Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Open Book Featuring Aubrey Gordon Release Date: June 18, 2025
In this engaging episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, hosted by PRX, Elena Passarello welcomes renowned writer and podcast host Aubrey Gordon to discuss her profound relationship with books, her insights into essay collections, and her unique perspectives on nonfiction literature. The conversation delves deep into Aubrey's reading habits, her recommendations for must-read books, and her views on the evolving landscape of literature.
Aubrey Gordon’s Relationship with Reading
Aubrey Gordon opens up about her dual relationship with reading—both as a source of pleasure and a pivotal component of her professional life. She describes herself as someone who "reads for pleasure and also for work" (02:44). Aubrey acknowledges the challenge of maintaining the joy of reading for leisure amidst the demands of her literary and podcasting careers. However, she finds balance by immersing herself in diverse genres, allowing her to shift seamlessly between analytical work and recreational reading.
The Allure of Essay Collections
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Aubrey's passion for essay collections. She articulates the unique power of essays to "stitch together this sort of, you know, sort of work across fields and across lines of thought" (06:54). Aubrey highlights how essayists like Joan Didion and James Baldwin offer profound insights that operate on both emotional and political levels, making their works endlessly fascinating and intellectually stimulating. She believes that essay collections provide a comprehensive and multifaceted view of complex subjects, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the world.
Memoirs and Untold Stories
When prompted about memoirs she wishes existed, Aubrey emphasizes her yearning for narratives that delve into the intricacies of community organizing and political activism. She states, "I feel like more of those kinds of, like, you know, hard boiled labor organizers being like, here's what it took to unionize Starbucks or whatever. Here's what it took to, like, win this big fight" (13:53). Aubrey underscores the importance of capturing the messy, slow-paced nature of social change, highlighting the human stories behind political movements.
Book Recommendations: The Little Black Dress of Book Gifts
Aubrey shares her top nonfiction picks that she considers the "Little Black Dress" of book gifts—versatile choices suitable for a wide range of readers:
- "Pumped Up: The History of Uber": Aubrey describes this book as a "true horror show" filled with "monsters" (16:14), making it a gripping read for those interested in corporate histories and dark narratives.
- "Imbeciles" by Adam Cohen: A profound exploration of the Supreme Court case Buck v. Bell and the eugenics movement in the United States. Aubrey praises the book for its deep dive into historical contexts and its ability to "reconfigure your brain" (18:16).
Controversial Opinions on Reading Preferences
Aubrey candidly discusses her predominantly nonfiction reading habit, acknowledging its controversial nature in a literary world that often glorifies fiction. She humorously labels her preference as a "controversial opinion" and passionately defends the richness and depth that nonfiction offers (18:48). Furthermore, Aubrey reveals her strategy for discovering new bookstores by exploring their poetry sections. She believes that the curated selection of poetry provides a window into the bookstore's identity and the relationships they cultivate within the literary community (19:27).
Insights on Building Community Through Literature
Aubrey emphasizes the role of literature in fostering understanding and empathy within communities. She shares anecdotes from her experience as a community organizer, illustrating how personalized stories and diverse narratives can bridge gaps and build stronger, more nuanced communities (15:37). Her commitment to showcasing the humanity in every story underscores the transformative power of books in societal change.
Conclusion
Aubrey Gordon’s conversation on Live Wire offers a compelling exploration of her literary passions and intellectual pursuits. Her advocacy for nonfiction and essay collections highlights the importance of diverse narratives in shaping our understanding of the world. Through her thoughtful reflections and dynamic recommendations, Aubrey inspires listeners to embrace a wide array of literary genres and to appreciate the profound impact that books can have on both personal growth and societal advancement.
Notable Quotes:
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About Reading for Pleasure and Work: “I would say I'm a person who reads for pleasure and also for work. My job is a lot. A lot, a lot of reading.” (02:44)
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On Essay Collections: “There is something about essays in particular that are looking to stitch together this sort of, you know, sort of work across fields and across lines of thought.” (06:54)
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Memoir Desires: “Here are stories from people who know what the work is that it takes to move the needle and to shift.” (12:14)
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Book Recommendations: “'Pumped up, which is the History of Uber. Really not kidding. The History of Uber is a true horror show that really blew my brains right out of my head.” (16:14)
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Controversial Reading Habits: “Mostly reading nonfiction. It is a little controversial. People forget that it exists.” (18:48)
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