Book Fight

Guest Jason Fagone (Horseman of the Esophagus) picked Lillian Ross's famous work of embedded Hollywood journalism, PICTURE, for which the writer followed along as John Huston tried to bring Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage to the silver screen. We talk about the lessons writers and other creators can take from the book, and why it was such a formative reading experience for Jason. Plus: Philadelphia politics, the Wing Bowl, and what it takes to make it as a freelancer.

For more, visit us online at bookfightpod.com

Direct download: Ep116_Ross_Picture_Fagone.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

On this week's episode we're discussing Alfred Chester, whose life took enough bizarre twists and turns to inspire this 2008 Blake Bailey-penned profile in Vice. We also take a deep dive into the music of 1958, including the first breakthrough girl group and lots of goofy novelty songs. Who wears short shorts, indeed?

For more, including pictures and videos of what we talked about on today's episode, visit us online at bookfightpod.com

Direct download: Ep115_Wayback_1958.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Join us as we talk earnestness versus cynicism, Philly vs. Dallas, and owning a Himalayan salt block versus maintaining your dignity! We're joined by Andrew Brininstool, author of Crude Sketches Done in Quick Succession (Queens Ferry Press), to talk about Chris Bachelder's episodic novel about an assistant professor, his young child, and his daily struggles with himself and the world around him. 

For more, visit us online at bookfightpod.com

Direct download: Ep114_Bachelder_Abbot.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This week we're zooming back in time to 1883, where we read a story by Sarah Orne Jewett, noted chronicler of New England life, and discuss so many other things: art theft, drinking the water of the Schuylkill, and the time one of Mike's ancestors maybe committed a murder. 

For more, including links to some of what we talked about this week, visit us online at bookfightpod.com

Direct download: Ep113_Wayback_1883.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This week we're talking about the blockbuster thriller Gone Girl, and whether it's a feminist masterpiece or a men's rights activist's wet dream (or both? or neither?). 

For more, including links and videos about some of the stuff we talked about in this week's episode (raccoon news! Ray Pruitt!) visit us online at bookfightpod.com.

Thanks for listening!

Direct download: Ep112_Flynn_GoneGirl.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

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