Live Wire with Luke Burbank: Open Book featuring Omar El Akkad

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: Elena Passarello
Guest: Omar El Akkad

Introduction

In this episode of Live Wire with Luke Burbank, host Elena Passarello engages in a thoughtful and engaging conversation with acclaimed writer Omar El Akkad. Known for his impactful novels such as American War, which the BBC recognized as one of the 100 novels that have shaped our world, Omar delves into his writing process, reading habits, and the challenges of engaging with book clubs. The discussion offers listeners a deep dive into the mind of a writer navigating both fiction and nonfiction landscapes.

Omar El Akkad’s Journey as a Writer

Omar El Akkad transitions seamlessly from journalism to novel writing, bringing a unique perspective to his literary work. Elena introduces Omar by highlighting his impressive portfolio, including his debut novel American War and his latest work, One Day. Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.

Notable Quote:

“Books are, without exaggeration, my whole life.”
— Omar El Akkad [02:44]

Challenges of Engaging with Book Clubs

Omar shares his initial anxieties about participating in book club events. His first encounter was particularly nerve-wracking when he mistakenly interacted with the wrong author, leading to an awkward yet enlightening experience.

Key Points:

• The emotional toll and intimidation writers often feel when addressing book clubs.
• The unexpected mix-up during his first book event, illustrating the unpredictability of public engagements.

Notable Quote:

“I have no faith in my own ability to like hold my own in that conversation, regardless.”
— Omar El Akkad [21:30]

Reading Habits and Literary Influences

Omar discusses his voracious and, at times, arbitrary reading habits cultivated during his youth. Growing up in a culture with heavy censorship, he recounts how books like Little Women and Dennis Rodman’s autobiography opened new worlds for him, despite limited access.

Key Points:

• The impact of censorship on his early reading experiences.
• The lasting impression of books that resonated more on a stylistic level than on plot.

Notable Quote:

“I was in this space after I read it or while I was reading it.”
— Omar El Akkad [11:13]

The Art of Titling Books

The conversation shifts to the craft of titling literary works. Omar reflects on his own experiences with international titles and shares his admiration for other authors' creative choices.

Key Points:

• The translation and adaptation of book titles in different cultures.
• Examples of compelling titles like No Knives in the Kitchens of This City by Khalid Khalifa and I Become a Delight to My Enemies by Sarah Peters.

Notable Quote:

“I spend an unreasonable amount of time thinking of titles, and it doesn't mean I'm good at them or anything like that.”
— Omar El Akkad [16:42]

Controversial Literary Opinions

Omar offers a candid critique of pretentiousness in literary circles, specifically targeting the superficial methods some use to appear erudite at literary events.

Key Points:

• The prevalence of using dense and impenetrable novels as a facade of intelligence.
• Personal experiences of engaging with such tactics and the resulting disillusionment.

Notable Quote:

“It's all just a bunch of tricks in people's back pockets. And it does a disservice to people who actually know what the hell they're talking about.”
— Omar El Akkad [20:47]

Balancing Reading for Pleasure and Professional Growth

Omar discusses the delicate balance between reading for personal enjoyment and reading to enhance his writing craft. He highlights his preference for poetry and interviews with other writers as a means of inspiration without the competitive pressure of fiction genres.

Key Points:

• The necessity of separating reading for pleasure from reading for professional improvement.
• The therapeutic role of poetry and literary interviews in maintaining his passion for writing.

Notable Quote:

“There's no jealousy. Right. There's not even, like, the prerequisites for jealousy.”
— Omar El Akkad [13:36]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Omar reiterating his appreciation for authentic literary conversations and his commitment to fostering meaningful discussions about literature. His insights offer aspiring writers and avid readers alike a glimpse into the intricate world of book creation and the personal challenges that accompany it.

Notable Quote:

“There is no right or wrong way. There is no acceptable or unacceptable, but you have to deal with it.”
— Omar El Akkad [15:13]

Final Thoughts:
Omar El Akkad's dialogue with Elena Passarello provides a rich exploration of the complexities of being an author in today's literary landscape. From grappling with public perceptions and literary elitism to finding personal joy in diverse reading genres, Omar's reflections are both insightful and inspiring. Listeners are encouraged to explore his works to fully appreciate the depth of his literary contributions.

For more engaging conversations with writers and cultural observers, tune into Live Wire with Luke Burbank on your favorite podcast platform.