Book Fight

We welcome special guest Lauren Grodstein (author of, most recently, the novel Our Short History) to discuss a 1959 novel that's become something of a cult classic, one which never earned its author widespread acclaim but which is consistently mentioned as a favorite by other writers.

We also talk about Lauren's new book, her love of plot, and how she manages to get so much writing done while being a working mother.

For more, visit us online at bookfightpod.com

Thanks for listening!

Direct download: Ep171_EvanConnell_MrsBridge.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

We travel back to 1866 to read "The Case of George Dedlow," a story about Civil War amputees (and a seance!) written by Silas Weir Mitchell, the physician who would later become famous for "the rest cure." 

Also this week: debates over reconstruction; the sex lives of mermaids; racist medical practices; conspiracies about Lincoln's assassination; and a man who was sued for $100k by the woman he failed to marry.

For more, including links to further reading, visit us at bookfightpod.com

Direct download: Ep170_Winter17_1866.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

We talk to Lyz Lenz (writer and managing editor of The Rumpus) from inside a wind tunnel at AWP 2017 in Washington, D.C. Topics include: New York pizza vs. Chicago pizza, misandry, Little House on the Prairie, religious faith, and how to not be a creep at a literary conference. 

Direct download: Bonus_AWP17.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This week: a good book for a change! Plus a new segment about impenetrable academic writing, and a brief installment of Fan Fiction Corner. What more could you want?

 

Direct download: Ep169_WideSargassoSea.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This week we've set the time machine for 1961, and we're reading a story by the author and activist Tillie Olsen. We talk about Olsen's career arc and continued reputation, as well as lots of other 1961 news: racist conspiracies, gigolos, and the J.D. Salinger backlash. Plus: what were poets up to in 1961?

For more, visit us online at bookfightpod.com

Direct download: Ep168_Winter17_1961.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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