Immigration Matters: "Mothers and Sons" by Adam Haslett and "Homeseeking" by Karissa Chen
Immigration is and always has been such a complex issue, you may not even realize how much it touches your everyday life.
Jan 21, 2025•4 min
The Weekly Reader
----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
A Few We Missed
Our Evenings, by Alan Hollinghurst, and Pony Confidential, by Chrstina Lynch
Jan 10, 2025•4 min
Local Authors
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we'd like to turn your attention to a pair of local authors whose work reflects and illuminates the world around us: The Play’s the Thing, by James Magruder, and Behind You Is the Sea, Susan Muaddi Darraj
Jan 07, 2025•4 min
Majestic Memoirs: "Patriot" by Alexei Navalny and "Cher: The Memoir, Part One" by Cher
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review a pair of high-profile memoirs that reveal the complex lives of two vastly different, widely influential people: Patriot , by Alexei Navalny, and Cher: The Memoir, Part One , by Cher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 13, 2024•4 min
The Holiday Spirit: "Time of the Child" by Niall Williams and "Love You A Latke" by Amanda Elliot
Ah, December! On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels to help get you in the mood to celebrate the season, however, and whatever, you choose: Time of the Child , by Niall Williams, and Love You A Latke , by Amanda Elliot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 05, 2024•4 min
Naomi & Me: "I Know About a Thousand Things: The Writings of Ann Alejandro of Uvalde, Texas" and "Everything Comes Next: Collected and New Poems" by Naomi Shahib Nye
On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review a unique collaboration involving the celebrated poet Naomi Shahib Nye, Ann Alejandro, and our own Marion Winik: "I Know About a Thousand Things: The Writings of Ann Alejandro of Uvalde, Texas." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 26, 2024•4 min
Family Life: "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney and "The Wildes" by Louis Bayard.
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about the complicated ways we share our lives, and love, with others: Intermezzo , by Sallie Rooney, and The Wildes , by Louis Bayard. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 20, 2024•4 min
Road Trips: "Goyhood" by Reuven Fenton, and "How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund?" by Anna Montague
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels that prove, once again, that sometimes, you just need a good road trip to sort yourself out: Goyhood , by Reuven Fenton, and How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund? by Anna Montague. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 15, 2024•4 min
Celebrity Memoirs Part Two: Chung, Tucci, Bourdain, Pacino
On this edition of our series about celebrity memoirs, we review four more superstar tell-all's that are well worth your time, whether you enjoy them on the page or listen to the audiobooks: Connie , by Connie Chung, Taste by Stanley Tucci, Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, and Sonny Boy , by Al Pacino. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 12, 2024•4 min
Celebrity Memoirs Part One: "From Here to the Great Unknown" by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough and "All I Ever Wanted" by Kathy Valentine
On this edition of The Weekly Reader we review two new engaging memoirs from the entertainment industry: From Here to the Great Unknown , by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough, All I Ever Wanted , by Kathy Valentine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 01, 2024•4 min
Medicine Women: "The Waters" by Bonnie Jo Campbell and "The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern" by Lynda Cohen Loigman
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about female practitioners of folk remedies and herbal medicine and the special roll they play in many cultures: The Waters , by Bonnie Jo Campbell, and The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern , by Lydia Cohen Loigman. All titles available at your favorite local bookstore and online at bookshop.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 24, 2024•4 min
Transitions
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new books about changing times, changing attitudes, and changing lives: Mona of the Manor , by Armistead Maupin, and Frighten the Horses , by Oliver Radclyffe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 17, 2024•4 min
Small Towns, Big Stories
On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two books, one a new novel and the other a re-issue of a somewhat overlooked classic about some of the larger issues facing the denizens of small town America: The Mighty Red , by Louise Erdrich, and Broke Heart Blues , by Joyce Carol Oates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Oct 14, 2024•4 min
For Mature Audiences: "We Were the Universe" by Kimberly King Parsons and "Olive Days" by Jessica Elisheva Emerson
To the casual outside observer, middle class suburbia can look like a fairly boring place, but what’s really going on behind those well-tended gardens, long driveways and screened porches? I’m Lisa Morgan and today on The Weekly Reader, our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new novels, each with a unique take on sex and drugs and rock-n-roll. But mostly, sex: We Were the Universe , by Kimberly King Parsons, and Olive Days , by Jessica Elisheva Emerson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
Oct 02, 2024•4 min
Reality Adjacent: "Colored Television" by Danzy Senna and "Small Rain" by Garth Greenwell
On this edition of The Weekly Reader we review two new novels that blur the lines between what's real and what's not: Colored Television , by Danzy Senna, and Small Rain , by Garth Greenwell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 27, 2024•4 min
