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The Weekly Reader

WYPR Baltimorewypr.org
----What should I read next?---- Book critic and longtime NPR commentator Marion Winik answers this question in four opinionated, book-loving minutes. With reviews of new releases and older titles you may have missed, it’s like having a new best friend with very good taste to guide you in your literary adventures. The Weekly Reader is produced by WYPR and hosted by Lisa Morgan.
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Episodes

Dark Academia: "Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence," by R.F. Kuang and "My Last Innocent Year," by Daisy Alpert Florin

Going off to college can be an exciting adventure, but what happens when things don't go exactly to plan? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two novels about what happens when campus life take a dark turn: Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence , by R.F. Kuang and My Last Innocent Year , by Daisy Alpert Florin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Mar 08, 20234 min

Jane Harper Special: "The Dry," "Force of Nature" and "Exiles."

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, a look at the work of Australian mystery maven Jane Harper. We review "The Dry," "Force of Nature," and "Exiles." All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 02, 20234 min

The Prince Speaks: The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry's "Spare."

By now you’ve undoubtedly heard about Spare, the stunning new memoir from Prince Harry, but who can say they’ve actually heard all the juicy details? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , our book critic Marion Winik reviews the audiobook version of "Spare," which is read by the prince himself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 16, 20234 min

Celebrity Memoirs

Will we ever tire of gossip about our favorite famous people? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review three new books that explore the lives behind the legends: "The Light We Carry" by Michelle Obama, " Love, Pamela" by Pamela Anderson, and " The Critic's Daughter" by Priscilla Gilman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Feb 08, 20234 min

Ethan Joella Special

On this edition of the Weekly Reader, we review two novels by Ethan Joella. Marion Winik shares her thoughts on "A Little Hope" and "A Quiet Life." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 01, 20234 min

Teenage Times: New novels from Kevin Wilson and Alison Espach

The teenage years are a time of great flux and change, physically, emotionally, and socially. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we feature two new novels full of teenage thrills, triumphs, and tragedy: Kevin Wilson's "Now is Not the Time to Panic" and Alison Espach's "Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 17, 20234 min

Dispatches from Ireland: New novels from Michelle Gallen and Louise Nealon

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new novels about working class girls in Ireland who have their eyes on the future while nodding to the past: Factory Girls , by MIchelle Gallen, and Snowflake , by Louise Nealon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 11, 20233 min

Technology R Us: New fiction from Gabrielle Zevin and Carter Bays

How big a role does technology play in our daily lives? Is it a good, or a bad, thing? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels that that aim to answer that heady question, and a few other big ones, too: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin, and "The Mutual Friend" by Carter Bays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 03, 20234 min

New comic novels from Grant Ginder and Bonnie Garmus

On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we reviews two new comic novels full of crazy characters and hilarious situations: "Let's Not Do That Again" by Grant Ginder, and "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus. All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 30, 20224 min

New York Stories: "No one Left to Come Looking for You" by Sam Lipsyte and "Our Lady of the Highway" by Hal Hartley

If you’ve ever spent any time in New York City, you know that in many ways, it’s the people who make the place unique. On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels set in the city that feature unforgettable characters, from the spiky-haired squatters of the punk underground to beer brewing nuns in Brooklyn. Marion Winik on "No One Left to Come Looking for You" by Sam Lipsyte and "Our Lady of the Highway" by Hal Hartley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 21, 20224 min

The TV made me do it: "Small Game" and "Carrie Soto is Back"

Sure, we’re all out here working hard and trying to live our very best lives, but what if you think the best way to achieve your dreams is under the glare of television lights? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels that go behind the scenes (and all that glamour!) and show us how “real” things truly are: "Small Game" by Blair Braverman, and "Carrie Soto is Back" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 08, 20224 min

Local Authors Showcase

Once a year, around this time, we like to change gears at The Weekly Reader and focus on the local literary scene . So many great Baltimore authors published in books 2022! Here are just a few we hope you enjoy. And please visit your local bookstores this holiday season! Shelter , Lawrence Jackson, Graywolf Black Boy Smile , D Watkins, Legacy Lit Inheritance , Baynard Woods, Legacy Lit Liarmouth , John Waters, Farrar Strauss Girous Sinkhole , Davida Breier, University of New Orleans The Marsh Qu...

