Podcast Summary: "Resident Book Queen Jordan Lauf Previews Spring Books"
All Of It – WNYC
Host: Tiffany Hansen (in for Alison Stewart)
Guest: Jordan Lauf, Producer & Book Guru
Episode Date: February 26, 2024
Episode Overview
This episode features producer and book aficionado Jordan Lauf sharing her top book recommendations for Spring 2024. With Spring being a prolific season for publishing, Jordan offers an engaging mix of new releases, beloved classics, and listener favorites across genres—spanning historical fiction, sci-fi, nonfiction, and more. The lively conversation includes notable mentions of film/TV adaptations, unique literary perspectives, and introduces exciting forthcoming titles, while welcoming listener calls and texts with their recommendations.
Key Discussion Points & Book Recommendations
1. Spotlight on "Get Lit" Selection
- The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
- Genre: Historical fiction with horror/fantasy elements
- Synopsis: Set in 1950s Florida, follows a boy at an abusive, segregated reformatory who can see ghosts.
- Jordan Lauf (01:46):
“It’s really just an abusive, horrible place. And he learns that he can see ghosts there of boys who have died. … It’s a tough read, but it’s an engaging read.”
- Jordan reassures horror-averse readers:
“It’s more a historical fiction novel with some fantastical elements. … You’re not gonna be lying awake at night, I don’t think, worried about what’s in your closet.” [03:01]
- Adaptation: Jordan mentions free copies and an upcoming Get Lit event with a musical guest.
2. Science Fiction Accessible for Non-Fans
- The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu (translated by Ken Liu)
- Jordan Lauf (04:06):
“I thought that sci fi was not for me. And then I read this book and I was like, okay, maybe. … It’s set in China’s Cultural Revolution, [with] humans figuring out how to communicate with aliens and they’ve sent a message and perhaps the aliens are coming.”
- Upcoming Adaptation: Netflix series from the creators of Game of Thrones launches March 21.
- Jordan’s enthusiasm:
“It’s got these sort of big political and philosophical questions. It’s also set mostly on Earth, which I found helpful as someone who is not a sci fi expert.” [04:06]
- Jordan Lauf (04:06):
3. Bite-Sized, Poetic Fiction
- Foster by Claire Keegan
- Quick read under 100 pages
- Jordan Lauf (06:37):
“For how few words, it packs a really big emotional punch. … About a young girl living in Ireland whose parents sort of drop her off with … an older couple who don’t have any kids.”
- Film Tie-In: The Quiet Girl adaptation praised by Jordan and listener texts.
4. Listener Recommendations & Discussion
(with selected responses from Jordan and Tiffany)
-
The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers (recommended by Jack)
“An absolutely wonderful read for children of all ages.” [08:26]
-
The Third Hotel by Laura van den Berg (recommended by Dave)
- Explores grief and magical realism with an unreliable narrator [09:24]
-
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
- Jordan: “I haven’t [read it], but I read his most recent one, which … was excellent. … It’s long, though.” [10:09]
-
The Rise and Reign of the Mammals by Steve Brusatte
- Inspired by Jordan’s visit to the museum; explores history of mammals and paleontologists’ stories [10:35]
-
Coleman Hill by Kim Coleman Foote & Go Back and Get It by Dionne Ford
- Both nonfiction, intertwining family history and healing from generational trauma (recommended by Wendy) [12:08]
-
Fledgling by Octavia Butler
- “Fresh take on vampires, if vampires are your thing.” [13:12]
-
Sequel to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Addresses generational guilt and complicity (recommended by Debbie) [13:45]
5. Anticipated Spring 2024 Releases
-
The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft (March 5)
- Literary translator’s debut novel; translators come together to work on a masterpiece, discover the author has gone missing.
- Jordan Lauf (15:09):
“It’s got a mystery element … but also it’s got the translation aspect, which I find really interesting.”
-
All Our Yesterdays by Joel H. Morris (Lady Macbeth backstory)
- Historical fiction for Shakespeare fans [18:18]
-
James by Percival Everett (March 19)
- Retelling of “Huckleberry Finn” from Jim’s perspective, providing voice and narrative depth to a secondary character.
- Jordan Lauf (21:00):
“Percival’s sort of taking the spotlight away from Huckleberry Finn and giving it to Jim.”
