NPR's Book of the Day: New Books by Damon Young and Dennard Dayle Take Different Routes to Humor

Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong delves into the world of humor in literature through the lens of two distinct books. The episode spotlights Damon Young's anthology, that's How they get you, and Dennard Dale's novel, How to Dodge a Cannonball. Each author approaches humor differently, offering unique perspectives and styles that cater to diverse audiences. This summary captures the essence of their discussions, the themes explored, and the insights shared during the episode.

Damon Young and the Anthology that's How they get you

Damon Young, a versatile writer and podcaster, introduces his latest project, an anthology titled that's How they get you. This collection comprises comedic essays that explore contemporary Black life in America. Young emphasizes the anthology's focus on humor derived from personal and societal experiences, particularly themes of parenting, marriage, and self-image.

Juana Summers, who collaborated with Young on the anthology, elaborates on the intent behind the collection. She states:

“My only directive for people was to be funny. And it wasn't necessarily like, okay, be funny, ha ha, tell knock-knock jokes. It's like, you know what? Be yourself. And because I know who you are and I know what you're capable of. I know that you're gonna be funny.”
[02:34]

Exploration of Shame through Humor

A recurring theme in the anthology is shame. Juana Summers discusses how the contributors navigate personal vulnerabilities to create humor:

“The premise of my intro is that black American humor is the best American humor. And I believe that because I believe that we have to be the most honest about America, about who America is, what America is... The best humor comes from that.”
[02:57]

She further explains that addressing shame allows writers to delve into complex emotions and societal pressures, making the humor both relatable and profound.

Notable Essays and Contributions

Summers highlights specific essays that stood out to her, such as Roy Wood Jr., Clover Hope, and Wyatt Cenac, among others. One particularly impactful essay by Hilary Crosley Coker addresses the delicate topic of miscarriage intertwined with marriage, showcasing how humor can surface amidst deep pain:

“An essay about having a miscarriage. And it's also, weirdly, an essay about marriage. It's about the miscarriage is kind of the plot, but the marriage is the story.”
[04:37]

Summers reflects on how humor serves as a necessity, a coping mechanism born from challenging experiences:

“It's a necessity that is just born out of our experience... I still have to laugh. I still have to find the humor.”
[05:31]

Parenthood and Humor

Another essay by Dee Watkins explores fatherhood with a comedic touch, pondering the fears and anxieties of raising children without causing future regrets:

“What will my daughter think of me when I grow up?... I don't want to mess your kids up, but we have to figure that out somehow.”
[06:28]

Summers discusses how Watkins blends humor with genuine concern, creating a relatable narrative for parents navigating similar fears.

Conclusion on the Anthology

Summers underscores the bravery of contributors who willingly share their vulnerabilities:

“These tremendous, these, you know, generous geniuses decided to, you know, dive into their vulnerabilities for this collection.”
[08:03]

Damon Young encapsulates the anthology's essence as an unruly yet heartfelt compilation that celebrates Black American humor in its most authentic form.

Dennard Dale and the Novel How to Dodge a Cannonball

Transitioning to Dennard Dale's novel, How to Dodge a Cannonball, the episode explores satire set against the backdrop of the Civil War. Dale presents a unique take on historical fiction, infusing it with humor through the protagonist, Anders—a 15-year-old flag twirler from Illinois.

Character Development and Satirical Elements

Anders embodies the archetype of a bumbling yet endearing character, reminiscent of literary figures like Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn. Dale explains:

“He has a lot of strong sort of, I guess, quantitative or mechanical intelligence, but was just not equipped for the social maelstrom that he is being thrown into, especially at his age.”
[12:54]

His misadventures during the Civil War serve as a vehicle for satire, highlighting the absurdities and contradictions of the era.

Humor Amidst Conflict

The novel features a humorous showdown between Anders and Wendy Ross, the daughter of Betsy Ross, showcasing elaborate flag-twirling techniques intertwined with ideological conflicts:

“He started with a crouched walk, the eagle sweeping the pole under his foot and hopping over. Wendy matched it...”
[15:43]

This scene exemplifies how Dale blends historical elements with contemporary humor styles, such as skateboarding terminology, to create a lively and engaging narrative.

Themes of Identity and Freedom

Dale delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the socio-political landscape of the Civil War, using Anders' experiences to question and satirize prevailing notions of the time.

“These are not immutable things. And I think that's half why a lot of us care or even bother is that we sense that this is a nascent culture that is influenceable.”
[18:24]

He emphasizes the fluidity of history and the potential for cultural evolution, suggesting that humor can play a significant role in shaping and reflecting societal changes.

Conclusion on the Novel

Dale's How to Dodge a Cannonball stands out as a satirical exploration of a pivotal moment in American history, enriched by humor and a nuanced portrayal of its young protagonist. The novel invites readers to reflect on the complexities of freedom and the enduring impact of historical events through a comedic lens.

Final Thoughts

This episode of NPR's Book of the Day offers a deep dive into how humor can be a powerful tool in both personal essays and historical fiction. Damon Young's anthology showcases the breadth of Black American humor, addressing profound themes with wit and honesty. Meanwhile, Dennard Dale's novel employs satire to navigate the complexities of the Civil War, providing a fresh and humorous perspective on a well-trodden historical narrative. Together, these works exemplify the versatility of humor in literature, making this episode a compelling listen for book enthusiasts seeking both laughter and insight.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Damon Young on Black Humor:

  “The best humor comes from that clarity, that honesty, that reckoning.”
  [02:57]

• Juana Summers on Exploring Shame:

  “Shame is tricky because the people who don't feel it are the ones who probably need to feel it the most.”
  [08:03]

• Damon Young on Parent-Related Humor:

  “I don't want to mess your kids up, but we have to figure that out somehow.”
  [06:28]

• Dennard Dale on Anders' Intelligence:

  “He has a lot of strong sort of... mechanical intelligence, but was just not equipped for the social maelstrom.”
  [12:54]

• Dennard Dale on Cultural Influence:

  “This is a place of a relatively short history. These are not immutable things.”
  [18:39]

Conclusion

Whether through the heartfelt comedic essays in Damon Young's anthology or the satirical adventures in Dennard Dale's novel, this episode of Book of the Day underscores the multifaceted nature of humor in literature. It highlights how humor can bridge personal experiences and historical narratives, offering both solace and critical reflection.