Friends and Stories: "Mina's Matchbox" by Yoko Ogawa and "Tell Me Everything" by Elizabeth Strout
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about the powerful, mysterious bonds we form with others throughout our lives and the ways they influence the people we become: Mina's Matchbox , by Yoko Ogawa, and Tell Me Everything , by Elizabeth Strout. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 20, 2024•4 min
Podcasters and Ghostwriters: "Listen for the Lie" by Amy Tintera and "I Want You More" by Swan Huntley
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels that tap into the current media zeitgeist, from true crime podcasts to ghost writers: Listen for the Lie , by Amy Tintera, and I Want You More , by Swan Huntley. All titles available at your favorite local bookstore and at bookshop.org. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 16, 2024•4 min
Women, Politics, and Power: "One Way Back" by Christine Blasey Ford and "True Gretch" by Gretchen Whitmer
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new powerful memoirs about some of the unique challenges women face in the world of politics and power in the United States: One Way Back , by Christine Blasey Ford, and True Gretch , by Gretchen Whitmer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 06, 2024•4 min
Great Memoirs: "The Friday Afternoon Club" by Griffin Dunne and "Do Something" by Guy Trebay
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new incredible memoirs about wealth, privilege and its abiding pain: The Friday Afternoon Club , by Griffin Dunne, and Do Something , by Guy Trebay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 04, 2024•4 min
New England Vacations: "Sandwich" by Catherine Newman and "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach
On this beach-ready edition of The Weekly Reader we review two new novels that take us to the sunny shores of coastal New England: Sandwich , by Catherine Newman, and The Wedding People , Alison Espach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 27, 2024•4 min
Talk to the Animals: "Bear" by Julia Phillips and "The Horse" by Willie Vlautin
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about mysterious visitors and life changing relationships with both two legged and four legged friends: Bear , by Julia Phillips, and The Horse , by Willie Vlautin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Aug 13, 2024•4 min
Take Me to the Beach: "The Same Bright Stars" by Ethan Joella and "Swan Song" by Elin Hilderbrand
On this edition of the Weekly Reader, we review two new novels perfect for a summer read, at home or at the beach: The Same Bright Stars , by Ethan Joella, and Swan Song , by Elin Hilderbrand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 31, 2024•4 min
Women of Sports: "Headshot" by Rita Bullwinkel, and "Coming Home" by Brittney Griner
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review a novel and a memoir that take us deep into the world of women and sports: Headshot , by Rita Bullwinkel, and Coming Home , by Brittney Griner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 26, 2024•4 min
Poor Dear Planet: "Pearce Oysters" by Joselyn Takacs and "Beep" by Bill Roorbach
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about the future effects of climate change, both real and imagined: Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs and Beep by Bill Roorbach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 18, 2024•4 min
Great American Novels: "Long Island Compromise" by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and "Familiaris" by David Wrobliewski
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review new work from two American authors that are possibly even better than their debuts: Long Island Compromise , by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, and Familiaris , by David Wrobliewski. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 11, 2024•4 min
Epic India: "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese and "Victory City" by Salman Rushdie
On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels that capture the enormous complexities and immense landscapes of India: are The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese and Victory City by Salman Rushdie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jul 08, 2024•4 min
Women Warriors: "Daughters of Shandong" by Eve Chung and "The Women" by Kristin Hannah
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about women facing incredible uncertainty with grace, power, and fearlessness under staggering circumstances: Daughters of Shandong , by Eve Chung, and The Women , by Kristin Hannah. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 26, 2024•4 min
Hot Summer Reads: "Come and Get It" by Kiley Reid and "Margo Has Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe
Ah, summer. when if we are lucky, our work loads gets a little lighter, and our reading gets a little lighter, too. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new, not-so-terribly serious releases sure to help you enjoy a day at the beach or by the pool: Come and Get It , by Kiley Reid, and Margo Has Money Troubles , by Rufi Thorpe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 25, 2024•4 min
Stranger Things: "Real Life and Other Fictions" by Susan Coll and "The Husbands" by Holly Gramazio.
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels full of weird events, bizarre coincidences, and almost unbelievable outcomes: Real Life and Other Fictions , by Susan Coll, and The Husbands , by Holly Gramazio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 12, 2024•4 min
A Trio of Thrillers: "One of Our Kind" by Nicola Yoon, "Death in the Air" by Ram Murali, and "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review three new thrillers: One of Our Kind , by Nicola Yoon, Death in the Air , by Ram Murali, and The God of the Woods , by Liz Moore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jun 05, 2024•4 min
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