Person
Every book Mary Catherine Hamm recommended on podcasts
Mary Catherine Hamm appeared on The Ezra Klein Show in August 2023 to discuss American institutions, conservatism, and public distrust. As a conservative voice engaging with the cultural and political state of the nation, Hamm shared several literary works that have deeply influenced her thinking and reading life. She began by naming Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor as perhaps her favorite book of all time, praising its distinct blend of creepiness, Christianity, and the atmosphere of the Christ-haunted South. Transitioning to contemporary fiction, Hamm expressed her admiration for Amor Towles, noting that she had recently read Rules of Civility and previously enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow. She lauded Towles as a remarkably talented writer whose prose is exceptionally strong regardless of the specific premise. Finally, Hamm recommended The Right by Matthew Continetti, describing it as an insightful and readable history of the American right and conservatism that speaks eruditely to many of the themes explored during the podcast episode. Through these varied recommendations, Hamm combined a deep appreciation for classic southern literature with contemporary storytelling and accessible political history.
Books recommended by Mary Catherine Hamm
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A Gentleman in Moscow
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is a historical fiction novel that follows Count Alexander Rostov as he is placed under lifetime house arrest inside the luxurious Hotel Metropol after the Bolshevik Revolution.
Recommended“so I just read The Rules of Civility by Amar toles just a beautiful writer I had also read a gentleman in Moscow he's one of those writers that I don't really even care what you're writing Michael Siobhan is similar the prose is just so good”
Where to get it
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Rules of Civility
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles is a historical novel known for its exceptional prose and character development.
Recommended“so I just read The Rules of Civility by Amar toles just a beautiful writer I had also read a gentleman in Moscow he's one of those writers that I don't really even care what you're writing Michael Siobhan is similar the prose is just so good”
Where to get it
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The Right
The Right by Matthew Continetti is a comprehensive historical exploration of the American conservative movement and its various internal factions.
Recommended“and then I'll give a shout out to um Matthew continent is the right which is a history of the American right and conservatism which we'll speak to in a more erudite sense than I did many of the things that we have talked about right in this podcast”
Where to get it
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Wise blood
Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor is a Southern Gothic novel depicting religious fervor and eccentricity in the American South.
Recommended“my favorite maybe my favorite book of all time is wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor it's just like the right amount creepy and Christian and like the Christ haunted South”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Conservative Thinks America’s Institutions ‘Earned’ Their Distrust | The Ezra Klein Show | 2023-08-15 | 4 |