Books of Some Substance
Join hosts David Southard and Nathan Sharp as they explore the books that shape our world. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just starting your reading journey, join along to discover literature that has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform our lives.
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113 - The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky (2 of 2)
12/20/2025
113 - The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky (2 of 2)
Murder, faith, redemption, justice, morality, and a reckoning with one's beliefs about the world! This is The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. In this episode of the Books of Some Substance podcast, we (Nathan Sharp and David Southard) discuss the second half of the novel, looking at the novel's interplay of belief systems and reality, moral questions, and philosophical insights. We cover the characters' journeys, personal transformations, and the profound questions the narrative poses about life, justice, and existence. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode (Law and Order) 01:11 Reflections on the Second Half of the Book 01:54 Themes and Tangents in the Second Half 04:36 Alyosha's Transformation and Revelations 06:19 The Onion Story and Its Significance 11:31 Mitya's Descent and Arrest 18:09 Interrogation and Doubts About Mitya's Guilt 22:39 Alyosha's Encounters and the Story of the Boys 28:08 Insecurities and Mentorship 29:21 Polyphonic Quality of the Novel 29:32 Simultaneous Plotlines and Moral Alternatives 30:20 Evolving Character Dynamics 31:30 Ivan's Journey and Prison Encounters 33:13 Mitya's Transformation in Prison 38:38 The Trial and Its Implications 39:58 Final Reflections and Themes 01:01:04 Personal Takeaways and Conclusion 01:06:12 Closing Remarks
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112 - The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1 of 2)
09/25/2025
112 - The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1 of 2)
In this episode of The Books of Some Substance podcast, Nathan and David get into the first half of Fyodor Dostoevsky's masterpiece, The Brothers Karamazov (Books 1-6; Parts 1 and 2). From the novel's dense, philosophical style and its stark contrast to modern life, to deep dives into themes like love, free will, human suffering, redemption, and the role of faith in a crumbling society, Nathan and David explore what makes this 19th-century Russian epic timeless (and occasionally trudging). They break down Ivan's worldview in "Pro and Contra," the iconic "Grand Inquisitor" chapter, and Father Zosima's profound teachings on universal love and personal responsibility. Whether you're a Dostoevsky veteran or tackling the "world's greatest novel" for the first time, this discussion wrestles with the big questions: How do we find meaning in absurdity? Can society handle true freedom? And what does it mean to love unconditionally? This is Part 1 of 2. Tune in next time for the dramatic second half! If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a line with your thoughts on Dostoevsky or the Karamazovs. What ultimate question does the novel make YOU wrestle with? Support the podcast and grab some merch at booksofsomesubstance.com. Happy reading!
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111 - Light Years by James Salter
05/29/2025
111 - Light Years by James Salter
In this episode of the Books of Some Substance podcast, hosts Nathan Sharp and David Southard reunite with our old friend Eric Heiman (whose life and experiences connect closely to the novel on this episode) to discuss the intricate and poignant novel Light Years by James Salter. We get into the unique lyrical and unadorned narrative style of the book, the mysteries of life, the contrast between perceived and real lives, the pursuit of freedom versus loyalty, the existential and daily struggles of the married couple at the center of the novel, the impact of re-reading the book years later, noting how personal experiences and age have deepened their appreciation for Salter's work, and the seemingly endless cultural references scattered throughout the novel, debating whether they enhance or alienate the reader. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions 01:35 Host Introduction and Personal Reflections 03:44 Deep Dive into the Book's Themes 06:29 Character Analysis and Personal Connections 08:09 Exploring the Book's Style and Prose 10:41 Discussion on Freedom and Relationships 13:18 Impact of the Book on Personal Lives 16:45 Author's Background and Influence 19:45 Cultural References and Allusions 29:39 Thoughts and Reflections of Self 40:31 More Cultural References, and Social Circles 41:51 Mixed Reception and Critical Reviews 42:44 Cultural Alienation and Aspiration 47:46 Rome: A City of Ghosts 49:44 Understanding the Book's Depth 52:10 The Importance of Cultural References 54:44 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 59:48 Reflections on Characters and Themes 01:05:25 Concluding Remarks and Farewell
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110 - One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
04/16/2025