-
Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson (March 12)
- Nonfiction, literary/philosophical engagement with the Book of Genesis.
- Jordan Lauf (23:08):
“If you’re someone looking to engage with the Bible in a thoughtful way… this could be a really interesting place to begin.”
-
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (April 9)
- Adult fantasy set in Spain’s Golden Age with political intrigue and magical realism. [25:45]
-
Knife by Salman Rushdie (April 16)
- Memoir about the aftermath of the attack on his life and his recovery.
- Jordan Lauf (26:33):
“This is obviously a story that shook the literary world… and I’m glad that he has put pen to paper on it.”
-
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson (April)
- Nonfiction; follows early days of the Civil War and Lincoln’s election.
- Jordan Lauf (27:04):
“If you’re like, huh, what should I get my dad for Father’s Day? Try Erik Larson. Dad’s everywhere love Erik Larson.”
-
La Borinqueña by Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez (Listener plug)
- Puerto Rican superhero’s hardcover collected edition; proceeds support nonprofit grants across Puerto Rico. [21:49]
Additional Notable Quotes & Moments
-
Reading Aloud:
Jack shares reading “The Eyes and the Impossible” aloud with his partner; Jordan reflects:“I thought that, you know, reading aloud to each other was sort of a lost art. So I’m really glad to hear that you guys are doing that. That warms my heart.” [09:09]
-
On Revisiting Classics:
Jordan on rediscovering classics in adulthood:“Anna Karenina… felt like a part of my literary canon that was missing. … It’s a really good winter read.” [24:36]
“Jane Eyre is a favorite. That always holds up for me and I’ve reread that one a couple times.” [24:36] -
Listener: Demon Copperhead (Barbara Kingsolver)
- Jordan:
“It’s the best book I’ve read in years.” [18:02]
- Jordan:
-
Nonfiction and Memoir
- Chris Miller’s Chip War and Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry are lauded for their insight and authenticity by listeners. [25:13]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [01:44] Jordan introduces “The Reformatory” and this month’s Get Lit event
- [04:06] Discussion of “The Three-Body Problem” and Netflix adaptation
- [06:37] “Foster” by Claire Keegan and adaptation “The Quiet Girl”
- [10:35] “The Rise and Reign of the Mammals” recommendation (inspired by museum visit)
- [15:09] Preview: “The Extinction of Irena Rey” by Jennifer Croft
- [18:18] Historical fiction from Lady Macbeth’s POV: “All Our Yesterdays” by Joel H. Morris
- [21:00] “James” by Percival Everett—Jim’s story from Huckleberry Finn
- [23:08] Nonfiction: “Reading Genesis” by Marilynne Robinson
- [25:45] “The Familiar” by Leigh Bardugo; Spanish magical history
- [26:33] Salman Rushdie memoir “Knife”
- [27:04] “The Demon of Unrest” by Erik Larson
Notable Listener Recommendations (Selected)
- “The Fox Wife” by Yangsze Choo
- “The Personal Librarian”
- “Under the Skin” by Lena Viarosa
- “A Point of Beauty: True Stories of Holding on and Letting Go” (Moth anthology)
- “Slapstick” by Kurt Vonnegut (focus on loneliness/isolation post-pandemic)
- “Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel (accessible sci-fi)
Tone & Takeaways
The tone is conversational, inclusive, and enthusiastic—Jordan is approachable, passionate, and ensures her suggestions are accessible to all reading tastes. Listener engagement is celebrated; recommendations span a broad spectrum, and upcoming events and titles build excitement for spring reading.
Jordan Lauf’s approach:
“I tend to be a little more forward looking [for work], but I always love revisiting the classics—Jane Eyre is a favorite.” [24:36]
Ready-To-Read at a Glance
- Looking for a short, poetic read? Try Claire Keegan’s Foster
- Craving accessible sci-fi, with an adaptation soon? The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
- Interested in literary takes on historical events or Shakespearean characters? See All Our Yesterdays and James
- Nonfiction that’s insightful and timely? Check out Marilynne Robinson’s Reading Genesis or Erik Larson’s The Demon of Unrest
- Yearning for fantasy with a twist of history? Don’t miss Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar
For a full list of discussed titles and future recommendations, visit the All Of It website.
