New York Times Book Review

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

Audio formatted version of the New York Times Book Review, weekly.

In this episode of 'Aftersight', host Nora Ami reviews Shabnam Khan's new novel,'The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years'. The book is set in a mix of gothic towers, Islamic arches, and European balconies echoing South Africa's multicultural spirit. The narrative is filled with haunting mysteries, magical realism, and compelling characters, adding fabrics to Durban's existing history. The episode also touches on the themes explored in the novel and provides an insight into the multicultural essence of South African heritage.

Join Nora Ami for After Sight, a New York Times Book Review podcast designed for the blind and low-vision community. This episode features an engrossing review of Kava Akbar's first novel, 'Martyr'. We follow the story of Cyrus Shams, a complex protagonist who carries the weight of survivors guilt following his mothers tragic death. The poignant exploration of grief, immigration, suicide and recovery forms the undercurrents of this thought-provoking work. Despite his drive for his life to hold significance and his fascination with martyrdom, Cyrus finds solace in the everyday human things, embodying the dignity found in brokenness. Listen as Nora analyses this riveting character study and piercing family saga.

In this episode of 'Aftersight', we take listeners on a journey through Rebecca Boyle's book, 'Our Moon', exploring the pivotal role this celestial body has played in shaping our planet and humanity. The narrative uncovers how the moon's influence stretches from the evolution of life and civilization all the way to modern science. The podcast wraps up with a look into how the moon could serve as a new frontier in the ongoing space race, perhaps becoming a potential natural laboratory or even a future settlement.

In this episode of 'Aftersight', we delve into 'Beautyland', a fascinating, quirky, and compelling novel by Marie-H?lene Bertino. Protagonist Adina, a creation blended with part real-life inspiration, part fiction, communicates with her alien senders via a fax machine. Born different, her life forms a tapestry of the mundane, the extraordinary, contrast, culture, and the emotional terrain of life. This book review provides listeners a deep insight into a story brimming with originality, pathos, and humor.

Join us as we delve deep into John Valiant's 'Fire Weather' - a riveting look at the devastating impact of climate change as seen through the colossal wildfire that ravaged Fort McMurray in 2016. Discussing how uncontrolled extraction practices and unaware consumer choices aggravate our warming world, the podcast recounts the chilling tale of the wildfire christened the 'Beast' by locals and ponders big questions such as, 'Is fire alive?' This analysis of Valiant's lub-dub is a sobering study of the age-old element fire in our changing world.

In this episode, Nora Ami reviews Nanakwami Ajay Brenya's powerful dystopian novel 'Chain Gang All-Stars'. Nora discusses Adjaye Brenya's provocative blending of brutal fight scenes with stinging moral criticism, ultimately provoking the reader into considering the societal conditioning that glorifies violence. The book explores a not-too-distant America, projecting current social issues into a grotesque future where prisoners become entertainers, celebrity, and fodder for society's bloodlust. Nora highlights the author's peculiar talent in crafting unique characters, shocking and thought-provoking scenarios while simultaneously critiquing the true evils of our society.

In this episode, our host Nora Ami delves into 'Airplane Mode', an irreverent history of travel by Shanaaz Habib. The book confronts the long-held notion that travel is an essential part of life, criticizing the conventions and chroniclers of travel culture. Habib, a seasoned translator, examines travel practices from an informed international perspective. The discussion opens up on themes of cultural gaze, accessibility in travel, and the romanticization of journeys via a mix of relatable storytelling and keen sociopolitical commentary.

This episode of the NY Times Book Review provides insight into George Kennan's transformative journey through Siberia, exploring the inhumanity of Russia's exile system. We delve into the degradation and brutality Kennan encountered, and his transformation from defender of the system to one of its fiercest critics. Not only did Kennan's reportage influence the 19th century US-Russia relations, but it also serves as a poignant tale of self-discovery and resilience that continues to resonate. In a parallel narrative, listeners are taken back to Victorian Englands artistic arena where James Whistler charted a path into abstract art that sparked controversy in its time.

In this podcast, we dive into Nisha Dolan's second novel 'The Happy Couple', a contemplation of love, self-delusion, commitment and the-defined roles in a relationship. Amidst the postmodern world's infinite options for fulfillment, the book explores the millennial dilemma figured in the indecisive relationship of protagonists, Celine and Luke. The narration works on the broader canvas of the belief system on marriage and societal constrains. Throughout the session, we shed light on Dolan's insightful observation of contemporary relationships and her approach to the convention of a marriage plot, fascinatingly contextualized for the current era.

This New York Times podcast presents an in-depth review of Jeff Horwitz's book, 'Broken Code Inside Facebook and the Fight to Expose its Harmful Secrets'. It uncovers Facebook's grand failures, its prioritization of growth and engagement over user safety, the role it played in political fracturing, spreading disinformation, and even genocide. The complex narrative expands on the extraordinary cooperation of whistleblower Frances Hogan in unveiling Facebook's daunting issues and outlines the platform's crisis management. Detailed accounts of Facebook's dark underbelly reveal the disturbing reality of the social media giant's operations.