110 - One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Exploring 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Join hosts David Southard and Nathan Sharp in the Books of Some Substance podcast as they kick off Season 3 with an in-depth discussion on Gabriel Garcia Marquez's seminal Latin American novel, '100 Years of Solitude.' This episode covers the novel's ambitious narrative, magical realism, and deeply complex characters like Jose Arcadio Buendía and Colonel Aureliano Buendía. They explore themes of solitude, memory, colonialism, familial curses, and the inevitable march of modernity, offering both personal reflections and broader literary analysis. Whether you’re new to the novel or revisiting it, this episode promises a fresh and engaging perspective on one of literature's most enduring classics. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions 01:55 Podcast Introduction and Book Overview 02:57 Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Journey to Stardom 03:36 Personal Reading Experiences 04:27 Themes and Style of the Novel 08:04 Setting and Cultural Context 11:04 Plot Summary and Key Events 12:47 Recurring Themes 13:31 Solitude and Human Connection 20:36 Family Dynamics and Generational Shifts 29:28 Political and Historical Context 39:54 Memory and Forgetting 41:51 The Importance of Memory 42:52 The Curse of Forgetting 48:07 The Illusion of Life 49:07 The Dance of Life 59:30 The Burden of Family Legacy 01:07:33 The Inevitability of Modernity 01:17:37 Final Thoughts and Recommendations #BooksOfSomeSubstance #100YearsOfSolitude #GabrielGarciaMarquez #LatinAmericanLiterature #MagicalRealism #BookDiscussion #LiteraryPodcast #NobelPrizeLiterature #BookAnalysis #booktok #podcast #literature #magicalrealism #solitude #creativewriting #writingstyle #family
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Season 3 Books Announcement
03/01/2025
Season 3 Books Announcement
Season Three: Family The Books of Some Substance Podcast's third season is underway! David and Nathan are here to announce the season's theme of family and introduce the lineup of books they'll be reading and discussing. The season opens with '100 Years of Solitude' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, followed by 'Light Years' by James Salter, 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Fyodor Dostoevsky, 'The Obscene Bird of Night' by Jose Donoso, 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf, and concludes with 'Blinding' by Mircea Cărtărescu. We invite listeners to read along, participate in discussions on their community page here on YouTube, and join live read-alongs to make the season more interactive. 00:00 Introduction to Season Three 00:13 Exploring '100 Years of Solitude' 01:00 Diving into 'Light Years' 01:41 Discussing 'The Brothers Karamazov' 02:48 Unpacking 'The Obscene Bird of Night' 05:12 Returning to Virginia Woolf with 'To the Lighthouse' 06:15 Wrapping Up with 'Blinding' 09:05 Interactive Reading and Community Engagement 10:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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108 - Control, Revisited: Six Novels of Power, Freedom, and Surrender
01/09/2025
108 - Control, Revisited: Six Novels of Power, Freedom, and Surrender
In this episode, David and Nathan look back over season two, tracing the connections, marking the distinctions, and reframing their understanding/awareness of how control works in each and every book discussed this season. Revisiting: The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector, Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon, Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee, Malina by Ingeborg Bachmann, The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles, and Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller. Enjoy. And please don't forget to give us a nice rating on Apple Podcasts, or leave a note on the YouTube channel. We appreciate you all. Happy Reading! Find Us: X / Twitter: Instagram: Web:
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107 - Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
12/04/2024
107 - Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
In this episode, David and Nathan delve into Henry Miller's controversial and groundbreaking novel "Tropic of Cancer." Published in 1934, this semi-autobiographical work was banned in the US and the UK upon its release due to its explicit content. Despite—and perhaps in part because of—its ban, "Tropic of Cancer" has endured as a provocative and essential piece of literature. Discussed on this episode, historical context (with a lot of help from George Orwell’s essay "Inside the Whale," which contextualizes the novel superbly), mysticism, narcissism, surrealism, c*cks and c*nts, general vulgarity, and authenticity. This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of "Tropic of Cancer," addressing both its literary significance and the moral dilemmas it poses, making it a rich conversation for fans and critics of Henry Miller alike. This episode serves as a comprehensive, though by no means exhaustive, exploration of "Tropic of Cancer” that we hope you enjoy. As always, please leave comments, reviews, and buy some books through the podcast’s website to support future episodes. * Note: The photographs at the opening of the YouTube version of the episode come from Henry Miller’s personal friend Brassaï (Gyula Halász), a 20th century Hungarian–French photographer, sculptor, filmmaker, and writer (even a book on Miller’s Paris Years). * Links: Twitter: Instagram: Our brand-new website:
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106 - The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles
08/08/2024
106 - The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles
Come explore existential despair, the hell of isolation, and the mad dash into oblivion with Nathan and David. On this episode, your hosts have an in-depth discussion on Paul Bowles' 1949 novel The Sheltering Sky - a novel of stark prose and philosophical depth that follows Port and Kit Moresby, an American couple traveling in post-WWII North Africa. Nathan and David delve into the themes of finiteness, the pursuit of oblivion, selfishness, and the differences between a tourist and a traveler, all set against the sublime and terrifying beauty of the Sahara desert. Listen along and tell us what you think of Bowles' masterpiece and its dark, captivating narrative.
