The Book Review • The New York Times

“The Book Review” dives into the layered satire of Percival Everett’s “Erasure” with hosts Gilbert Cruz, MJ Franklin, Joumana Khatib, and Reggie Ugwu. Their discussion tears back the curtain on a novel that not only challenges the literary status quo but also skewers the book publishing industry for its role in perpetuating offensive stereotypes. Through the experiences of the protagonist, Thelonious Monk Ellison, listeners gain insight into the complexities of authorship and identity within the market’s narrow confines.

In this exploration, the hosts unravel the artistic and ethical turmoil of Monk as he grapples with the unexpected success of his mockingly derogatory work, “My Pathology,” authored under a pseudonym. They dissect the character’s intense personal challenges amidst societal expectations, intertwining his story with broader themes of authenticity and commercialization. As the conversation extends to the novel’s cinematic rendition, “American Fiction,” the podcast sheds light on adaptation choices, casting prowess, and how the film medium amplifies Monk’s struggles and the book's incisive critique.

Dive into the compelling interwoven narratives of Tommy Orange's latest work in The Book Review's newest episode featuring Gilbert Cruz, Tommy Orange, and Thomas Gibbons-Neff. The team examines "Wandering Stars," both a sequel and prequel to Orange's acclaimed "There There," which intricately captures the journey of healing for Orville Redfeather post-trauma while also tracing his ancestral lineage. This multifaceted narrative not only confronts the modern complexities of trauma but also revisits the pivotal historical events that have shaped the generational experiences of Native American communities.

In this thought-stirring discussion, Orange's portrayal of the urban Native American experience takes center stage, exploring the unique cultural identities that emerge within city life. The podcast delves into the recurring themes in Orange's literary canvas, from the stark depiction of historical massacres and cultural erasure to personal sagas of addiction and identity crises. Join the conversation as the speakers unpack the sensitive intersection of cultural assimilation, the quest for authenticity, and the challenge of depicting a diverse yet unified urban Native voice in fiction.

Dive into the storied past of New York City's emblematic newspaper with "The Book Review," featuring speakers Advertisement, Gilbert Cruz, and Dwight Garner. This episode peels back the pages on The Village Voice, charting its ascent as a flagship of counterculture journalism and its embrace of an alternative editorial aesthetic that challenged the established media discourse. The Village Voice stood out for its critical takes on giants in American media, its pioneering role in off-Broadway theatre, and its pulse on underground music and social currents, earning a distinct place in New York’s cultural landscape.

Exploring the intricacies of oral history in literature and journalism, the speakers unveil how this storytelling method provides a woven multiperspective view of events, demanding a keen editorial direction to meld narratives into a compelling account. They reminisce about influential figures like Wayne Barrett and James Walcott, whose work at The Voice not only defined its legacy but also set a benchmark for investigative and critical journalism. Furthermore, the impact of technological advancements on classifieds and community information dissemination is scrutinized, reflecting on the changing tides of how we engage with local culture—in essence, a microcosm of The Village Voice’s rise and evolution.

In the latest episode of "The Book Review," Gilbert Cruz, Liz Egan, MJ Franklin, and Anna Dubenko delve deep into the narrative and thematic essence of Barbara Kingsolver's "Demon Copperhead." Revolving around the journey of Damon Fields in the heart of Appalachia, the book, which is discussed in the 17th installment of the podcast, receives much acclaim from the reviewers for its rich character development and potent storytelling that echoes the classic works of Charles Dickens. Kingsolver's novel portrays the opioid crisis through the life of its protagonist, drawing on Dickens's method of serialized suspenseful storytelling that marks his transition from a tumultuous childhood to a precarious adulthood.

Set against the struggle with substance abuse and the grip of opioid addiction, "Demon Copperhead" is broken down into three distinctly toned sections, underlining the protagonist's early life, his complex experiences within the foster system, and his harrowing descent into addiction. The speakers highlight the novel's effectiveness in capturing the voice and authenticity of Appalachia, defying stereotypes and spotlighting the region's resilience. Moreover, the discussion explores how Kingsolver approaches addiction not as a string of personal failures but as a profound communal crisis, providing insights into the sweeping impact of prescription abuse and systemic oversight within the setting.

Dive into "The Book Review" where Gilbert Cruz, Sarah Lyall, and Sadie Stein unpack a curated list of page-turners that are sure to arrest your attention in the early months of the year. Ranging from profound biographies to thrilling mysteries, this episode stitches together a tapestry of tales that beckon to be read and discussed. Among the featured works is Catherine Rendell's gripping biography that charts the trials and triumphs of John Donne, whose indelible spirit leaps from the pages through poems and essays that have withstood the test of time.

Further captivating the literary landscape are distinctive narratives that challenge and charm in equal measure. Janice Hallett's genre-redefining mystery novel invites readers into a richly layered plot through an unusual storytelling format, fostering an immersive puzzle-solving journey. Jennifer Higgie unveils the pivotal role spiritualism played for pioneering female artists in expressing feminist voices, while Antonia Hylton's hard-hitting investigation into Crownsville Hospital sheds distressing light on America's harrowed history of racism intertwined with mental health practices. "The Book Review" stitches together an anthology of titles that challenge perceptions, narrate untold stories, and revitalize genres.