Ballad of Books

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world...

At forty-four, Tom Jokinen decided to quit his job in order to become an apprentice undertaker, setting out to ask the What is the right thing to do when someone dies? With the marketplace offering new options (go green, go anti-corporate, go Disney, be packed into an artificial reef and dropped in the Atlantic...), is there still room for tradition? In a year of adventures both hair-raising and h...

The chilling dual existence of some of history's most infamous murderers. This gripping exploration reveals how seemingly ordinary neighbors concealed their sinister secrets, blending into society while committing heinous crimes. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Estep exposes the dark realities lurking behind closed doors.

In this book review we explore the profound insights of this captivating book that reveals the beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Through evocative prose and enlightening examples, the author invites us to appreciate the subtle, often overlooked details of life, encouraging a shift in perspective that celebrates the natural cycle of growth and decay. This review delves into the...

Game of Thrones: Where Thinking Hurts So, there's this show called "Game of Thrones", based on some thick books about knights with questionable morals and ladies with too much time for fancy hairdos. Anyway, some egghead decided this whole mess was, like, super deep and wrote a whole book on the "philosophy" of it. Murdery Kings and Family Drama – the Good Stuff: Basically, this book asks question...

"Double Dexter" is the sixth novel in the Dexter series written by Jeff Lindsay. In this installment, Dexter Morgan, the blood-spatter analyst with a dark secret, continues his double life as a forensic expert and a vigilante serial killer. Facing a new set of challenges, Dexter finds himself entangled in a series of gruesome murders while navigating his own complex relationships. As he battles bo...

Tess Thorne, a famous mystery writer, faces a long drive home following a book signing engagement. Advised to take a shortcut at the suggestion of the event’s planner, Tess sets out for home, well after dark. On a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out, and when a man in a pick up stops, it is not to help her, but to repeatedly assault her and leave her for dead. Tess survives, and...

Starting in 2001, much of the world media used the image of Osama bin Laden as a shorthand for terrorism. Bin Laden himself considered media manipulation on a par with military, political, and ideological tools, and intentionally used interviews, taped speeches, and distributed statements to further al-Qaida's ends. In Covering Bin Laden , editors Susan Jeffords and Fahed Yahya Al-Sumait collect p...

A captivating journey through India’s past and present, exploring how its diverse geography shaped its history, culture, and identity.

Books are portals to other worlds, but be careful which one you step through.

Books discussed in this episode: A Life in Stitches: Knitting My Way through Love, Loss, and Laughter by Rachael Herron Weirdest War Two: Extraordinary Tales and Unbelievable Facts from the Second World War by M J Trow The Geography of India: Sacred and Historic Places by Kenneth Pletcher Be The Dog: How To Start (And More Importantly) Finish Your Novel by Brian Yansky Bizarre, Creepy Hoaxes by Ke...

Books discussed in this episode: Anvils, Mallets & Dynamite: The Unauthorized Biography of Looney Tunes by Jaime Weinman Porn King: The Autobiography of John C. Holmes by Holmes, John Curtis The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume I by Doyle, Arthur Conan Killer Kids Volume 10: 22 Shocking True Crime Cases of Kids Who Kill by Keller, Robert What's A Lemon Squeezer Doing In My Vagina?: A Memoi...

Books discussed in this episode: The Incest Diary by Anonymous Judge This Cover by Brittany Renner Wuhan Diary: Dispatches from a Quarantined City by Fang Fang

Step into the glittering world of the 1920s, where champagne flows like a river and dreams hang in the balance. In this episode of "Ballad of Books" with your host Arjun, we journey through F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby," a novel that sparkles with alliteration, intrigue, and introspection.

In this episode of Ballad of Books, host Arjun takes you on a captivating literary journey through the pages of "Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature" by Jairam Ramesh. Delve into the life of India's iconic leader, Indira Gandhi, not as a politician but as an environmental advocate. Discover how her passion for the natural world unfolded in unexpected places, from the confines of a prison...

In this electrifying episode of Ballad of Books, host Arjun delves deep into the heart of Margaret Atwood's dystopian masterpiece, "The Handmaid's Tale." Prepare to be captivated we dissect the novel's themes, characters, and its eerie parallels to our own world. A riveting analysis of the book's profound impact on literature and society. Don't miss this thought-provo...

In this captivating podcast episode, we delve deep into the enchanting world of Harry Potter and explore how the personal experiences and journey of author J.K. Rowling shaped the magical universe we all know and love. Join us as we unravel the connections between Rowling's life and the iconic characters, themes, and stories that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. From her struggl...

Join Arjun as he ventures into the mesmerizing world of Bruce Chatwin's "In Patagonia." From dinosaur hunts to encounters with eccentric characters, this episode explores the magic and mystery of the remote Patagonian landscapes. Get ready for a literary journey that will leave you feeling like you've traveled to the end of the Earth and back.

Join us in this episode as we lean into Sheryl Sandberg's empowering book, 'Lean In.' We explore the book's invaluable insights on career, ambition, and gender equality. Discover how leaning in can lead to personal and professional growth, and learn from the stories that inspire us to embrace our aspirations and break down barriers. Tune in for an engaging discussion that will moti...

In this episode of "Ballad of Books," we take a poignant journey into the heart of one of the most iconic symbols of New York City. The left tower of the World Trade Center narrates its harrowing experience during the 9/11 attacks, sharing its perspective on the tragedy that shook the world. Through its narrative, we explore themes of resilience, tragedy, and heroism, pondering the fragi...

Join Arjun on this hilariously enlightening episode of "Ballad of Books" as he unravels the mystery behind the burning of the Library of Alexandria. With a dash of historical skepticism, Arjun takes you on a journey through time, exploring the suspects and stories surrounding the demise of the ancient world's greatest repository of knowledge. It's a riveting tale of scrolls, shri...

In this episode of "Ballad of Books," host Arjun delves into the captivating world of literature and cinema as he explores the iconic story of "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King. Discover the heartwarming tale of Andy Dufresne's resilience and friendship in the confines of Shawshank Prison, all while Arjun dishes out humorous commentary on everything f...

Join host Arjun on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Algeria as he explores the classic novel "The Outsider" by Albert Camus in this episode of "Ballad of Books." Discover the absurdity of life through the eyes of the enigmatic Meursault and find humor in the complexity of existentialism. As a bonus, learn fascinating facts about Algeria's diverse landscapes and cu...

Join us in the sixth episode of Ballad of Books, where we embark on a literary journey around the world. In this episode, titled "Book Spotlight: Around The World - Unearthing Albania's Secrets," your host Arjun takes you on an adventurous exploration of Communist Albania through the pages of Margo Rejmer's "Mud Sweeter Than Honey: Voices of Communist Albania." Get read...

In this special episode of "Book Spotlight: Around The World," we embark on a literary journey to the heart of Afghanistan, uncovering the emotional rollercoaster that is "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. Join your host Arjun as he navigates the complexities of friendship, betrayal, and redemption, all while taking a closer look at the rich symbolism of kites in this powerf...