Nov 30, 20223 min

Back of the House: New adventures in the kitchen

On this edition of The Weekly REader, we review two new books steeped in back-of-the house tales of intrigue, drugs, general excess, and of course, mind-blowing International travel and cuisine: California Soul , by Keith Corbin and Kevin Alexander, and The Lemon , by S. E. Boyd. All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 16, 20224 min

Future Shock: Dystopian days ahead from Julia Glass and Bruce Holsinger

When you think of the future, what do you imagine? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels with a decidedly dystopian view of things to come: "Vigil Harbor" by Julia Glass, and "The Displacements" by Bruce Holsinger. All books available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 09, 20224 min

Coming of Age in a Rough World: New work from Barbara Kingsolver and Jonathan Escoffery

Move over, Oliver Twist! Step aside, Lil Orphan Annie! I’m Lisa Morgan and today on The Weekly Reader, our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new books that remind us that be it the Victorian Era, the roaring twenties, or the present day, “coming of age” can be tricky business. Hi, Marion! "Coming of Age" can be a tricky business. Just look at Oliver Twist and Little Orphan Annie! On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new books that prove that growing up is as hard today as it wa...

Nov 02, 20224 min

Scary Stories: Ling Ma's "Bliss Montage" and Ainslie Hogarth's "Motherthing"

On this edition of The Weekly Reader , scary stories just in time for Halloween! Our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new frighteningly good books: "Bliss Montage" by Ling Ma, and "Motherthing" by Ainslie Hogarth. All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 26, 20224 min

American Outsiders: New novels by Dur E Aziz Amna and Isaac Blum

In the 21st century, the American Dream comes in a lot of flavors. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about fitting in, making friends, and staying true to yourself while finding your way: "American Fever" by Dur e Aziz Amna and "The Life and Times of Hoodie Rosen" by Isaac Blum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 05, 20224 min

Filthy Rich: "The Work Wife" by Allison B. Hart and "The Club" by Ellery Lloyd

What is it about rich people? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about fabulous people leading glamorous lives, but things aren't quite what they seem: "The Work Wife" by Allison B. Hart and "The Club" by Ellery Lloyd. All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop or other fine local retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 01, 20224 min

Jean Hanff Korelitz Special

On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we explore the back catalogue of a new favorite author, Jean Hanff Korelitz. We talk about "The White Rose" and "The Devil and Webster." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 17, 20224 min

Technology R Us: New fiction from Gabrielle Zevin and Carter Bays

How big a role does technology play in our daily lives? Is it a good, or a bad, thing? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels that that aim to answer that heady question, and a few other big ones, too: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin, and "The Mutual Friend" by Carter Bays. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 10, 20224 min

Sweet Sixteen: Teenage adventures from Emma Straub and Bill Roorbach

Imagine being sixteen again! On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels that take us back to those heady, often harrowing days of youth, replete with mysterious characters, magical plot twists, and a sprinkling of 90s nostalgia: "This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub, and "Lucky Turtle" by Bill Roorbach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 27, 20224 min

After Roe: Reproductive rights in America

On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two books that look at the past and future of reproductive rights in the United States: "Controlling Women" by Kathryn Kolbert and Julie Kay and "The Turnaway Study" by Diana Green Foster . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 07, 20224 min

New novels from Britain: Moses McKenzie and Nina Stibbe

If you haven’t lost your taste for all things British folllowing Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee celebration, we’ve got you covered! On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two great new novels from across the pond: "An Olive Grove in Ends" by Moses McKenzie and "One Day I Shall Astonish the World" by Nina Stibbe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 08, 20224 min

Toni Morrison special

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, it's all about Toni Morrison! We review "Recitatif," a newly-published short story from Toni Morrison, plus a new memoir about a longtime friendship with the author, "Miss Chloe" by A.J. Verdelle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 25, 20224 min
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