Podcast Episode Summary: "The Best Classics to Read for the Summer Reading Challenge (Classics Week)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Producer: Jordan Loff
• Air Date: August 11, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work. The show fosters a community where diverse perspectives contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of New York City.

Introduction to Classics Week

[00:09] Alison Stewart: Alison Stewart kicks off the episode by announcing the culmination of the "All of It Summer Reading Challenge," emphasizing that there are still a few weeks left. To honor the classics category of the challenge, this week is designated as Classics Week. She teases upcoming segments, including:

• An exhibit on Jane Austen's life at the Morgan Library.
• Poet and professor Kaveh Akbar's analysis of Lolita.
• A.O. Scott's breakdown of how The Great Gatsby became the quintessential American novel.

Key Highlights:

• Engagement: Stewart invites listeners to participate by sharing their current readings and favorite classics.
• Community Building: Emphasis on the diverse opinions and experiences that enrich the show's discourse.

Guest Introduction: Jordan Loff

[00:51] Jordan Loff: Jordan Loff, the producer for both All of It and Get Lit, joins the discussion to recommend classic books for participants of the summer reading challenge.

Listener Participation:

• Invitation to Call: Stewart encourages listeners to call in with their current classic reads and recommendations using the provided WNYC contact numbers.
• Listener Feedback: Approximately 60 participants have completed the challenge, registering for prizes and sharing their readings.

Notable Quote: [01:32] Jordan Loff:
"Jen from Chatham, New Jersey, wrote in to say, 'Loved this challenge. The five strict categories with no wiggle room forced me to read books I may not have otherwise had the chance to explore.' And I love that."

Defining a Classic

[02:17] Alison Stewart: Stewart poses a critical question to Loff: "What do you think defines a classic?"

[02:19] Jordan Loff: Loff delves into the evolving nature of the literary canon, noting that traditionally, classics like Moby Dick and The Great Gatsby have been predominantly authored by white males. He highlights the importance of diversifying what is considered a classic, mentioning contemporary works like Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad as potential future classics.

Key Points:

• Inclusivity: Expanding the definition to include diverse voices and experiences.
• Author's Legacy: Suggests that a writer should be well-established to be considered a classic, citing Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale as an example.

Notable Quote: [02:28] Jordan Loff:
"I think it's really good that in recent years we've been sort of reinterpreting and updating what it means to be a classic work of literature."

Instant Classics and Recency Bias

[03:28] Alison Stewart: Stewart introduces a challenging concept: "What do you think about an instant classic?"

[03:35] Jordan Loff: Loff discusses the phenomenon of recency bias, using Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead as an example. While acknowledging its contemporary nature and potential to be viewed as a classic in the future, he cautions that not all recent works will stand the test of time.

Key Points:

• Staying Power: True classics possess enduring relevance and impact.
• Timeliness: Demon Copperhead is highlighted for its resonance with current societal issues.

Notable Quote: [04:14] Jordan Loff:
"I do think the best sort of classics have staying power and also have something to say about our moment."

Including Plays as Classics

[04:16] Alison Stewart: Stewart inquires if plays can be considered classics.

[04:16] Jordan Loff: Loff enthusiastically affirms that plays are indeed part of the classic literary canon. He mentions renowned plays such as Death of a Salesman, The Crucible, and A Raisin in the Sun. Additionally, he recommends Thornton Wilder's Our Town, praising its timeless relevance despite being a long-established work.

Notable Quote: [04:52] Alison Stewart:
"I think the play that we're gonna have on later this week reminded me of Our Town."

Listener Call-In: Stephanie from Manhattan

[08:22] Stephanie: Stephanie from Manhattan shares her read: The Great Man by Kyra Davis Laurie, a retelling of The Great Gatsby set among LA's black elite in post-World War II Los Angeles.

Key Points:

• Perspective Shift: Offers a fresh interpretation of a classic from a black perspective.
• Contextual Exploration: Highlights the social dynamics and tensions of the era.

Notable Quote: [08:22] Stephanie:
"It's a great reinterpretation of The Great Gatsby from a black perspective."

Anniversaries and Recommendations

[09:19] Jordan Loff: Loff mentions significant literary anniversaries, including the 100th anniversaries of both The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. He recommends Michael Cunningham's The Hours as a modern spin-off of Mrs. Dalloway for interested readers.

