The Weekly Reader

Going off to college can be an exciting adventure, but what happens when things don't go exactly to plan? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two novels about what happens when campus life take a dark turn: Babel, Or the Necessity of Violence , by R.F. Kuang and My Last Innocent Year , by Daisy Alpert Florin.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, a look at the work of Australian mystery maven Jane Harper. We review "The Dry," "Force of Nature," and "Exiles."  All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is it that makes crime stories so popular? On this edition of The Weekly Reader,  we review a new novel and a short story collection sure to please fans of the genre: Age of Vice , by Deepti Kapoor, and The Faraway World , by Patricia Engel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By now you’ve undoubtedly heard about Spare, the stunning new memoir from Prince Harry, but who can say they’ve actually heard all the juicy details? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , our book critic Marion Winik reviews the audiobook version of "Spare," which is read by the prince himself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will we ever tire of gossip about our favorite famous people? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review three new books that explore the lives behind the legends:  "The Light We Carry" by Michelle Obama, " Love, Pamela"   by Pamela Anderson, and " The Critic's Daughter" by Priscilla Gilman. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of the Weekly Reader, we review two novels by Ethan Joella. Marion Winik shares her thoughts on "A Little Hope" and "A Quiet Life."  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new books that explore ethnic identity and coming of age in the American Midwest:  Departure Stories by Elisa Bernick, and The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The teenage years are a time of great flux and change, physically, emotionally, and socially. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we feature two new novels full of teenage thrills, triumphs, and tragedy: Kevin Wilson's "Now is Not the Time to Panic" and Alison Espach's "Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance."  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new novels about working class girls in Ireland who have their eyes on the future while nodding to the past:  Factory Girls , by MIchelle Gallen, and Snowflake , by Louise Nealon.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How big a role does technology play in our daily lives? Is it a good, or a bad, thing? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels that that aim to answer that heady question, and a few other big ones, too: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin, and "The Mutual Friend" by Carter Bays.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of  The Weekly Reader , we reviews two new comic novels full of crazy characters and hilarious situations:  "Let's Not Do That Again"  by Grant Ginder, and  "Lessons in Chemistry"  by Bonnie Garmus. All titles available at  The Ivy Bookshop  and other fine local retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever spent any time in New York City, you know that in many ways, it’s the people who make the place unique. On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels set in the city that feature unforgettable characters, from the spiky-haired squatters of the punk underground to beer brewing nuns in Brooklyn. Marion Winik on "No One Left to Come Looking for You" by Sam Lipsyte and...

Sure, we’re all out here working hard and trying to live our very best lives, but what if you think the best way to achieve your dreams is under the glare of television lights? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels that go behind the scenes (and all that glamour!)  and show us how “real” things truly are: "Small Game" by Blair Braverman, and "Carrie Soto is Back" by Taylo...

Once a year, around this time, we like to change gears at The Weekly Reader and focus on the local literary scene . So many great Baltimore authors published in books 2022! Here are just a few we hope you enjoy. And please visit your local bookstores this holiday season!  Shelter , Lawrence Jackson, Graywolf Black Boy Smile , D Watkins, Legacy Lit Inheritance , Baynard Woods, Legacy Lit Liarmouth...

On this edition of The Weekly REader, we review two new books steeped in back-of-the house tales of intrigue, drugs, general excess, and of course, mind-blowing International travel and cuisine: California Soul , by Keith Corbin and Kevin Alexander, and The Lemon , by S. E. Boyd.  All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

When you think of the future, what do you imagine? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels with a decidedly dystopian view of things to come: "Vigil Harbor" by Julia Glass, and "The Displacements" by Bruce Holsinger.  All books available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Move over, Oliver Twist! Step aside, Lil Orphan Annie! I’m Lisa Morgan and today on The Weekly Reader, our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new books that remind us that be it the Victorian Era, the roaring twenties, or the present day, “coming of age” can be tricky business. Hi, Marion! "Coming of Age" can be a tricky business. Just look at Oliver Twist and Little Orphan Annie! On this editio...

On this edition of The Weekly Reader , scary stories just in time for Halloween! Our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new frighteningly good books: "Bliss Montage" by Ling Ma, and "Motherthing" by Ainslie Hogarth.  All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop and other fine local retailers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 21st century, the American Dream comes in a lot of flavors. On this edition of  The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about fitting in, making friends, and staying true to yourself while finding your way: "American Fever" by Dur e Aziz Amna and "The Life and Times of Hoodie Rosen" by Isaac Blum.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh, Hollywood! So much glamour, so much power, so many stars ! On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels that remind us once again that not all that glitters is gold: Mercury Pictures Presents  by Anthony Marra, and Mr. Wilder and Me  by Jonathan Coe.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we praise funny books and the women who write them: our reviews of "Bookish People" by Susan Coll and "The Means" by Amy Fusselman.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is it about rich people? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about fabulous people leading glamorous lives, but things aren't quite what they seem: "The Work Wife" by Allison B. Hart and "The Club" by Ellery Lloyd.  All titles available at The Ivy Bookshop or other fine local retailers.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we explore the back catalogue of a new favorite author, Jean Hanff Korelitz. We talk about "The White Rose" and "The Devil and Webster."  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How big a role does technology play in our daily lives? Is it a good, or a bad, thing? On this edition of The Weekly Reader , we review two new novels that that aim to answer that heady question, and a few other big ones, too: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin, and "The Mutual Friend" by Carter Bays.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given the obvious risks, why write a revealing memoir? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new books that reveal the radical power of personal narrative: "Body Work" by Melissa Febos and "Normal Family" by Chrysta Bilton.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.