Book Gossip Podcast

In this episode we discuss the 2022 novel Saha by Cho Nam Ju . Then we dive into the inspiration behind the novel.Sources:Saha by Cho Nam-JuHell Joseon a.k.a. Hell Korearead://https_medium.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2Fnew-writers-welcome%2Fhell-joseon-a-k-a-hell-korea-186098d174b4

In this episode we discuss the 2020 novel Home Before Dark by Riley Sager. Then we dive into some “real” haunted stuff.Sources:Home Before Dark by Riley Sagerhttps://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/g22635979/real-life-haunted-house-stories/

In this episode Gabriela tells me about the documentary The Missing Children by Tanya Stephan.

In this episode we discuss the book Next by Michael Crichton and Gabriela gives us a taste of real life genetics drama.Sources:https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/04/04/1048829/he-jiankui-prison-free-crispr-babies/ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00512-w 

In this episode Gabriela explains the Netflix documentary Bad Vegan to me and we get my raw reaction.

In this episode we discussed the book Strangers in their own land: Anger and mourning on the American right by Arlie Russell Hochschild. Instagram: https://instagram.com/bookgossippodcast?utm_medium=copy_link 

In this episode we discuss the HBO documentary Baby God by Hannah Olsen.  We talked about how it took a dark turn and the ethics of Dr. Quincy Portier

In this episode we finish our discussion (rant) about The Coddling of the American Mind.Sources:The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt & Greg LukianoffAnti-Racist Pedagogy: Challenges Faced by Faculty of Color in Predominantly White Schools of NursingAn open letter: why I'm leaving the cult of wokeness by Africa BrookeLetter of quitting woke movement- Jordan Peterson Podcast

...Kind of. In this episode we talk about the Harry Potter 20th Reunion special.

In this episode we talk about the first half (or so) of The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt & Greg Lukianoff and share our favorite points, topics, and deep thoughts. We do ramble on in the beginning so if you're interested in skipping to the book discussion it's about 18 minutes in.

In this episode we watch and react to the 2009 film Coraline directed by Henry Selick and based on the novel by Neil Gaiman. 

In this episode we discuss the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil but John Berendt. Then we give a bit more information on the unique characters and Savannah, GA. We start the summary at about 15 minutes in, we were chatty today.Sources:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3168520.stmhttps://ghostcitytours.com/savannah/haunted-places/haunted-houses/mercer-williams-house/ 

In this episode we talk about the movie Suspiria. Due to a miscommunication Brandi watched the 1977 version and Gabriela watched the 2018 version, so you get both! Very high camp, high drama, and witches. It's going to be a good time.

In this episode we discuss the case of the kidnapping of Sally Horner, the case that supposedly inspired Lolita. Then Gabriela gives us some information on Vladimir Nabokov, the author of Lolita.Sources:https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/reading-the-first-throb-of-lolita/https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/vladimir-nabokov-butterfly-illustrator https://hazlitt.net/longreads/real-lolita 

In this episode we discuss The Gunslinger by Stephen King, the first book in his Dark Tower Series. We have our friend and fellow book club member Amanda joining us for this episode because she is a big Stephen King fan. Our plan is to sprinkle some King novels into the mix and have Amanda join us for those episodes so we can take advantage of her experience with his works. This is Gabriela's first King novel btw, I know, jumping in the deep end. Wish her luck!

In this episode we discuss the 1990 film Awakenings and share our thoughts and some things we thought were worth mentioning about the film and the illness experienced in it.Sources:Awakenings, 1990 filmLeslie A Hoffman, Joel A Vilensky, Encephalitis lethargica: 100 years after the epidemic, Brain, Volume 140, Issue 8, August 2017, Pages 2246–2251

 In this episode we discuss the 1985 novel Song of Kali by Dan Simmons. Then we dive into the societal problems discussed in the book. Sources:Song of Kali by Dan Simmonshttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1127056/The-real-Slumdog-Millionaires-Behind-cinema-fantasy-mafia-gangs-deliberately-crippling-children-profit.html https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/know/the-mafia-of-middle-class-convenience/article21694751.ece1 https://thewire.in/society/covid-19-lockdown-children-beggars-workers ​​https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads/calcutta-partition-70-years-india-pakistan-kushanava-choudhury-epic-city-84853

In this episode we watched the 2012 movie The Awakening and stopped every so often to record a summary as well as our reactions and thoughts. We tried to find a scary horror movie to discuss for our episode closest to Halloween. Enjoy!

In this episode we discuss the 2015 novel A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. Then, we dive into some cases of supposed real life possession.  Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/oct/18/head-full-of-ghosts-review-paul-tremblay-merry-meredith-barrett-marjorie-karen-brissette-possession https://www.grimdarkmagazine.com/review-a-head-full-of-ghosts-by-paul-tremblay/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2016/07/01/as-a-psychiatrist-i-diagnose-mental-illness-and-sometimes-demonic-possession/ https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a34226478/dr-richard-gallagher-demonic-possession-expert-isnt-trying-to-convince-you/ Diabolic Attacks, and the Paranormal By Richard Gallagher M.D.Demonic Foes: My Twenty-Five Years as a Psychiatrist Investigating Possessions, 

In this episode we discuss the 2015 film Crimson Peak by Guillermo del Toro and talk about our likes, dislikes, and what we found most creepy. There's also some advice about stranger danger and how to spot a murderer.