Notable Quote: [09:19] Jordan Loff:
"It's the 100th anniversary of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. If you're interested, you could also try The Hours by Michael Cunningham."

Additional Listener Call-Ins and Recommendations

1. Stephanie from Bridgewater, NJ

   • Read: Bridge of St. Louis Rey
   • Comment: Appreciates the book's blend of freshness, thought-provoking themes, and humor.

2. Vincent from Old Bridge, NJ

   • Read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
   • Comment: Describes it as a powerful exploration of identity and legacy, sparking curiosity through personal connections to the setting.

3. Joan from Riverside, Connecticut

   • Read: Hiroshima by John Hersey (Non-Fiction)
   • Comment: Argues convincingly for its inclusion as a classic due to its historical significance and enduring impact.

Notable Quote from Joan: [14:46] Joan:
"Hiroshima is the first account of the bombing of Hiroshima, and it's been around since 1946."

Loff's Response: [15:18] Jordan Loff:
"Absolutely counts. Works of nonfiction like Truman Capote's In Cold Blood also qualify as classics."

Further Book Recommendations by Jordan Loff

1. The Awakening by Kate Chopin

   • Description: Published in 1899, this novella is a proto-feminist text exploring the inner turmoil of a married woman torn between societal expectations and personal desires.
   • Highlight: Short length (~100 pages) making it accessible for participants with limited time.

2. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

   • User Recommendation: Susan from Astoria praises its tragic depth, while Kate from Bedford echoes her sentiments, highlighting its emotional and narrative richness.

3. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

   • Description: Hemingway's first novel, lauded by Reynolds Price as potentially the greatest American novel, depicting post-World War I existentialism and the "Lost Generation."

4. No-No Boy by John Okada

   • Description: The sole novel by Okada, focusing on a Japanese American man returning from an internment camp during World War II, grappling with identity and belonging.

5. Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

   • Description: A monumental revenge and morality tale set in post-revolutionary France, praised for its intricate plot and rich historical context.
   • User Insight: Both Susan from Astoria and Kate from Bedford share their enthusiasm for this epic narrative.

6. The Iliad by Homer (Translated by Emily Wilson)

   • Recommendation: Emphasized for its modern translation, making the classic accessible and engaging for contemporary readers.

7. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott paired with March by Geraldine Brooks

   • Description: Brooks' March serves as a Pulitzer-winning companion to Little Women, offering a deeper look into the absent father during the Civil War.

Notable Quotes:

• [16:01] Jordan Loff:
  "If you're looking for something short that you could fit in, The Awakening is a real treat."

• [23:08] Jordan Loff:
  "If you've read Little Women, you could pair it with March by Geraldine Brooks."

Final Listener Call-Ins

1. Susan in Astoria:

   • Read: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
   • Comment: Highlights the character Eugenie, who symbolizes dedication to art over societal expectations.

2. Kate in New Bedford, NY:

   • Read: Death in Venice (Novella)
   • Comment: Appreciates the new translation by Henry Helm and the insights provided by Michael Cunningham on translation.

Notable Quote: [24:15] Stephanie:
"Can Death in Venice count if it's a novella? Yes, absolutely."

Conclusion and Encouragement

[25:21] Jordan Loff: Loff wraps up by encouraging listeners to continue exploring a wide range of literary works, from novellas to extensive epics like The Count of Monte Cristo. He reiterates the invitation for listeners to share their readings and register for prizes at wnyc.org/summerreading.

[25:39] Alison Stewart: Stewart thanks the guests and listeners, reminding them of the transcript availability for further details and recommendations. She signs off until the next edition of All Of It.

Final Notable Quote: [24:18] Stephanie:
"The wizard of Oz passed many lands with many different characteristics, and it was so deliciously tragic."

Overall Insights and Themes:

• Diversity in Classics: The episode emphasizes broadening the definition of classics to include diverse voices and narratives.
• Engagement and Community: Active listener participation enriches the conversation, fostering a sense of community among readers.
• Timeless Relevance: Recommended classics are those that offer enduring insights and resonate with contemporary societal issues.
• Accessibility: Recommendations cater to varying reading capacities, from short novellas to extensive epics, ensuring inclusivity.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for participants of the Summer Reading Challenge, offering a curated selection of classic literature that spans genres, eras, and perspectives. Through lively discussions and enthusiastic listener contributions, Alison Stewart and Jordan Loff celebrate the rich tapestry of classic works that continue to shape and reflect our culture.