Books for Men

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti introduces the new segment "Novel vs. Movie," focusing on the violent world of Cormac McCarthy's "No Country for Old Men" and its faithful film adaptation by the Coen brothers. Vigliotti discusses the strengths and differences between the novel and movie, highlighting the depth of the book, particularly through Sheriff Ed Tom Bell's monologues, and the bone-chilling antagonist,...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the thriller novel "Tell No One” by Harlan Coben, where a doctor's world is upended by an email hinting that his murdered wife of eight years ago may still be alive. Vigliotti unpacks the suspenseful narrative, praises Coben's accessible and conversational writing style, and challenges common misconceptions about the thriller genre and genre fiction in general. Tune i...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores "Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich” by Norman Ohler, a history book that reads like a novel and offers a unique and fresh perspective on World War II. Discover the hidden role of cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamines in Nazi Germany and on the German military strategy, blitzkrieg, propelling the Wehrmacht’s early successes of the war. Vigliotti also shares intriguing...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti takes you on a journey through Samantha Harvey's 2023 novel "Orbital," a thought-provoking piece of literary fiction and a love letter to Earth. Discover how Harvey's meditative prose beautifully captures the essence of human achievement and our cosmic connection, all from the unique vantage point of space. Vigliotti also shares key insights and quotes from the book, emphasizin...

🎙 In this year-end episode, Douglas Vigliotti reflects on 12 notable quotes from various books throughout 2024, sharing one for each month. He announces changes to the podcast, including a new segment called "Movie or Novel?" Vigliotti discusses the nature of adaptations and emphasizes the importance of reading. The episode serves as a wrap-up for the year, offering inspiration and insights for li...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the emotional and powerful biography "The Chris Farley Show" by Tom Farley Jr and Tanner Colby, providing insights into the tragic life of the celebrated comedian and actor Chris Farley. The book explores the contradictions and complexities of Farley's persona, from his immense talent and popularity to his deep-seated insecurities and addiction struggles. This episode...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the powerful short story collection “Reasons to Live” by Amy Hempel, highlighting her masterful use of minimalism as a shining example of what is possible by using “less” to magnify human emotion and complexity. Her lean yet evocative prose challenges readers to uncover a deeper meaning within her stories, emphasizing what isn’t there over what is, and ultimately leavi...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the fun book “Write About Now” by Jonathan Small. It is a captivating collection of interview excerpts from the author’s hit podcast that reveals how successful writers overcame obstacles to launch their creative careers. Discover the universal themes that link the winding paths of literary success. If you're a writer, creative, or simply fascinated by the journeys of...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the classic coming-of-age novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, exploring the iconic character of Holden Caulfield and the timeless themes of phoniness, loneliness, and the desire for human connection. Discover how this 1951 literary masterpiece has captivated readers for generations and left an indelible mark on pop culture. Whether you're a longtime fan...

🎙 In part four, Douglas Vigliotti closes out the series by outlining the final three Principles #13, #14, and the 15th Principle from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft stories fo...

🎙 In part three, Douglas Vigliotti continues the four-part series by overviewing Principles #9, #10, #11, and #12 from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft stories for the screen an...

🎙 In part two, Douglas Vigliotti provides an overview of Principles #5, #6, #7, and #8 from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft stories for the screen and stage—the same stories yo...

🎙 In part one, Douglas Vigliotti discusses the first four principles from his new book, "Aristotle for Novelists: 14 Timeless Principles on the Art of Story,” an adaptation of the timeless principles from Aristotle’s esteemed “Poetics” to be used by novelists. Discover the tried-and-true principles used since antiquity to craft stories for the screen and stage—the same stories you stream and watch...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of October 2024, discussing the classic literary novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the pragmatic acting guide "True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor" by David Mamet, and the literary noir novel "The Rope Artist" by Fuminori Nakamura. With quick summaries, insights, and key quotes from the episodes, this recap is a great starter ep...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores “The Rope Artist” by Fuminori Nakamura, an acclaimed Japanese author whose noir-tinged literary fiction delves into the dark underbelly of the human psyche. Vigliotti delves into the author's lack of appeal in the United States, distinctive minimalistic style, and powerful usage of metaphor—in this case, ropes, tethering people to their pasts and struggles. Nakamura co...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the pragmatic acting guide “True and False: Heresy and Common Sense for the Actor” by David Mamet, sharing 17 essential quotes and how this reference book holds profound implications for anyone seeking to live more authentically. Discover how Mamet's unorthodox and hard-edged wisdom can transform the way you approach your role in the world. Tap into your inner actor...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the acclaimed classic “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a story of the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan and the American Dream. Tracing the complexities of social class, wealth, and the very essence of the American spirit, this literary masterpiece remains a timeless testament to the allure and fragility of the human conditio...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of September 2024, discussing the emotional crime novel "Mystic River" by Dennis Lehane, the philosophical work "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi, the novel and film adaptation of "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk, and the memoir "When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi. With quick summaries, insights, and key quotes from the episodes, this recap is...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the thought-provoking memoir “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who powerfully explores the profound questions of meaning, purpose, and mortality that arise when the young doctor faces his own terminal illness. Through Kalanithi's deeply personal and eloquent writing, listeners are confronted with the existential challenges of what it means to...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the cult classic "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk, a transgressive, minimalistic literary novel that inspired the now-iconic film of the same name. Discover how this story of an unnamed protagonist battling himself and societal norms became a defining work of 90s art and literature. Delve into the book's enduring themes of masculinity, mental health, loneliness, and d...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the powerful wisdom of legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi in “The Book of Five Rings," a philosophical work on combat strategy that offers profound insights applicable to life beyond the battlefield. Uncover Musashi's teachings on both the physical and mental aspects of swordsmanship and discover how his Zen-like approach to understanding one's opponents can unlock new...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into the gritty, emotional world of “Mystic River” by Dennis Lehane, a Boston crime novel about friendship, loyalty, and trauma that seamlessly blends drama and mystery. Learn why the adaptation to film was so successful, and why Lehane's distinctive "crime with heart" style is a rarity in today's literary landscape. “Mystic River” is a masterclass in storytelling and a m...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti recaps the month of August 2024, discussing the Stoic classic "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, the literary novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan, and the foundational Buddhist text “The Dhammapada” translated by Eknath Easwaran. With quick summaries, insights, and key quotes from the episodes, this recap is a great starter for new listeners and readers seeking...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores the spiritual and philosophical work, "The Dhammapada," translated by Eknath Easwaran. He delves into the core teachings of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path (aka The Dharma Wheel), offering insights into the myth of Siddhartha and the applicability of Buddhist principles for anyone. With thought-provoking quotes from Buddha, this episode...

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan. Through 13 interconnected stories (mostly) centered around New York City and rock and roll, the book explores the themes of lost innocence, change, and impermanence. Vigliotti praises Egan's ability to weave together different voices, perspectives, and timelines, creating a compelling and...