschmann also highlights how mobility behaviors cluster regionally and questions the notion of European exceptionalism, emphasizing that borders still play a crucial role in shaping human activity.

Lon Milo DuQuette, a prolific writer and occultist, shares his insights into Western Hermeticism and tarot, discussing his new book, The Tarot Architect. He explores the connection between tarot and Kabbalah, presenting tarot as not just a divination tool but as a means for self-exploration and creativity. Cassia Elderkin, a student of Lon, adds her perspective on magic as liberatory praxis. They dive into the intersection of Western and Eastern spiritual practices, highlighting art's transformative power and the necessity of self-observation in creative endeavors.

Karma F. Frierson, an Assistant Professor of Black Studies at the University of Rochester, explores the rich cultural tapestry of Veracruz in her work. She dives into how locals reconcile their Afro-Caribbean roots with their regional identity, uncovering the layered meanings of Blackness. The discussion highlights the role of music and dance as access points to Blackness, while addressing the complexities of cultural recognition. Frierson also shares insights from her immersive fieldwork and future research on Black American expatriates in Mexico.

David Arnovitz, Editor-in-Chief of The Koren Tanakh of the Land of Israel series and a scholar in Near Eastern studies, sheds light on the latest volume focused on Deuteronomy. He discusses how this volume connects biblical narratives to modern archaeology and reveals Deuteronomy's structure as akin to ancient vassal treaties. Explore the distinctions between Torah law and Babylonian codes, and gain insights into the project's broader vision, including future volumes that aim to enrich our understanding of the scriptures.

Amy Bowers Cordalis, a Yurok attorney and author, shares her family's 170-year fight to save the Klamath River, crucial to their identity. She discusses the devastating 2002 fish kill that motivated her advocacy, including landmark legal battles and the successful removal of four dams, revitalizing salmon populations. Bowers Cordalis emphasizes the importance of Indigenous knowledge in restoring ecosystems and recounts her family's resilience during the Salmon Wars, highlighting the ongoing struggle for rights and justice in the face of governmental challenges.

Bess Wohl, a celebrated playwright known for her impactful works, and Honor Moore, a poet and editor of a significant anthology on women’s liberation, dive deep into the exploration of feminism. They discuss Wohl's play, "Liberation," which intertwines personal stories with the broader women's movement. Key insights include the role of humor in activism, the emotional weight of mother-daughter relationships, and the importance of diverse narratives. Their conversation highlights how ordinary people can drive change, making feminism a collective journey.