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105 - Malina by Ingeborg Bachmann
05/16/2024
105 - Malina by Ingeborg Bachmann
Welcome to our episode on the novel Malina by Ingeborg Bachmann. David and Nathan wind their conversation through the disorienting pages of this incredible novel. We explore its unique form and style, ponder its structure, and discuss how these creative decisions add to the overarching sense of strangeness and mystery that permeates the narrative. In this episode, we contemplate and ponder: Is Malina even real? Or perhaps he’s pure animus overtaking the unknown woman’s self? What is it that makes Ivan so desirable? What is happening with the phone conversations? Does Bachmann’s views on art and logical positivism affect the interpretation of the novel? What’s the deal with airplane peanuts? Join us for this where we try to unravel parts of this mesmerizing novel. * Books of Some Substance: Twitter: Instagram: Our brand-new website: * Ingeborg Bachmann (1926–1973) was an Austrian poet and novelist, acclaimed for her profound exploration of existential themes and innovative literary style. Born in Klagenfurt, Austria, Bachmann experienced the tumultuous events of World War II firsthand, which profoundly influenced her writing. She studied philosophy, psychology, and German literature at the universities of Innsbruck, Graz, and Vienna. Bachmann's early poetry collections, such as "Die gestundete Zeit" (The Deferred Time), established her as a leading voice in post-war German literature. However, it was her groundbreaking novel "Malina" that solidified her reputation as a literary icon. Bachmann's works often grapple with themes of identity, trauma, and the search for meaning in a fractured world. Despite her tragically premature death in 1973, her legacy endures, with her writings continuing to inspire readers and writers alike with their depth, complexity, and enduring relevance.
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104 - Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee
02/07/2024
104 - Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee
Nathan and David continue their exploration of control with Waiting for Barbarians, a 1980 novel by South African writer J.M. Coetzee. Empire! Torture! Manipulation! Control! Quite the book, and quite the episode.
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103 - Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon (2/2)
01/03/2024
103 - Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon (2/2)
Our second episode on Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon, and again David is joined by Seth from W.A.S.T.E. Mailing List. Seth is here to nimbly unravel some of the meaning of this insane and insanely good novel, and he does an excellent job. But no matter what they tend to get lost along the way, as any analysis of the book will be "not a disentanglement from, but a progressive knotting into." Join them as they knot into the brennschluss point, the inciting incident of what's happening with Slothrop's c*ck, fragmentation of self at at the force of control, the Raketen-Stadt as antagonist, and if there is any sense of hope by the end of the book. * Books of Some Substance is on , , and our brand-new . * Seth is a non-authoritative devotee of anything and everything related to Thomas Pynchon and all varieties of difficult and demanding literature. You can find him on , , , and . * Gravity's Rainbow is a groundbreaking novel by acclaimed author Thomas Pynchon. It stands as a masterpiece of postmodern literature, captivating readers with its intricate plot, rich symbolism, and thought-provoking themes. This iconic work delves into the complexities of World War II, war profiteering, corporate scheming, human nature, reflexes, mind control, State control, scientific advancements of the time, and science fiction. The novel offers a unique blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and satire. With its enigmatic characters and labyrinthine narrative, Gravity's Rainbow has become a literary classic, drawing scholars and enthusiasts seeking a challenging and intellectually stimulating reading experience. A world of paranoia, conspiracy, and intricate storytelling, Gravity's Rainbow remains an enduring and influential work in the canon of modern literature.
