Ep 418: Swipe right for book love
Delve into the bibliophilic journey of Amy Rohn on the "What Should I Read Next?" podcast, where host Anne Bogel welcomes a true book lover to the mic. Amy shares her life story, marked by a deep passion for reading that withstands childhood teasing and the disinterest of potential partners she encounters via dating apps. Her dedication to the world of literature leads her to pursue a career in publishing, starting with the transformational Columbia Publishing Course that equips her for success in the industry.
In a lively exchange with Anne Bogel, Amy also touches upon the evolution of her reading preferences and habits, from the constant companionship of sci-fi and fantasy to her current exploration of nonfiction and shorter narratives. Guided by this literary evolution, Anne provides Amy with a selection of book recommendations that promise to intrigue and satisfy her varied tastes, from murder mysteries to thought-provoking sci-fi, and a unique look at the unsung heroes of urban life. Join Anne and Amy as they discuss the unwavering love for books and the mutual respect for one's interests that can co-create the harmony in relationships.
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1-Page Summary
Amy's lifelong love of books and reading
Amy's passion for books and reading is a defining feature of her life story. From an early age, Amy immerses herself in the world of stories nestled in the bookshelves of her home. Despite facing teasing during childhood, particularly before reading became fashionable with the popularity of series like "Twilight," she continues to embrace her love of literature. Driven by a desire to work among books, Amy eventually seeks a career in publishing. To achieve this dream, she enrolls in the Columbia Publishing Course in 2018. This intensive program becomes a critical stepping stone, providing her with the necessary skills and connections to land a job at a major publisher.
Key topic 2: Amy's experience with men questioning and making fun of her love of reading, especially on dating apps
Amy often encounters men who are dismissive of her love of literature, especially on dating apps. Some men proudly declare their lack of interest in reading, with one even deeming her prospective career in publishing as dull. Others assert their preference for movies over books in their conversations. However, Amy's desire is not to have a partner who shares her passion for reading, but rather one who respects and supports her interests. She believes in the importance of mutual respect for one another's passions in a relationship.
Key topic 3: Amy's journey as a reader
Throughout her life, Amy's taste in books has grown and changed alongside her. She always cherishes sci-fi, fantasy, and mysteries, with particular enjoyment of YA novels. However, she recently starts to explore multiple other genres, including nonfiction. Adapting her book choices to fit her busy lifestyle, Amy transitions from reading long, complex books to preferring shorter ones that are more manageable. Furthermore, she begins tracking her reading habits diligently using an app, which helps her set and achieve her reading goals more effectively.
Key topic 4: Book recommendations from Anne for Amy
Anne Bogel presents Amy Rohn with a carefully curated list of book recommendations tailored to Amy's literary preferences and reading journey. Although no specific content is available for "Life After Life" by Kate Atkinson in the provided text, other suggestions include the murder mystery "Saint X" by Alexis Schaitkin, set in a lavishly described Caribbean locale. For a futuristic setting with ethical ruminations, Bogel proposes "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman. Additionally, for something rooted in the realities of urban life, she recommends "Picking Up" by Robin Nagle, a book focused on the sanitation workers of New York City that provides insight into this vital yet often ignored aspect of city living.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Columbia Publishing Course is a prestigious graduate-level summer program at Columbia University focused on book, magazine, and digital publishing. Established in 1947, it was originally known as the Radcliffe Publishing Course and was designed to train individuals, particularly women, for careers in the publishing industry. The course features lectures by industry leaders, immersive workshop weeks, and has a history of producing successful editors in major publishing companies. It offers a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience and network with professionals in the field.
- The "Twilight" series is a popular fantasy romance series written by Stephenie Meyer, consisting of four novels that follow the story of Bella Swan and her romance with a vampire named Edward Cullen. The series gained immense popularity among young adults and has been adapted into a successful film series. The books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have received numerous awards for their impact on literature and young readers.
- Young Adult (YA) novels are books written for a teenage audience, typically featuring protagonists in the same age group dealing with themes and issues relevant to young adults. These novels cover a wide range of genres, from romance and fantasy to dystopian and coming-of-age stories. YA novels are known for their engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and exploration of complex emotions and experiences faced by teenagers.
- "Life After Life" by Kate Atkinson is a novel that explores the concept of alternate realities and the impact of individual choices on one's life path. The story follows the protagonist, Ursula Todd, who experiences multiple lives and deaths, each leading to different outcomes. Through Ursula's journey, Atkinson delves into themes of fate, resilience, and the interconnectedness of events across different timelines. The novel is known for its intricate narrative structure and thought-provoking exploration of the possibilities inherent in the choices we make.
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Amy's lifelong love of books and reading
Amy has had a lifelong passion for books and reading, which has shaped her personal and professional life in significant ways.
Early Beginnings
From her youngest years, Amy was surrounded by bookshelves filled with stories that captured her imagination. However, her love for reading made her the subject of teasing during her childhood. This early mockery became a sore spot for Amy, especially when reading gained popularity with the "Twilight" series, which transformed books into something trendy and cool—the exact opposite of what she was mocked for.
