Episode · Freakonomics Radio · 2026-08-26
Books mentioned on “I Trust Almost Anyone More Than Myself” | Better in Person
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Jennifer Egan talks about confidence, luck, and why it takes 35 drafts to get to the finish line. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, you can watch it on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
Stephen Dubner discussed A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. Jennifer Egan discussed Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan and The Candy House by Jennifer Egan.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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A Visit from the Goon Squad
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel told in a series of fragmentary, interconnected vignettes exploring time, music, ambition, and memory.
Discussed“She is a novelist who has received many awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for a visit from the Goon Squad, a kaleidoscope of a book about music and ambition and the nature of time and memory.”
Where to get it
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Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of wartime New York through a noir lens, exploring the experiences of Americans during a time of immense national power.
Discussed“And it's funny because with Manhattan Beach, I initially thought, oh, I'm going to use some tricky narrative strategies. I'm going to try to do something that isn't just straight up historical fiction.”
Where to get it
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The Candy House
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan is a compelling novel that functions as a structural sequel to A Visit from the Goon Squad, exploring themes of memory, technology, and interconnected lives.
Discussed“I dedicated The Candy House to them.”
Where to get it
