Podcast Episode Summary: "Bobby Finger's 'Four Squares' Now In Paperback"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Publisher: WNYC
• Episode Release Date: July 2, 2025

Overview: In this engaging episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves deep into Bobby Finger's latest novel, Four Squares. The conversation explores the novel's intricate portrayal of queer life in New York City across two pivotal decades, 1992 and 2022. Through insightful dialogue, Finger shares his inspirations, research process, character development, and the personal reflections that shaped his storytelling.

Introduction to Four Squares

Alison Stewart introduces listeners to Bobby Finger's second novel, Four Squares, highlighting its transition from screenplay to a portable paperback edition. The novel is set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, intertwining the protagonist Artie Anderson's life in the early '90s with his solitary existence in 2022.

Notable Quote:

"Artie’s life is a tender story about friendship and connection amid loss and the often overlooked experience of aging as a queer person."
— Alison Stewart [04:24]

Inspiration and Setting: Writing About New York City

Alison probes into Finger's motivation to set Four Squares in New York City, especially after his debut novel, The Old Place, was rooted in a fictional Texas town.

Bobby Finger reveals his initial hesitation to write about NYC, feeling unready despite having lived there for 15 years. He wanted to authentically capture the city's essence without feeling pressured, ensuring he portrayed it with the depth and accuracy it deserves.

Notable Quote:

"I felt like I needed to prove myself or prove to myself that I was allowed to write about New York City."
— Bobby Finger [03:37]

Researching Queer History and the AIDS Epidemic

Delving into the historical context of the novel, Alison asks about Finger's research methods for accurately depicting the queer community during the AIDS epidemic.

Bobby discusses his extensive reading and volunteering with organizations like Sage, an LGBTQ advocacy group. A pivotal moment was his visit to the Library of Congress, where access to archival materials from a queer writer influenced his portrayal of everyday life during the epidemic.

Notable Quote:

"I realized like this is life. This was life then and it's life now."
— Bobby Finger [06:18]

Character Development and Themes

The conversation shifts to the protagonist, Artie Anderson, and his journey from the vibrant 1992 New York to a solitary 2022.

Bobby explains how Artie's character embodies the struggles of maintaining friendships, grappling with love, and facing isolation as he ages. The novel juxtaposes Artie's earlier life filled with activism and friendships against his later years marked by loneliness and reflection.

Notable Quote:

"Artie is just relieved to have gotten it out. There's a sting to the lack of success, but proving himself mattered."
— Bobby Finger [12:07]

Reading Excerpts and Analyzing Writing Style

Alison requests Bobby to read a passage from Four Squares, showcasing the emotional depth and nuanced interactions between characters.

The excerpt illustrates the silent support among friends during challenging times, highlighting the unspoken bonds that sustain Artie through his struggles.

Notable Quote from Reading:

"One of the toughest things about any friendship is remembering that the mere act of listening is often not only enough, but also the totality of what the other person wants."
— Bobby Finger [09:10]

Reflections on Publishing and Personal Experiences

Alison inquires about Finger's personal experiences with publishing his novels. Bobby shares the emotional rollercoaster of releasing his first book during the pandemic, the unexpected success, and the profound sense of accomplishment it brought him.

He draws parallels between his journey and his protagonist Artie, emphasizing the relief and validation that comes with completing a long-cherished project.

Notable Quote:

"There's something truly unbelievable about having a book that will be around somewhere, for hopefully, the foreseeable future."
— Bobby Finger [14:09]

Writing Process and Habits

Discussing his writing routine, Bobby explains his preference for afternoon writing sessions due to his commitments with his podcast recordings in the mornings. He emphasizes the importance of weekly word counts over daily targets, finding that setting deadlines helps him maintain productivity without feeling overwhelmed.

Notable Quote:

"If you can't reach that, then I feel very depressed. So I sort of get a middle ground by adding the weekly word count."
— Bobby Finger [21:08]

Exploring Themes of Aging and Community in Four Squares

The discussion deepens into the novel's exploration of aging within the queer community. Bobby expresses that the elders in Four Squares celebrate life with an infectious enthusiasm, teaching Artie to appreciate the gift of a future and the beauty of growing older.

Notable Quote:

"They see every day as a gift. They feel extremely fortunate and lucky."
— Bobby Finger [17:48]

Favorite Characters and Scenes

Bobby shares his affection for characters like Annabelle, Gregory, and Jasmine, highlighting their unique personalities and the emotional resonance they bring to the story. He particularly fond of Sterling Bismarck, a former big-time actor whose memoir Artie is ghostwriting, depicting the challenges of fame and personal legacy.

Notable Quote:

"I love writing Annabelle... Gregory... and Jasmine."
— Bobby Finger [18:50]

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

As the episode wraps up, Alison and Bobby discuss favorite books and potential adaptations, recommending works like Daniel Lefferts' Ways and Means and Isle McElroy's People Collide for their compelling narratives and potential for screen adaptation.

Notable Quote:

"Loved and missed has one of the best instances of the title explanation in the final pages. It's unforgettable."
— Bobby Finger [22:53]

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a profound look into Bobby Finger's Four Squares, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of queer life in New York City across two different eras. Through heartfelt conversations and rich storytelling, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Finger's literary craftsmanship and his heartfelt portrayal of friendship, love, and the challenges of aging within a vibrant community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. "I felt like I needed to prove myself or prove to myself that I was allowed to write about New York City."
   — Bobby Finger [03:37]

2. "I realized like this is life. This was life then and it's life now."
   — Bobby Finger [06:18]

3. "Artie is just relieved to have gotten it out. There's a sting to the lack of success, but proving himself mattered."
   — Bobby Finger [12:07]

4. "One of the toughest things about any friendship is remembering that the mere act of listening is often not only enough, but also the totality of what the other person wants."
   — Bobby Finger [09:10]

5. "There's something truly unbelievable about having a book that will be around somewhere, for hopefully, the foreseeable future."
   — Bobby Finger [14:09]

6. "If you can't reach that, then I feel very depressed. So I sort of get a middle ground by adding the weekly word count."
   — Bobby Finger [21:08]

7. "They see every day as a gift. They feel extremely fortunate and lucky."
   — Bobby Finger [17:48]

8. "I love writing Annabelle... Gregory... and Jasmine."
   — Bobby Finger [18:50]

9. "Loved and missed has one of the best instances of the title explanation in the final pages. It's unforgettable."
   — Bobby Finger [22:53]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of Four Squares, Bobby Finger's creative process, and the profound themes explored within the novel.