Delve into Barbara Streisand's incredible journey from humble beginnings in Brooklyn to stardom illumination. Discussing her memoir 'My Name is Barbara', this podcast highlights her determination, the obstacles she overcame, and significant relationships shaping her career. As an accomplished actress, singer, and director, this conversation outlines her passion to keep creating, her undying spontaneity and a unique offering for Streisand's avid fans, packing vivid storytelling and interesting trivia.

In this episode, we delve into the life and work of Willa Cather, comparing and contrasting various biographies written about her. We explore her influence and the lasting impact of her work on literature. Additionally, we discuss Benjamin Taylor's new book, 'Chasing Bright Meduses,' which provides a brief and clear introduction to Cather's life. This podcast is an excellent resource for both long-time fans of Cather, as well as those new to her work, providing an in-depth analysis of a celebrated and influential literary figure.

In this episode of the New York Times Book Review, host Nora Ami discusses 'The Picnic, A Dream of Freedom and the Collapse of the Iron Curtain' by Matthew Longo. The discussion probes into the detrimental effects of the Soviet Bloc and the powerful impact of ordinary peoples' actions in the summer of 1989 that led to the ultimate downfall of the Soviet Empire. The podcast examines this revolutionary moment, shedding light on the complex historical events surrounding the Iron Curtain's collapse, featuring in-depth analysis and vibrant discussion on the effects of this crucial period.

In this episode, we delve into Britney Spears' memoir, examining her rise to fame and her struggle with intense media scrutiny. We explore how sports in America transformed during the 1970s through Michael McCambridge's lens. Also discussed is a scrutiny of President Ulysses S. Grant's efforts during the Reconstruction era. Join us as we take a deep dive into these fascinating histories, in the context of their authors' perspectives and their lasting impact.

Join host Nora Ami as she reviews 'Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and the Marriage that Shook Europe' by historians John Guy and Julia Fox. This podcast delves into Anne's fascinating and emotion-filled life; her transformative years spent in austere European courts, her whirlwind romance with Henry VIII, and the events that ultimately led to her tragic execution. This riveting biography offers a fresh perspective, illuminating the political and cultural contexts that formed one of history's most enigmatic queens. Nora Ami shares her impressions and provides a captivating analysis on the sweeping narrative presented in Guy and Fox's work.

Join Nora Ami, host of the New York Times Book Review, as she explores the fascinating story behind the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Focusing specifically on the often overlooked contributors to the dictionary, this podcast takes listeners on a journey from the OED's conception in 1857 up to the present day, highlighting the tireless work of ordinary readers known as 'word-nerds', who helped make this linguistic monument possible. Through in-depth discussion of Sarah Ogilvie's book, 'The Dictionary People', we delve into the importance of language evolution, showcasing how these unsung heroes influenced the historical narrative of the English language.

In this New York Times podcast, we dive deep into the works of renowned author Jhumpa Lahiri, particularly her latest collection 'Roman Stories'. We explore Lahiri's unique linguistic journey as she ventures into writing in Italian, her third language, and the rich, melancholic, yet dynamic themes that pervade her narratives. Our focus is on the expansiveness of foreignness in her stories and the way they connect to her own life journey, which itself is a tale of transition and transformation.

In this episode of The New York Times Book Review Podcast, we delve into the chilling novel 'A Haunting on the Hill' by Elizabeth Hand, a spooky tale featuring an imposing mansion and its new occupants. We also discuss 'A Day in the Life of Abed Salama', a tragic story unravelled by Nathan Thrall about a fatal bus collision involving Palestinian children. Join us as we explore the themes, strengths, and lessons from these gripping works that hold mere words captive to their narratives.

In this episode of Aftersight, Join Nora Ami as she brings to light the highs and lows of the tech industry through Cara Swisher’s Burn Book, explores the plight of women and the culture around consumption in Lottie Hazel's Piglet, and delves deep into the struggles and triumphs of Civil War resistance fighters in Maurice Carlos Ruffin’s The American Daughters. We also explore the political worldviews inscribed in the Washington books, as well as delve into the intriguing plot of Ashley Elston's First Lie Wins.

Join us in this recent episode of Aftersight where host Nora Ami guides listeners through in-depth reviews of novelty books, as presented by the New York Times. Diving into different genres from autobiographies to lyrical sagas, uncover the detailed narratives of influential figures and the intriguing stories shared by accomplished authors. This episode provides a comprehensive insight into various releases, giving an intimate exploration of plot, character development, and authors’ objectives.

In this episode of 'After Psych', Nora Ami reviews Roxanna Robinson's elegant love story 'Leaving'. The story depicts a complicated relationship between Warren and Sarah, two lovers reconnecting after many years. Their affair unfolds amid personal growth, societal norms, familial obligations and painful choices. The narrative explores the depth of the characters and the difficult choices they must deal with. Gage's review churns through the emotional undercurrents, precise storytelling, and the heart-wrenching implications of the decisions made, rendering the novel an immersive exploration of mature love and its potential consequences.

In this episode, we delve into 'The Bishop and the Butterfly Murder, Politics, and the End of the Jazz Age' by Michael Woolraich, exploring the intersection of crime, political corruption, and personal tragedy during the fall of Tammany Hall. We also analyze Isabel Wadner's 'Corrie Fah Does Social Mobility', drawing parallels between the protagonist's navigation of a complex literary world and the struggles faced by marginalized individuals in gaining social and financial capital. Both reviews offer insights into topics of social mobility, corruption, and systemic issues.