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Every book M.J. Franklin recommended on podcasts
M.J. Franklin is a literary critic and podcast host whose work on The Book Review involves navigating major literary award seasons, examining contemporary fiction, and exploring the intersection of archival history and creative writing. Discussing the chaotic landscape of modern publishing, Franklin and fellow critic Emily Aiken highlighted Percival Everett's novel James as a commercial and critical exception that successfully hit numerous artistic marks. Franklin also expressed surprise at the widespread popularity of Katie Kitamura's novel Audition during a conversation on contemporary book trends. In a separate episode featuring biographer Nicholas Boggs, Franklin brought up James Baldwin's novel If Beale Street Could Talk, using the text to explore how real-life letters and personal correspondence directly influenced Baldwin's published prose. Through these discussions, Franklin consistently centers the craft of fiction, authorial intent, and the reception of prominent literary works.
Books recommended by M.J. Franklin
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Audition
Discussed“Can I tell you one book that I was really surprised by how popular it was and that is Audition by Katie Kitamura.”
Where to get it
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If Beale Street Could Talk
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin is a poignant 1974 novel that details the love story of a young Harlem couple facing systemic injustice after the man is wrongfully imprisoned for a violent crime.
Discussed“and at one point you you mention and highlight that there's a passage in If Beale Street Could Talk that is like verbatim something that he expressed in a letter”
Where to get it
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James
James by Percival L.
Discussed“I do think that James is a total exception in the sense of being commercially viable, obviously worthy. It just hits so many marks”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to Literary Award Season | The Book Review | 2025-11-21 | 2 |
| Nicholas Boggs on Writing a James Baldwin Biography | The Book Review | 2025-11-14 | 1 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
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