Mentioned in Podcasts

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Every book Hester Blum recommended on podcasts

Guest on Freakonomics Radio · 1 book · 1 episode across 1 podcast

Hester Blum appeared on Freakonomics Radio to discuss Herman Melville's classic novel Moby-Dick; or, The Whale. Blum described the intellectual challenges and rewards of reading the text, noting that it requires comfort with inconclusiveness and sitting with dissatisfaction. She shared her enduring affection for the book and explained how she highlights its strange and funny qualities to her students. Blum also analyzed humorous elements within the novel, such as the absurdity of the crew's hatred for a specific animal. Additionally, she pointed out various queer subtexts present throughout Melville's writing, including scenes of mutual masturbation.

Books recommended by Hester Blum

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  1. MOBY-DICK; or, THE WHALE

    Herman Melville · Recommended · 1 episode

    Moby-Dick by Herman Melville is an epic American novel that chronicles the obsessive, self-destructive quest of Captain Ahab to hunt down the giant white whale that maimed him.

    Discussed
    “It's their job. And so part of what makes Moby Dick funny in some ways is that there's a hatred for a specific animal.”
    Freakonomics Radio What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Li… 2025-08-26 Listen at 40:56
    Where to get it
    AmazonListen on Audible

Appearances

EpisodePodcastDateBooks
What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life?...Freakonomics Radio2025-08-264