Podcast Summary: "Totally Booked with Zibby" featuring Scott Johnston on THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN: A Novel

Release Date: July 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes author Scott Johnston to discuss his latest novel, THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN: A Novel. Scott, renowned for his bestseller Campusland, brings his insightful perspective on the complexities of modern education systems and societal dynamics.

Book Synopsis: THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN

Scott Johnston provides an in-depth overview of his novel, setting the stage for listeners to grasp the intricate narrative and its thematic underpinnings.

Scott Johnston [03:04]: "The Sandersons are an Upper East Side family who seemingly have it made. Will, the father, is on the verge of massive professional success at his investment firm, while Ellie, the mother, longs to feel rooted in a community—a stark contrast to her itinerant upbringing as an army brat."

The story delves into the Sanderson family's struggles to navigate the high-stakes environment of Manhattan's elite, particularly focusing on their two daughters attending the prestigious Lenox Hill School for Girls. As cultural and societal pressures mount, the family's carefully constructed facade begins to crumble, leading them into unexpected and tumultuous situations.

Author's Inspiration and Motivation

Zibby Owens explores the personal and professional experiences that inspired Scott to write THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN.

Scott Johnston [05:44]: "I started blogging about educational issues years ago, particularly focusing on Yale and its decline into what I call madness. My blog, The Naked Dollar, went viral when I exposed the chaotic demands from teachers at Dalton School, leading to significant administrative changes."

This real-life engagement with educational institutions and witnessing firsthand the shifts towards identity politics and away from traditional educational values fueled Scott's desire to craft a narrative that critiques these transformations. The novel serves as a medium to explore the repercussions of these changes on both personal and institutional levels.

Themes and Discussions

The conversation delves into the central themes of the novel, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the societal critiques embedded within the story.

1. Identity Politics and Educational Shifts

   Scott addresses the impact of identity politics on education, highlighting how curricula have been reshaped to prioritize identity over traditional academic values.

   Scott Johnston [16:00]: "Schools have become centers of divisiveness with identity politics taking precedence over reason and the pursuit of truth, leading to an environment where boards remain passive observers rather than active rectifiers of these issues."

2. Moral Cowardice and Institutional Responsibility

   The discussion underscores the lack of moral courage among educational boards, portraying them as "vanity boards" focused more on status than substantive governance.

   Scott Johnston [17:34]: "Boards need to stand up and take control because they've been more about maintaining their status than addressing the insanity unfolding within their institutions."

3. Family Dynamics and Societal Pressures

   The novel also explores the strains placed on family relationships amidst external societal pressures, particularly within affluent communities striving for status and acceptance.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Scott shares valuable insights for writers looking to break into the literary world, drawing from his own experiences.

Scott Johnston [20:58]: "You need to hook readers early—within a chapter or two. Keep them moving forward by ending chapters with a tease or a hook that compels them to continue."

He emphasizes the importance of capturing readers' attention swiftly and maintaining engagement through compelling storytelling techniques. Additionally, Scott advises writers to document ideas and interesting phrases as they arise, as they can serve as inspiration for future writing projects.

Future Projects and Upcoming Works

Looking ahead, Scott Johnston reveals his plans for future literary endeavors, showcasing his versatility as an author.

1. Satire of the Art World

   Scott is working on a satirical take on the art industry, aiming to highlight its inherent self-satirical nature.

2. The Road Novel: The Ashes

   His second major project, The Ashes, is a road novel about two estranged brothers tasked with spreading their father's ashes across America within a limited timeframe. The narrative explores themes of reconciliation, familial bonds, and personal growth, all guided by their father’s prerecorded instructions.

   Scott Johnston [20:41]: "It's a modernized version of 'Lucky Stiff,' where a voice from the past directs the brothers on their journey, blending humor with heartfelt moments."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Scott expressing his aspirations for his readers and the impact he hopes his novels will have.

Scott Johnston [18:23]: "I want readers to have fun—laugh out loud—and take away meaningful insights without feeling like they're being spoon-fed a particular viewpoint."

Zibby Owens thanks Scott for his time and contributions to contemporary literature, encouraging listeners to engage with his work and reflect on the societal issues his stories illuminate.

Key Takeaways:

• Critical Examination of Education: THE SANDERSONS FAIL MANHATTAN serves as a critique of modern educational institutions grappling with identity politics and loss of traditional values.
• Importance of Active Governance: The novel underscores the necessity for educational boards to exhibit moral courage and proactive governance.
• Engaging Storytelling: Scott emphasizes the need for captivating narratives that balance entertainment with meaningful discourse.
• Future Literary Ventures: Scott's upcoming projects indicate a continued exploration of societal themes through diverse genres.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Johnston [03:04]: "The Sandersons are an Upper East Side family who seemingly have it made..."
• Scott Johnston [17:34]: "Boards need to stand up and take control because they've been more about maintaining their status than addressing the insanity unfolding within their institutions."
• Scott Johnston [20:58]: "You need to hook readers early—within a chapter or two. Keep them moving forward by ending chapters with a tease or a hook that compels them to continue."

About Zibby Owens: Zibby Owens is a celebrated bookstore owner, publisher, author, and award-winning podcaster behind Totally Booked with Zibby. With over 2,000 episodes and 15 million downloads, Zibby curates insightful conversations with authors and creators, helping listeners stay informed and connected with the literary world.

For more information, visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby on Instagram at @zibbyowens. Don’t forget to rate and review the show and support your favorite authors by purchasing their books!