115 The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki — What Happened? and Other Questions
Julia and Victoria wrestle with their frustrations with The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki and try to get to the bottom of important questions like, “What happened?” and “Who is this book for?”
114 When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo — Postcolonialism and Vibes
Julia and Victoria apply a postcolonial perspective to Ayana Lloyd Banwo’s When We Were Birds, a novel about death, magical matriarchs, love, and VIBES.
112 Babel by R. F. Kuang — “Boots on the Ground” Storytelling
Julia and Victoria make their case as to why Babel by R. F. Kuang should be two (or three?) books. Point #1: It is amazing, and the people want more.
111 The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin — The Legacy of Oppression
Julia and Victoria have an epiphany, answer their lingering questions, and discuss major series themes of time and the legacy of oppression while discussing The Stone Sky, conclusion of the Broken Earth trilogy, by N. K. Jemisin.
110 Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo — Feminism in South Korea
Julia has questions. Victoria does some digging. They both gain context on the voice of author Cho Nam-Joo of Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 and the impact the novel had on the life and politics of South Korea in 2016.
107 Piranesi by Susanna Clarke — Reality and Representation
Julia and Victoria lose their minds talking about reality and worldviews in Piranesi by Susanna Clarke.