Episode 197: Fox 8 / Challenge Reading
This week, a myriad of discussion topics combined with four excellent emails resulted in an unusual episode, with topics ranging from an alternate history author embracing anthologies, someone discussing why they could never embrace the Harry Potter movies, and us tackling the age-old question of whether or not podcasts are indeed lame. In addition, the pair discusses the brilliant short story Fox 8 by George Saunders, a charming story that manages to be funny and heartbreaking in a way that few authors can achieve. The main topic, however, is a look at how Dietrich and Josh have effected each other as authors, with each choosing three books that they are eternally grateful to the other for ramming down their stubborn, stubborn throats. Josh raves about the effortless joy of Scott Lynch, Dietrich revisits a book about cadets at a military academy, and they both agree that Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is really quite outstanding. Finally, they each throw down the gauntlet, challenging the other to read something new. Josh will be tackling the post-apocalyptic novel The Dog Stars by Peter Heller, while Dietrich dives into Big Machine by Victor LaValle. Finally, they wrap up with a discussion of two wonderful kid's movies, and the best board game you'll never play. If you have questions or comments, you can reach us at librarypolicequestions@gmail.com.
To download this episode, right click here and select "Save As"
What We've Been Reading- Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller-Seitz, TV: The Book
- Stephen King, Needful Things - Neil Gaiman, American Gods - Stephen King, It - George Saunders, "Fox 8" |
Challenge Reading, Past and FutureBest of the Past Recommendations
- Pat Conroy, The Lords of Discipline - Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora - Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending - Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell - Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire - Jonathan Lethem, Motherless Brooklyn - Joe Lansdale, Big Chili - Michael Chabon, Gentlemen of the Road - Blake Crouch, Dark Matter - Harry Turtledove, How Few Remain The Assignments - Victor LaValle, Big Machine - Peter Heller, The Dog-Stars |
Off The Bookshelves- Pete's Dragon (2016)
- Kubo and the Two Strings - Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 1) - The Good Wife - Star Wars: Rebellion |
