Podcast Summary: Ep 461: Backlist Books That Make Your Brain Fizz

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 461 of "What Should I Read Next?", host Anne Bogel delves into the niche yet intriguing world of backlist books with her guest, Nell Cavallo. Released on January 14, 2025, this episode caters to readers who relish revisiting older titles that stimulate both the mind and emotions, especially during the summer months in Sydney, Australia.

Meet Nell Cavallo: A Passionate Sydney Reader

[06:07] Nell Cavallo:
Nell introduces herself as a lifelong Sydneysider with a deep affection for her city. Living near the beach allows her to blend her love for the ocean with her reading habits, often enjoying her books poolside. At 40, Nell embraces a single life, which affords her ample time to engage with friends, family, and her extensive reading list.

Key Insights:

• Open Door Policy: Nell describes her apartment, "House of Healing," as a sanctuary for friends and family needing a respite from their daily stresses. It's a place filled with books, good wine, and comforting foods, fostering meaningful conversations and relaxation.
• Social Engagement: Despite living alone, Nell maintains a vibrant social circle, ensuring she's never lonely and always surrounded by people she loves.

Nell’s Reading Life: Embracing Backlist Titles

[09:35] Nell Cavallo:
Nell discusses her reading routine, emphasizing how backlist books play a pivotal role in her summer reading landscape. Due to Australia's seasonal differences, many of the anticipated summer releases from the Northern Hemisphere arrive during Sydney's winter, leading Nell to pivot towards backlist selections.

Challenges with Backlist Reading:

• Overwhelming Choices: With countless backlist titles available, Nell finds it challenging to select the right book that aligns with her current mood and intellectual desires.
• Desire for Emotional and Intellectual Engagement: Nell seeks books that are not only intellectually stimulating ("make my brain fizz") but also emotionally resonant, ensuring a fulfilling reading experience.

[13:25] Nell Cavallo:
She elaborates on her yearly resolution to prioritize backlist books over new releases, aiming for a balanced reading list that avoids getting distracted by the constant influx of new titles.

Quote:
"I just really want to pick books that are going to be great for my summer reading. You know, I've got time off. It's usually a time of year that I can read loads." — Nell Cavallo [30:24]

Exploring Successful Reads: Books That Made Nell’s Brain Fizz

Nell shares three beloved books that have provided her with the perfect summer reads, each offering a unique blend of emotional depth and intellectual stimulation.

1. "Call Me by Your Name" by André Aciman

   • Setting: Italy in the 1980s
   • Themes: Intense relationships, vivid sense of place, emotional atmospheres
   • Personal Connection:
     "It's beautifully written, there's a lot of that sense of place... I remember reading it at the pool a few summers back and just absolutely gobbling it up." — Nell Cavallo [19:30]

2. "Dirt Music" by Tim Winton

   • Setting: Australian landscape, combining desert and sea
   • Themes: Environmental activism, intense relationships, sweeping narratives
   • Recommendation:
     Anne Bogel expresses her excitement about Winton's work, particularly suggesting "Cloudstreet" for listeners.
     "His books are a great place to start for international readers if you want to get a sense of what the country is like." — Nell Cavallo [22:04]

3. "American Wife" by Curtis Sittenfeld

   • Setting: Spanning from childhood to the White House
   • Themes: Complex relationships, political backdrop, readable yet meaty narratives
   • Appeal:
     Nell appreciates the balance between plot and prose, finding it a smart and fun read without sacrificing quality writing.
     "I think it's just one of those books that's smart and it's fun. It's really readable without sacrificing the great writing, which is important to me." — Nell Cavallo [24:09]

Books That Didn’t Hit the Mark: Learning from Misses

Nell also candidly discusses a book that didn’t resonate with her, providing valuable insights into her reading preferences.

• "Acts of Desperation" by Megan Nolan
  • Reason for Dislike:
    The book’s portrayal of a toxic relationship felt too close to home for Nell, making the reading experience uncomfortable despite the strong writing.
    "It was a topic that was all wrong for me... bringing your own experiences to the text." — Nell Cavallo [25:18]

Key Takeaway:
Nell emphasizes the importance of personal resonance in book selection, highlighting that even well-written novels may not be suitable for every reader based on individual experiences.

Current Reads and Literary Exploration

Nell updates Anne on her latest reading adventures, showcasing her commitment to exploring diverse and thought-provoking literature.

• Shirley Hazard’s "Bay of Noon"

  • Appeal:
    Nell admired Hazard’s meticulous writing process, noting the book’s evocative portrayal of Sydney and its limited yet impactful bibliography.

• Books from the Booker Prize Longlist and Shortlist (2024)

  • Highlights:
    Titles like "Coloured Television" by Danzi Senna stood out for their humor and sharpness, adding to Nell’s diverse reading palette.

Quote:
"She labored over them. She put them out into the world. She had a long career that didn't generate an unmanageable body of work." — Anne Bogel [37:07]

Recommendations for Future Reads

Anne and Nell engage in a personalized literary matchmaking session, where Anne recommends books that align with Nell’s preferences for emotionally and intellectually stimulating reads set in evocative locations.

1. "Tin Man" by Sarah Winman

   • Overview:
     A nuanced exploration of love, grief, friendship, and loss set against the backdrop of Oxford and London.
   • Nell’s Reaction:
     Enthusiastic about the depiction of Sydney, aligning with her love for books set in her beloved city.

2. "Whalefall" by Elizabeth O'Connor

   • Overview:
     A compact novel set in a remote British Isles island in 1938, intertwining themes of coming of age, community dynamics, and personal mysteries.
   • Nell’s Reaction:
     Excited about the strong sense of place and the promise of engaging prose, perfect for summer reading marathons.

3. "You’d Be Mother" by Meg Mason

   • Overview:
     The story of Abby, an 18-year-old navigating pregnancy, motherhood, and complex familial relationships in Sydney.
   • Nell’s Reaction:
     Intrigued by the Sydney setting and the depth of character development, making it a top pick for her next read.

Final Decision:
Nell opts to begin "You’d Be Mother" by Meg Mason, drawn by its relatable setting and compelling narrative.

Conclusion and Takeaways

This episode of "What Should I Read Next?" offers a deep dive into the nuanced preferences of avid readers like Nell Cavallo, who seek backlist titles that offer both intellectual stimulation and emotional resonance. Through thoughtful discussion and personalized recommendations, Anne Bogel effectively guides Nell towards books that align with her summer reading aspirations, showcasing the beauty of literary matchmaking.

Notable Quotes:

• "I love that feeling when I am kind of intellectually stimulated... but I'm still emotionally engaged as well." — Nell Cavallo [29:08]
• "You want books worthy of your open readerly hands." — Anne Bogel [34:37]
• "Books that are smart and zingy and make my brain fizz, but that still have an emotional resonance." — Nell Cavallo [29:16]

Final Thoughts

For readers grappling with the vast expanse of backlist titles, this episode serves as a beacon, illustrating how understanding one's reading preferences can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable reading journey. Whether you're in Sydney or elsewhere, Anne and Nell's conversation underscores the timeless allure of well-chosen books that resonate on multiple levels.

Listen to the full episode on What Should I Read Next? Podcast