Bookbabble Episode 21: Judging a president by the cover. The 2008 US Presidential Candidates’ Reading Lists. Recorded 9 Oct 2008 Babblers: Bjorn, Gem, Donny Synopsis:
Listen to three non-Americans talk American politics based on their book picks! It was tough staying on topic for this one, but the babblers talked about the 2008 US Presidential candidates’ supposed reading lists. Both Obama and McCain plus their VP picks get picked on (although I know you know who got picked on a little more than the others), while vociferously declaring our unbiased evaluations. Also, Nobel Prize for Literature, and Bjorn’s wildcard pick for this prestigious recognition.
Bookbabble Episode 15: Books and Sex - Between the Sheets, Baby!
Recorded 7 August 2008 Babblers: Gem, Bjorn, Donny Synopsis:
The babblers talk about what goes on between the sheets - bookwise, that is. Is sex merely a gimmick? What books won’t work without the sex, and why? Also, Nostradamus is wrong again (simply by virtue of posting this episode late, we have irrefutable proof) and the screwing of the Taming of the Screw.
Bookbabble Episode 14: Holy Good-Graphic-Novels, Batman! Recorded 23 July 2008 Babblers: Gem, Lars, Donny Synopsis:
Are graphic novels worth reading? The babblers discuss the popular medium that is more often maligned and misunderstood, and makes it understandable to all. Well, we tried, anyway. Lots of recommendations for first time readers, and for those who’d like to try something new. Also, Gem still doesn’t like what she sees on top of the book charts, and Wikipedia to be published?
Show Length: 53:40 mins
Recommendations from Scott Saavedra:
Midnight Sun Graphic Novel, Ben Towle
Zombies Calling, Faith Erin Hicks
Paris Collection, Andi Watson and Simon Gane
Bookbabble Episode 13: Jason vs Dracula! Recorded 16 July 2008 Babblers: Gem, Bjorn, Donny Synopsis: To commemorate Episode 13, the babblers made horror and superstition as a theme for today’s show. Didn’t eventually talk about superstition, but plenty of horror movie talk, horror-related reads and some recommendations. Also, terrifying developments on Nicole Ritchie’s new book, Bjorn’s thoughts on the terrifying Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris, and is there such a thing as a soul?
Show Length: 58:38 mins
Special Note: Look up the reference to The Big Lebowski yourself!
Bookbabble Episode 12: Collective Human Knowledge Gone Wilde!
Recorded 5 July 2008 Babblers: Lars, Gem, Katherine, Donny, with special guest Renee Wallace Synopsis:
The babblers are joined by a special guest, Renee Wallace, more popularly known as Irene Wilde, in a discussion about the collective knowledge that is captured in books, and how we are accessing this store of information and knowledge and whether it is being accessed at all. Also, the wonderful story of the Christmas Truce, serialized story by Benjamin Black (aka John Banville), and Internet book catalog sites.
Bookbabble Episode 11: Helping Ourselves To The Secret Recorded 25 June 2008 Babblers: Lars, Gem, Katherine, Donny
Synopsis: The group talks about self-help books, and whether they are more stink than substance. Lars braved the entirely of The Secret and gives a brilliant summary - in all of 5 seconds (nobody was counting, anyway). Others in the discussion include diet books, art of being happy, tools for communications, etc. Also, Donny highlights a software tool for poets.
Bookbabble Episode 10: Bad Leeks
Recorded 18 June 2008 Babblers: Bjorn, Lars, Gem, Donny Synopsis:
The group talks about award-winning books that seem to fall short of the expectations that follows recognition, why it’s not as easy as it seems (at least to us). Find out why Bjorn loves leek so much, just before he explains his love for Pynchon. Also, a quick update from our resident Harry Potter correspondent, Amazon sanctions authors, Lars’s quick discussion on Who Speaks for Islam by John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed, and Bjorn’s masterful treatment of a classic Swedish poem.
Show Length: 59:29 mins Special Note: Hmm… let’s see… I forgot to chip in when everyone else said f**k. I’ve got to take note of that. Also, Lars mentioned this mysterious entity called ‘Beer Good’. That refers to Bjorn. Long story.
Bookbabble Episode 9: Iamb What Iamb - The Iambic Pentametre, that is.
Recorded 13 June 2008 Babblers: Lars, Gem, Donny Synopsis:
The babblers talk poems! An incredibly well-thought out podcast, filled with deliberate ponderings and critical analysis of the artform this episode is most certainly NOT. Favourite poems get recited, emotions and thoughts that accompany them are shared. Tidbits include a syair recital, a cheeky piece by Lars, serious one by Gem, an original by Donny, and a poetry textbook by Stephen Fry. Also, the guys bring exciting ebook news to diehard ebook fan Gem.
Show Length: 45:24 mins Special Note: Delicate ears should not listen at 2 points in the podcast, at the 42nd and 44th second mark.
Sorry for the horrendous delay. Kat would be very anxious for her debut right about now.
Bookbabble Episode 8: What you thought you knew about reading… is probably right. Recorded 5 June 2008 Babblers: Bjorn, Lars, Gem, Donny, with special guest Katherine! Synopsis:
Bookbabble has a guest! The babblers are joined by a fellow bookworm Katherine aka Pontalba from New Orleans, as they all mull about how we experience the process that is book reading. We took a little time to talk about a Nabokov fan’s view about The Original of Laura, a little about the new Bond novel, and dish a little dirt on book forums.
Bookbabble Episode 7: And the cry rang out all around the town, Good Heavens the Tay Bridge has blown down!
Recorded 29 May 2008 Babblers: Bjorn, Lars, Gem, Donny Synopsis:
The babblers ramble on about works that are influenced by other people’s works, under what circumstances would it be allowed and how much of it is acceptable? Quite a few books were mentioned that builds on existing and established literature, premises and explores interesting mashups. Also discussed are why writers should have a will, impatience with George RR Martin and having some fun at the expense of apparently the worse poet ever.
Note:
There are a couple of places where the audio breaks a little for a few seconds, so take note and press on. The quality returns to normal shortly after.