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102 - Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon (1/2)
12/06/2023
102 - Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon (1/2)
In our first of two episodes on Thomas Pynchon's 1973 masterpiece Gravity's Rainbow, David is joined, once again, by Seth from W.A.S.T.E. Mailing List to talk about one of his favorite ways to approach the novel. Seth brings an invaluable depth of knowledge and research to this episode, examining the novel as being primarily about America in the "long 60s," albeit taking place in Europe in the 1940s. They also discuss Pynchon's work at Boeing being a catalyst for his fascination with the V-2, his writing on race relations in "A Journey into the Mind of Watts," and general advice for reading the book for the first, second, or even third time. * Books of Some Substance is on , , and our brand-new . * Seth is a non-authoritative devotee of anything and everything related to Thomas Pynchon and all varieties of difficult and demanding literature. You can find him on , , , and . * Gravity's Rainbow is a groundbreaking novel by acclaimed author Thomas Pynchon. It stands as a masterpiece of postmodern literature, captivating readers with its intricate plot, rich symbolism, and thought-provoking themes. This iconic work delves into the complexities of World War II, war profiteering, corporate scheming, human nature, reflexes, mind control, State control, scientific advancements of the time, and science fiction. The novel offers a unique blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and satire. With its enigmatic characters and labyrinthine narrative, Gravity's Rainbow has become a literary classic, drawing scholars and enthusiasts seeking a challenging and intellectually stimulating reading experience. A world of paranoia, conspiracy, and intricate storytelling, Gravity's Rainbow remains an enduring and influential work in the canon of modern literature.
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101: The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector
11/01/2023
101: The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector
Welcome all and sundry to the first episode of Season 2: Control. Join us, David and Nathan, as we start this new season dancing to the beautifully strange rhythms of Clarice Lispector's The Hour of the Star. In between quoting and praising this novella, we discuss narrative techniques, metaphysical implications, symbolic deaths, co-existing interpretations, and a fall from grace. Listen in, tag us online to discuss the book, and call in to share your thoughts: (331) BOSS-BOT / (331) 267-7268. Nothing lasts, but a good book lasts longer. Find us online:
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Season 2 Books Announcement
10/25/2023
Season 2 Books Announcement
With the 100th episode behind us, and with Nick off exploring the world of dance music, David and Nathan have decided to try some new things. We're going into video (as you can see). We're going seasonal. And we will have a new website, logo, slogan, and much more coming soon. Each new episode will come out on the first Wednesday of every month. Season 2 - CONTROL Nov. 1 - THE HOUR OF THE STAR by Clarice Lispector Dec. 6 - GRAVITY'S RAINBOW by Thomas Pynchon (part 1: an approach to the novel with Seth from W.A.S.T.E. Mailing List) Jan. 3 - GRAVITY'S RAINBOW by Thomas Pynchon (part 2: understanding elements of the novel with Seth from W.A.S.T.E. Mailing List) Feb. 7 - WAITING FOR THE BARBARIANS by J.M. Coetzee Mar. 6 - MALINA by Ingeborg Bachmann Apr. 3 - THE SHELTERING SKY by Paul Bowles May 1 - TROPIC OF CANCER by Henry Miller
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100 - End of an Era
10/13/2023
100 - End of an Era
On this, our 100th episode, we answered some of your questions from our B.O.S.S. voicemail. Sadly we could not get to them all, but we talked about memory, books worth reading a 1,000 times, and childhood books. Sadly, we also said farewell to our founding father, Nick, who started this whole wild ride of a podcast and book club. He'll be out there, far from the internet, but still reading good books, still living a life of (some) substance. Godspeed, heavy reader! Enjoy the (meat) fireworks.
