Mssr. Merseault only likes a few things, unfortunately he must live his life doing plenty of other things for people he doesn't particularly care about. Such is the story of this seminal work of 20th-century fiction and absurdist philosophy. Join us as we grapple with an indifferent universe (and a compelling translation by Matthew Ward).
Our theme music wa ... Show More
Nov 24
Ep 730 - An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones
<p>What starts as a dismaying story about a wrongful conviction turns into a deep meditation on loyalty, marriage, and independence. Given the subject matter, you might expect a mystery or a courtroom drama. Instead, Jones offers up a moving account of a couple just trying to fin ... Show More
1h 11m
Nov 22
Sit Me Baby One More Time Ep 05 - Dawn and the Impossible Three (The Baby-Sitters Club #5)
<p>Our newest BSC member, Dawn, has a lot to juggle in her debut as a series protagonist. Her mom is dating Mary-Anne's dad. She's low-key feuding with Kristy, the BSC President. And she's been hired by a mother of three who just does NOT have her life together. What a trial by f ... Show More
54m 11s
Nov 17
Ep 729 - I Who Have Never Known Men, by Jacqueline Harpman
<p>A story about a young woman trapped in an underground prison with 39 other women <em>sounds</em> like it could be a stone cold bummer, and it isn’t <em>not</em> that. But this translated French novel from 1995 also hits some affirming, human notes, and it’s those aspects of it ... Show More
1h 13m
Oct 2018
The Toy Box Killer Part 2
<p>In the conclusion of our tale covering David Parker Ray and his reprehensible crimes against humanity, we brought some audio clips. I never said this one was going to be easy to digest, guys. But it gets....kind of better at the end? Come on in, you got this far and we are in ... Show More
1h 4m
Jul 2019
Ep 194: No plot, no problem!
For Nicole Mattke, a clear and driving plot isn’t the most important thing. She loves beautiful, introspective writing that makes her think about everyday emotions. She also spent a year roaming a hotel, doing a job that sounds like it belongs in the pages of a novel. Today Nicol ... Show More
47m 31s