Summary
The latest discussions in the literary world center around the Booker Prize shortlist, which features six diverse and compelling titles. The hosts of the podcast delve into each nominee, offering their insights and critiques while also sharing personal anecdotes related to the books.
The conversation begins with "The End of Everything" by M. John Harrison, praised for its imaginative world-building and commentary on societal decay. The hosts appreciate its speculative nature but note that its complexity may alienate some readers. They then move on to "The Disappearers" by Marlon James, which they find gripping and humorous, highlighting its exploration of gay identity and community in Jamaica amidst violence and societal challenges.
Next, they discuss "Black Bag" by Luke Kennard, a satirical take on modern masculinity and anonymity in academia, which they find both hilarious and thought-provoking. The hosts express mixed feelings about "May We Feed the King" by Rebecca Perry, noting its beautiful writing but questioning its place on the shortlist compared to other more innovative works.
Finally, they reflect on "The Things We Never Say" by Elizabeth Strout, which they feel captures the essence of contemporary American life but struggle with its protagonist's simplicity. The discussion wraps up with "John of John" by Douglas Stewart, which they commend for its atmospheric storytelling and nuanced characters, ultimately agreeing that it deserves its spot on the shortlist.
Overall, the hosts engage in a lively debate about the merits of each book, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in reflecting societal issues and personal experiences.
Show Notes
Join Amanda and Joseph for their annual (slightly unhinged) Booker Prize shortlist review, along with their latest book news and an update on what they plan to read next.
Bookish News East of Eden by John Steinbeck East of Eden adaptation (Netflix) by Zoe Kazan @zoe.kazan The Nobel Prize for Literature Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson Eros the Bittersweet by Anne Carson The Kirkus Prize Kin by Tayari Jones @tayari
The Booker shortlist review The Booker Prize shortlist The End of Everything by M. John Harrison @m_john_harrison The Disappearers by Marlon James @marlonjameswriter Black Bag by Luke Kennard @lukekekennnard May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry @poorsasquatch The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout @liztroutauthor John of John by Douglas Stuart @douglas_stuart The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai Flashlight by Susan Choi Audition by Katie Kitamura @_katiekitamura The Shadow of the Object by Chloe Aridjis Wimmy Road Boyz by Sufiyaan Salam @sufiyaansalam My New Face by Amina Cain @amina_memory
Curious Readers is mixed by the incredibly talented James Whiting @fishislandstudio
Follow us on Instagram @curiousreaderspodcast and Bluesky @curiousreaderspod.bsky.social for more recommendations in between episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from Curious Readers
This week is a bit of a departure for the Curious Readers, as Joseph and Amanda discuss all things related to pen and paper. Join them for a whole episode dedicated to stationery (with an ‘e’) in which they cover their favourite reading-adjacent supplies and where to get them - but not without a review of the Booker and National Book Award shortlists first.
As the nights draw in, Joseph and Amanda look forward to all the autumn releases they hope to get through before December. Along the way, they meander through prize news, current reads and discover circular themes about the Epic of Gilgamesh, pianos and Dickens – and that’s all before they get to the mimmoths.
Joseph and Amanda are back from summer break with a bumper episode deep diving into Ann Patchett’s latest novel, Whistler. They also take some time to cogitate over the Booker Prize long list, as well as catch up on what they've been reading recently and the titles they hope to pick up next.
As we bid farewell to Summer Break, we take questions from our listeners in a special post bag episode - and of course, we can’t help but make some recommendations along the way. And don’t worry, normal service will be resumed on 11 September when return to the mics for a deep dive into Ann Patchett's latest novel, Whistler.
How many times have Amanda and Joseph joined the ‘Just One Book’ Deception Society? Too many to count. This week they are talking about the joy of browsing and the bookshops they love visiting across the UK. Plus, as always they’ll be chatting about what they’ve been reading recently and the titles they're hoping to pick up next.