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Special Announcement
09/14/2023
Special Announcement
Our 100th episode is coming up. And we want you to call in and leave us a message, ask us a question, read a quote, file a complaint, suggest a book, or leave a cool noise (like a ghost or a fart or a ghost fart or something like that...). This episode will also, sadly, be Nick's final episode. Our founding father and the first heavy reader is hanging up the mic for other things. So call and say something nice to the man. Call: 331-BOSS-BOT or 331-267-7268
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99 - László Krasznahorkai's Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming (Guest: Derek Maine)
09/12/2023
99 - László Krasznahorkai's Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming (Guest: Derek Maine)
On this episode, David is joined by reader and writer Derek Maine to discuss Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming by everyone's favorite pessimistic, long-winded, Hungraian doom master László Krasznahorkai. By everyone, we mean ours. He's a favorite here at BOSS. And we are happy to be joined by Derek Maine, author of CHARACTERS, published by Expat Press in 2022. Join the two of them as they talk fear, form, apocalyptic shizz, and the faintest glimmers of hope. Check out Derek's book: and find him on
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98 - Jon Fosse's Melancholy I-II
07/21/2023
98 - Jon Fosse's Melancholy I-II
David, Eric, and Nick read Jon Fosse’s Melancholy I-II, a mid-90s Norwegian novel in two parts that explores the connections between art, death, and the divine. Also discussed in this episode: what exactly is “the divine.” For fans of cyclic long sentences and also cyclic short sentences, Melancholy I-II is perhaps a slightly lesser known Fosse work to English-speaking audiences, but it makes a very convincing argument for reading as much Fosse as possible. We know we certainly will.
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97 - Franza Kafka's Diaries (Guest: Ross Benjamin)
06/05/2023
97 - Franza Kafka's Diaries (Guest: Ross Benjamin)
David is joined by Ross Benjamin, translator of Franz Kafka’s Diaries in its most authentic form to date. Listen in as they discuss Benjamin’s start in the field of translation, his love for Kafka’s craftsmanship and humor, and why a new edition of Kafka’s diaries needed to be released. Benjamin’s translation is available now via and is a must for any Kafka fan (read: the hosts of this podcast).
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96 - Marcel Proust's Time Regained (In Search of Lost Time #6)
05/12/2023
96 - Marcel Proust's Time Regained (In Search of Lost Time #6)
We have (finally) found the lost time! It was inside us all along! Listen in as Nathan, David, and Nick complete their tour through Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time, concluding with a discussion on the final volume, Time Regained. Topics include: memory, the purpose of art, and . . . BDSM? In the event that you anticipate going through withdrawals after completing your own In Search of Lost Time journey, might we recommend some Proust gear? Head on over to the to check out some new designs that will help you tell the world that you’ve read Proust and you’re ready to launch into an extremely in-depth discussion about him at any moment.
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95 - Henri Lefebvre's The Missing Pieces (Guest: Tom Comitta)
04/04/2023
95 - Henri Lefebvre's The Missing Pieces (Guest: Tom Comitta)
In this episode Nick is joined by , aficionado of citational fiction and author of , newly released and available now from Coffee House Press. Tom selected as the work of focus for today’s discussion, so listen in as we talk through the history of authors remixing words, Lefebvre’s ability to invoke emotion with lists, and the apparent popularity of the destruction of art in antiquity. Post-script: The remix artist referenced at 43:20 is .
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94 - Anton Chekhov's Difficult People (Guest: Bob Blaisdell)
02/28/2023
94 - Anton Chekhov's Difficult People (Guest: Bob Blaisdell)
In this episode Nick is joined by Bob Blaisdell, Professor of English at the City University of New York’s Kingsborough College and author of a new work on Anton Chekhov titled Chekhov Becomes Chekhov: The Emergence of a Literary Genius. Listen in as they talk in depth about the story Difficult People, as well as Blaisdell’s approach to digging into Chekhov’s most prolific years of 1886 and 1887. , and we highly recommend grabbing a copy. It’s a wonderful read.
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93 - Marcel Proust's The Captive & The Fugitive (In Search of Lost Time #5)
01/29/2023
93 - Marcel Proust's The Captive & The Fugitive (In Search of Lost Time #5)
David, Nathan, and Nick continue on their expedition for misplaced minutes, this time tackling Marcel Proust’s fifth installment, The Captive & The Fugitive. Topics this time around include: the endless cycle of the narrator’s obsession and apathy toward Albertine; the errors and inconsistencies of this posthumously published work (and whether that matters at all); the ability of different readers to find different points of connection in a lengthy work so packed with details that it begins to approximate real life. Say what you will about My Darling Marcel™, but our narrator hero can still deliver quite the impressive take on art, time, and space. Only one more volume to go — stay tuned for the coming finale as we wrap up our search and seek to regain all that time sunk into this podcast series.
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92 - Han Kang's The Vegetarian
12/30/2022
92 - Han Kang's The Vegetarian
David, Eric, and Nick dive into The Vegetarian, a 2007 novel by Han Kang that, after its English translation, won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize. This compact work will appeal to anyone interested in tightly architected narrative structures, complex questions of individual agency, and visceral scenes situated right next to moments of quiet contemplation. One’s ability to choose, well, anything at all is not quite so black and white, is it?
