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]

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]

• 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.