Episode 11: A Bright Ray of Darkness

Amy's husband Geoff drops by the podcast to discuss two contemporary novels or should we call them memoirs? You be the judge. The Topeka School by Ben Lerner is a literary novel based on the author's own experience growing up in Topeka, Kansas. This complex and satisfying story jumps time periods, tenses and narrators to look at the importance of language and what it means to a white, American male growing up in the late 1990s. A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke is a page turner that examines the cult of celebrity and the inner workings of the theatre. Amy professes her love for the musical ensemble Brooklyn Duo and NPR meets true crime podcast Criminal.

Books discussed:
The Topeka School by Ben Lerner
A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke

Other resources:
Brooklyn Duo, musical ensemble
Criminal podcast with Phoebe Judge
favourite episodes:
Episode #15 He's Neutral
Episode #84 Masterpiece
Maudie, 2016 movie with Ethan Hawke available on Amazon Prime