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91 - Marcel Proust's Sodom and Gomorrah (In Search of Lost Time #4)
11/14/2022
91 - Marcel Proust's Sodom and Gomorrah (In Search of Lost Time #4)
Nathan, David, and Nick tackle Sodom and Gomorrah, the fourth volume of Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time. They discuss how groundbreaking it was at the time to so openly write about homosexuality, the noticeable increase in the narrator’s presence in the book’s happenings, and the increased level of action in play (at least in comparison to prior volumes, that is). Listen in as you continue on your own Proust journey and remember: It’s okay if you can’t pronounce French names either.
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90 - Thomas Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 (Guest: Seth of WASTE Mailing List)
10/09/2022
90 - Thomas Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 (Guest: Seth of WASTE Mailing List)
Seth — aficionado of difficult fiction and driving force behind WASTE Mailing List — joins the podcast this episode to chat with David about the endless gifts to be found within the endless layers of Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49. Pynchon-lite it is not! Encompassing both the absurd and the prophetic, this early work by the reclusive author covers everything from embedded allusions to the cultural tumult of the 1960s, distrust of any and all formal systems, and a prescient view of the future of communication (cough, the internet, cough). But perhaps the most meaningful conclusion to draw from Pynchon’s work is the absence of drawn conclusions. It’s messy out there, readers. Grab a copy, give it a read, give it another read, then take a listen. And make sure to check out Seth’s work at WASTE Mailing List’s and .
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89 - Marcel Proust's The Guermantes Way (In Search of Lost Time #3)
09/17/2022
89 - Marcel Proust's The Guermantes Way (In Search of Lost Time #3)
David, Nathan, and Nick continue their journey through Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time, this time discussing the third volume, The Guermantes Way. While this one might very well be “a middle book” — and by proximity, this episode “a middle episode” — there is continued brilliance to be enjoyed (if one can make it through the marathon salon scenes, that is). Come for the deep dives on The Dreyfus Affair, stay for the masterful ending. And just remember: You’re halfway home.
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88 - Alexander Theroux's Fables (Guest: George Salis)
08/21/2022
88 - Alexander Theroux's Fables (Guest: George Salis)
Writer, interviewer, and heavy reader George Salis returns to the podcast, this time to discuss Alexander Theroux’s Fables with David. The two tackle a list of maximalist topics: deep cuts of vocabulary (real and invented), the forever ongoing inclusions of edits and additions that make a work expand even after being published, and, well, lists themselves. Salis also provides insight into the world of Theroux via his past interviews with the writer and involvement in the publishing process of Fables. Grab a copy, give this latest episode a listen, and check out Salis' work at . May your sentences be long, your word choices intricate, and your fables dark.
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87 - Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle
08/07/2022
87 - Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle
David, Eric, and Nick seek out some mid-summer spookiness in Shirley Jackson’s acclaimed We Have Always Lived in the Castle and instead find a compact work that is much more complicated than the horror themes, accessible sentences, and vaguely young adult-ish book cover (thanks Penguin Classics) lead one to believe. Cheers to Jackson for walking the line between genre and literary fiction and forcing the reader to sit with a story that has all the trappings of a murder mystery, but none of the virtuous resolutions. Perhaps we are all lacking the ability to communicate across societal lines, forever content in our ever-shrinking castles after all.
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86 - Marcel Proust's Within a Budding Grove (In Search of Lost Time #2)
07/04/2022
86 - Marcel Proust's Within a Budding Grove (In Search of Lost Time #2)
David, Nick, and Nathan reconvene to continue their Proust pilgrimage, this time tackling the second volume, Within a Budding Grove. There is discussion around the narrator’s age — whether it be twelve or twenty-two, Proust certainly has a knack for combining the idealism and naiveté of youth with the insight and wisdom of adulthood. There is discussion around the book’s repetition of similar events and themes and how it is used to advance the book’s common aesthetic. And there is discussion around that (infamous?) wrestling scene between Gilberte and the narrator and just exactly what was transpiring amidst the perspiring. At the very least, this one is chock-full of wonderful Proust quotes, the beauty of which (we hope) carries the episode on its own.
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