A Career Amongst Books
Knowing she wanted to have books be a part of her life forever, Amy considered various paths, including librarianship. However, her passion for literature and the book industry led her to seek a direct role in publishing, a field where she could be at the forefront of bringing new stories to eager readers worldwide.
Educational Pursuits and Professional Success
With her sights set on a publishing career, Amy ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Amy's lifelong love of books and reading
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Columbia Publishing Course is a prestigious graduate-level summer program at Columbia University focused on book, magazine, and digital publishing. Established in 1947, it offers lectures by industry leaders, immersive workshop weeks, and networking opportunities for aspiring publishing professionals. Graduates often secure positions at major publishing companies and benefit from the program's hands-on experience in creating book imprints and magazine brands. The course has a rich history of training individuals for successful careers in the publishing industry.
- The "Twilight" series is a popular fantasy romance novel series written by Stephenie Meyer, focusing on the love story between Bella Swan and a vampire named Edward Cullen. The series gained immense popularity among young adults and has been adapted into a successful film series. It has sold over 120 million copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. The books have received multiple awards and accolades for their impact on literature and entert ...
Counterarguments
- While Amy's passion for books is clear, it's not uncommon for interests to evolve over time, and the text doesn't address whether Amy's interests have diversified or if she has encountered any periods of burnout.
- The text implies that being surrounded by bookshelves from a young age was solely positive, but it doesn't consider that not all children who grow up with books develop a passion for reading.
- The teasing Amy experienced for her love of reading is presented negatively, but it could also be argued that such challenges may have strengthened her character or her commitment to her interests.
- The "Twilight" series' impact on reading trends is mentioned, but the text doesn't explore the possibility that other factors could have also contributed to the shift in perception towards reading during that time.
- Amy's decision to pursue a career in publishing over librarianship is framed as a direct result of her passion for literature, but the text doesn't discuss the practical considerations that might have influenced her choice, such as job availability, salary, or work environment.
- The Columbia ...
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Key topic 2: Amy's experience with men questioning and making fun of her love of reading, especially on dating apps
Amy, an avid reader and aspiring publishing professional, shares her experiences with men who question and mock her passion for reading, often through dating app interactions.
Multiple examples of men boasting about not reading or insulting reading/books in messages to Amy
Amy encounters men who boast about their dislike for reading in attempts to charm her, which she finds bewildering. She recounts one conversation where a guy responded dismissively to her career aspirations in publishing, saying that reading all day sounded boring. On Hinge, a dating app, her profile features a prompt about books versus movies to encourage discussion. However, the responses she receives are often dismissive and assert a preference for movies with comments like "Fight Club, done, no argument." She also mentions a guy who singled out her books prompt to let her know that he doesn't read, disliking that specific prompt.
Amy finds that behavior confusing and frustrating; wants a partner to support her interests even if they don't pers ...
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Key topic 2: Amy's experience with men questioning and making fun of her love of reading, especially on dating apps
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Amy's experiences on dating apps involve encounters with men who question and mock her love of reading. These men often boast about not reading or insult reading/books in their interactions with her. Amy seeks a partner who respects her interests, even if they don't share the same passion for reading.
- The significance of men boasting about not reading to charm Amy lies in their attempt to establish a connection by showcasing a contrasting trait, assuming it might intrigue her. This behavior can stem from a misunderstanding of what might be appealing to someone with a strong interest in reading. It can also reflect a lack of consideration for Amy's values and passions, potentially leading to misunderstandings and miscommunication in their interactions.
- Amy's career aspirations in publishing are dismissed by men who question the appeal of reading all day, which undermines her passion and goals. This behavior reflects a lack of understanding and respect for her professional ambitions and interests. It can be demoralizing for Amy to encounter such dismissive attitudes towards her chosen career path. The impact of this dismissal is that it highlights a disconnect between Amy and these men, showing a lack of compatibility in values and support for her aspirations.
- Amy's interactio ...
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Key topic 3: Amy's journey as a reader
Amy's relationship with reading has transitioned through various stages, evolving along with her personal and professional life. Her journey reveals a deep love for certain genres, an adventurous expansion into new territories of literature, and practical adjustments to her reading habits.
Subtopic: Always loved sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries; read a lot of YA
Amy has always had a passion for the sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery genres. Her early years were marked by a love for young adult (YA) fiction, with favorites like "A Winter's Promise" and "The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" reflecting her tastes. The latter book’s 1930s aristocratic murder mystery setting further demonstrates her affection for gothic vibes, a sentiment that is rooted in her childhood collection of Agatha Christie novels. She also expresses enjoyment of Brandon Sanderson's "Starsight," relishing the unique magic systems and character-driven narratives.
Subtopic: Recently branched out into multiple other genres of fiction and some nonfiction
While Amy did not frequently venture beyond her preferred genres in the past, she mentions an important shift in her reading habits. Over the last year, she has explored outside her usual comfort zone, branching out into other fiction and nonfiction genres. She's already discovered an affinity for nature writing and memoirs and has set an ambitious goal to read 15 nonfiction books within the year. The only nonfiction book she mentions reading thus far is "The Courage to be Disliked," which was selected for her work's book club.
