Episode · The Book Review · 2025-03-07
Books mentioned on Spring Preview: A Few Books We're Excited For
Joumana Khatib recommended Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, Searches by Vauhini Vara, and Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh. Gilbert Cruz recommended Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones, Medicine River by Mary Annette Pember, The Legacy by Mary Stanbery Watts, John and Paul by Ian Leslie, Yoko by David Sheff, Strangers in the Land by Michael Luo, Wuxia America: The Timely Emergence of a Chinese American Hero by Michael DeMarco, Mark Twain by Ron Chernow, and Authority by Andrea Long Chu, and discussed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange, and Fun.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Dream Count
Dream Count is a work of fiction by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Recommended“yes so this is dream count by chimamanda and adicha it's been a long time since we've seen a work of fiction from her”
Where to get it
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Sunrise on the Reaping
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian novel set within the expanding universe of The Hunger Games, offering readers a return to the brutal society of Panem.
Recommended“this is called sunrise on the reaping this is by Suzanne Collins and it is another book set in the world of The Hunger Games”
Where to get it
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The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian young adult novel set in a ruined nation where children are forced to compete in a televised death match.
Discussed“there was an initial Trilogy of books in The Hunger Games series and then Suzanne Collins the author wrote a prequel several years ago and this is another prequel”
Where to get it
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The Buffalo Hunter Hunter
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones is a historical horror novel by a prolific author that delves into dark frontiers with a distinctive Blackfeet protagonist.
Recommended“I'm excited to talk about the Buffalo Hunter is a great name such a good title so this is by Steven Graham Jones who is like this kind of tremendously prolific horror writer”
Where to get it
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Medicine River
Medicine River by Mary Annette Pember is a compelling non-fiction book that explores a powerful story of survival while confronting the dark and lasting legacy of Indian boarding schools.
Recommended“this is a book called Medicine River a Story of Survival and the legacy of Indian boarding schools this is by Marie Annette pimber”
Where to get it
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The Legacy
The Legacy by Mary Stanbery Watts is a historical work that examines the profound and lasting impacts of historical institutions on communities and families.
Recommended“this is a book called Medicine River a Story of Survival and the legacy of Indian boarding schools this is by Marie Annette pimber”
Where to get it
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Wandering Stars
Tommy Orange's novel Wandering Stars serves as a powerful continuation of his literary universe, tracing the generational impacts of historical trauma and displacement on Indigenous families.
Discussed“so last year Tommy orange the novelist Tommy orange he joined this podcast to talk about wandering Stars wandering Stars was his sequel to there there”
Where to get it
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Great Big Beautiful Life
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry is a contemporary romance novel by a prominent author widely regarded as a major figure in the romance genre.
Recommended“so I am going to talk about Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry who is somewhat of a actually not somewhat no qualifier needed romance Superstar right now this is her sixth romance”
Where to get it
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John and Paul
John and Paul by Ian Leslie is a dual biography exploring the legendary creative partnership and relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney through the lens of their timeless songwriting.
Recommended“so this is John and Paul a love story in songs this is by a gentleman named Ian Lesley”
Where to get it
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Yoko
Yoko by David Sheff is a biographical work that delves into the life and multifaceted career of Yoko Ono, offering readers a comprehensive portrait of the iconic artist and cultural figure.
Recommended“not enough books about this person is Yoko the biography by David chef”
Where to get it
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Searches
Searches is a work by Vauhini Vara, an accomplished author recognized for previous literary achievements.
Recommended“I am looking forward to searches by wahini havara who re was a finalist for the Pitzer for her novel The Immortal King ra”
Where to get it
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Strangers in the Land
Strangers in the Land by Michael Luo is a comprehensive non-fiction history exploring the epic story of Chinese immigrants in America, detailing the profound impacts of exclusion and the ongoing pursuit of belonging.
Recommended“it's called strangers in the land exclusion belonging in the Epic story of the Chinese in America by Michael luo”
Where to get it
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Wuxia America: The Timely Emergence of a Chinese American Hero
Wuxia America: The Timely Emergence of a Chinese American Hero by Michael DeMarco is an academic examination of cultural representation and the evolution of the martial arts hero archetype within American media and society.
Recommended“it's called strangers in the land exclusion belonging in the Epic story of the Chinese in America by Michael luo”
Where to get it
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Rabbit Moon
Rabbit Moon is a contemporary novel by Jennifer Haigh that explores complex characters and narrative depth.
Recommended“okay so this is rabbit Moon by Jennifer hay this is coming out in early April”
Where to get it
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Mark Twain
Mark Twain by Ron Chernow is a sweeping biographical exploration of one of the most celebrated and revered American writers and public figures of the nineteenth century.
Recommended“he is a subject of a new just a giant biography that's coming out in May from Ron chernau”
Where to get it
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Authority
Authority by Andrea Long Chu is a compelling new book written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning book critic.
Recommended“this is by the Pitzer prize winning book critic named Andrea longchu and I actually really the title of this book it's called Authority”
Where to get it
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Fun
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel is a celebrated graphic memoir exploring family dynamics, sexuality, and the complex relationship between a daughter and her closeted father.
Discussed“she's the author of fun home the graphic novel Memoir from 2006 and it was one of the New York times's 100 best books of the 21st century”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (11) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“I was a teenage slasher that is a very good book it's a good book”
“wandering Stars was his sequel to there there which was his incredibly received debut novel”
“people go nuts for her books Book Lovers Beach read”
“people go nuts for her books Book Lovers Beach read”
“the people we meet on vacation people are very fiercely attached to her romances”
“who re was a finalist for the Pitzer for her novel The Immortal King ra”
“so Jennifer Hay's last book is called Mercy Street and it took place basically like in and around an abortion clinic”
“he is of course the author of the biography of Alexander Hamilton that was turned into the just the massive stage musical”
“my mom is a big fan of the Innocence abroad so I think probably that one just because it was in The Ether when I was growing up”
“I'm sure there was a ton that I missed in huckin when I read it the first time around”
“even though she has written another sort of graphic novel Memoir in between a book called the secret to superhuman strength this it feels like is grappling with sort of the after effects of fun home”