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Every book Emily Aiken recommended on podcasts
Emily Aiken appears on The Book Review podcast, where she engages in literary discussions regarding major prizes and contemporary publishing. During her appearance, she highlighted James F. English's The Prestige Economy to introduce a provocative theory about the nature of literary awards. Aiken also discussed Andrew Miller's The Land in Winter, noting its beautifully precise psychological style while exploring the diverse range of works among Booker finalists. Furthermore, she announced the winners of the National Book Award across multiple categories. In fiction, she named Rabih Alameddine as the winner for The True Story of Raja the Gullible and His Mother. For non-fiction, she announced Omar El Akkad as the recipient for One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. In poetry, she recognized Patricia Smith for The Intentions of Thunder New and Selected Poems. Finally, in translated literature, Aiken announced that Gabriela Cabezón Cámara and her translator Robin Myers won for We Are Green and Trembling. Through these discussions, Aiken demonstrates a keen interest in recognizing literary excellence, prize culture, and the breadth of contemporary fiction, poetry, and nonfiction celebrated by major cultural institutions.
Books recommended by Emily Aiken
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One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This
One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad is an impactful award-winning book that addresses urgent contemporary themes and critical social issues.
Discussed“In non-fiction Omar El Akkad won for One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.”
Where to get it
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Patricia Smith Performs Always in the Head and Selected Poems
Discussed“The poetry prize went to Patricia Smith for The Intentions of Thunder New and Selected Poems.”
Where to get it
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The economy of prestige
Discussed“James English who's an English professor I think at U Penn, wrote a book called The Prestige Economy about awards about 15 years ago and it's really great.”
Where to get it
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The Land in Winter
Discussed“Well, The Land in Winter is a kind of old-fashioned psychological novel beautifully precise.”
Where to get it
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The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)
Discussed“So in fiction Rabih Alameddine won for his novel The True Story of Raja the Gullible and his mother.”
Where to get it
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We Are Green and Trembling
Discussed“In translated literature Gabriela Cabezón Cámara and her translator Robin Myers won for We Are Green and Trembling.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to Literary Award Season | The Book Review | 2025-11-21 | 8 |
Other mentions (3: passing, ad reads, own books)
“We were spoiled by that and Martyr too, I think maybe.”
“Some book that nobody's ever heard of called Paco's Story won that year.”
“I realize we haven't mentioned Flashlight by Susan Choi. That was another finalist.”