Subtopic: Used to read very lengthy, advanced books to show off as a kid; now prefers shorter books to fit her lifestyle
Amy talks about how her reading preferences have morphed over time, from being a precocious child reader proud of consuming massive, advanced tomes like "The Lord of the Rings" to someone who is now more inclined towards shorter books. Th ...
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Key topic 3: Amy's journey as a reader
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Clarifications
- "A Winter's Promise" is a young adult fantasy novel written by Christelle Dabos, known for its intricate world-building and unique characters. "The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" is a mystery novel by Stuart Turton, featuring a complex plot where the protagonist wakes up in a different body each day to solve a murder.
- Agatha Christie was a renowned English writer famous for her detective novels, including those featuring Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Her works are considered classics in the mystery genre, and she is often referred to as the "Queen of Crime." Christie's novels have been widely popular and have sold over two billion copies worldwide.
- Brandon Sanderson's "Starsight" is a science fiction novel that is part of a series called "Skyward." It follows the story of a young pilot named Spensa as she navigates a world filled with alien species and advanced technology. Sanderson is known for his intricate world-building and unique magic systems, which are also evident in this book. "Starsight" explores themes of identity, courage, and the complexities of war in ...
Counterarguments
- While Amy's love for sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery genres is clear, it's possible that her focus on YA fiction may have limited her exposure to more complex themes and writing styles found in adult literature within those genres.
- Gothic vibes in literature, such as those found in "The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle," may not appeal to all readers, and some might argue that they can overshadow other important literary elements like character development or plot.
- Appreciation for unique magic systems and character-driven narratives is subjective, and some readers might prefer more realistic settings or plot-driven stories, which could be underrepresented in Amy's reading choices.
- Branching out into other genres is commendable, but Amy's recent exploration might not be as diverse as it could be, considering she has only mentioned nature writing and memoirs outside her usual genres.
- Setting a goal to read 15 nonfiction books within a year is ambitious, but without knowing the length or complexity of the books chosen, it's hard to assess whether this goal is realistic or beneficial for Amy's personal growth.
- Preferring shorter books due to time constraints is understandable, but it might result in missing out on the depth and detail that longer books can offer.
- The shift from reading lengthy b ...
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Key topic 4: Book recommendations from Anne for Amy
Anne Bogel provides Amy Rohn with a list of intriguing book recommendations, each chosen for its unique narrative style, thematic depth, or distinctive setting.
Subtopic: Life After Life - Kate Atkinson
(No specific content provided for this section in the input.)
Subtopic: Saint X - Alexis Schaitkin
Anne Bogel highlights "Saint X" by Alexis Schaitkin for its gripping murder mystery plot set against the lush backdrop of an opulent Caribbean island. Bogel praises the novel for its detailed setting and elaborate world-building. The narrative focuses on a New York City family's tragedy at a resort, where the older daughter dies under mysterious circumstances, and the body is found days later. The story advances with the younger sister Claire's life 20 years after the event, detailing her obsession with the taxi driver who had been a suspect in her sister's death. Described as a tale of obsession and "what ifs," the book promises edge-of-your-seat storytelling that leaves the reader guessing.
Subtopic: Scythe - Neal Shusterman
"Scythe" by Neal Shusterman comes highly recommended as a thought-provoking novel set in a future where humans have conquered death, and only Scythes have the power to end life. The story follows two teenagers apprenticed to a Scythe, a position neither desired, as they are thrust into a moral quandary that examines their humanity. Bogel also shares an anecdote about Shusterman's dedication to his writing—working under a tight deadline, he went on a cruise to finish the last 80 pages of Scythe, intending to make it his best work to date.
Subtopic: Picking ...
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Key topic 4: Book recommendations from Anne for Amy
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Clarifications
- Anne Bogel is providing book recommendations to Amy Rohn based on their shared interest in literature. Bogel is suggesting books that she believes Rohn would enjoy due to their unique narrative styles and themes. This exchange reflects a friendly gesture or a professional recommendation in the context of their relationship.
- In "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman, the story is set in a future world where death has been conquered, and a group of individuals known as Scythes are responsible for maintaining population control by "gleaning" people. The novel follows two teenagers who are chosen to apprentice as Scythes, exploring the moral dilemmas and ethical complexities they face in their new roles. Shusterman del ...
Counterarguments
- While "Saint X" is praised for its setting and mystery, some readers might find that the pacing is slower than typical thrillers, which could affect their engagement with the story.
- The thematic exploration in "Scythe" is indeed thought-provoking, but some critics argue that the book's world-building could be more robust, and the characters' development might not meet everyone's expectations.
- The anecdote about Neal Shusterman's dedication to finishing "Scythe" on a cruise could be seen as a quirky personal detail, but it doesn't necessarily speak to the quality of the work; some might find it irrelevant to the book's merit.
- "Picking Up" provides a unique look into the world of sanitation, but readers who prefer more traditional narra ...
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