In this episode we discuss the book The Ruins by Scott Smith. Then we dive into some info about the real survival of a Uruguayan rugby team in the Andes mountains in 1972.Sources:The Ruins by Scott Smithhttps://www.outdoorlife.com/remarkable-survival-stories-lessons/ https://allthatsinteresting.com/survival-stories/2 

In this episode we discuss the film The Lair of the White Worm by Tim Russell. We followed suit with Pan's Labyrinth and just talked about this movie as we did the summary because it needs no elaboration.Sources:The Lair of the White Worm courtesy of Prime Videohttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095488/triviahttps://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/mar/28/the-lair-white-worm-ken-russell-my-guilty-pleasure

In this episode we discuss the film Pan's Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro. We don't have a specific dive for this episode, we take it scene by scene and discuss it as we go through the summary. Have fun, and watch the movie!Sources:Pan's Labyrinth, 2006 film by Guillermo del Toro compliments of Netflix

In this episode we recap the documentary, “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, the musical.”  Then we dive into the circumstances and people surrounding his escapades. There's also a brief visit to the final twilight movie around 1 hr and 2 minutes. Enjoy!Sources:“The Jinx: The life and deaths of Robert Durst”  a documentary by Andrew Jarecki on HBOhttps://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/24/arts/television/robert-durst-the-jinx.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/nyregion/a-durst-sibling-recounts-the-violent-ripples-below-a-charming-surface.html?_r=0 https://www.vulture.com/2015/04/robert-durst-biographer-jinx-factually-incorrect.html https://nypost.com/2020/03/06/robert-dursts-second-wife-should-be-charged-with-bigamy-lawyer-says/ https://www.vulture.com/2015/04/robert-dursts-all-good-things-dvd-commentary.html https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-12-31/robert-durst-admitted-cadaver-note-susan-berman-killing 

In this episode we discuss The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle  By Stuart Turton.  Then we dive into the life of Elizabeth Seaman, a female journalist who was brave enough to get admitted into an asylum on purpose!Sources :The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle  By Stuart Turton http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/nellie-blys-lessons-in-writing-what-you-want-to http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/bly/madhouse/madhouse.html 

In this mini episode we talk about the 2009 film Inglourious Basterds by Quentin Tarantino. Then we dive into some fun facts about the movie and the reasons why you should watch it if you haven't already.Sources:https://www.indiewire.com/2021/07/tarantino-refused-christoph-waltz-rehearse-basterds-cast-1234654322/ 

In this episode we discuss the book The Witch Elm by Tana French.  Then we dive into some details about the book and the real life murder mystery of Bella in the Wych Elm.Sources:https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/how-tana-french-inhabits-the-minds-of-her-detectives https://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk/news/16048176.face-bella-wych-elm-revealed-first-time-75-year-hagley-wood-murder-mystery-continues-intrigue/ https://strangeremains.com/2015/04/24/who-put-bella-down-the-wych-elm/ https://qz.com/quartzy/1469961/the-witch-elm-by-tana-french-is-about-the-failure-of-empathy

In this episode we talk about the 2015 film Tangerine, dive into some film trivia, and the rise and fall of the Hijras.Source: 2015 film Tangerine https://www.wired.com/2015/07/tangerine-iphone/ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/style/india-third-gender-hijras-transgender.html 

 In this episode we discuss the book In Five Years by Rebecca Serle. Then, we dive into our top points on why we did not like the book. 

In this mini episode we're covering the 2011 film La Piel Que Habito (The Skin I Live In). Then we dive into where transgender rights stand in different countries.Sources:La piel que habito 2011 film https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/03/19/really-high-hurdle/japans-abusive-transgender-legal-recognition-process# https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/sep/26/iran.gender https://transgenderlawcenter.org/equalitymap

In this episode we finish our recap of the book Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Then we dive into some topics surrounding intersex individuals and human rights.Sources:Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenideshttps://interactadvocates.org/faq/ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39780214 https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34290981

In this episode we discuss the first half of the book Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, and dive into some related history.Sources:https://origins.osu.edu/milestones/may-2019-greco-turkish-war-smyrna-sakarya-kemal-ottoman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Turkish_War_(1919–1922) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1139024/?page=2 https://timeline.com/the-tragic-story-of-the-hermaphrodite-who-puzzled-19th-century-france-702050cdd5b8 

In this mini episode we recap the short story 6-8 Black Men by David Sedaris and dive into how psychedelics played a part in the creation of Santa Claus. Sources:6-8 Black Men, short story from the book Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedarishttps://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/12/religion-as-a-product-of-psychotropic-drug-use/282484/ https://cswr.hds.harvard.edu/news/2021/02/12/video-psychedelics-ancient-religion-no-name https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331653731_Amanita_muscaria_The_Holy_Sacrament_of_the_Order_of_Melchizedek_Symbol_of_The_Resurrection_and_Cause_for_Christian_Redemption/link/5ff75490299bf140887d674b/download 

In this episode we talk about the book of short stories, There Once Lived A Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya. Then we dive into the author's life and literature.Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/09/books/review/girl-from-the-metropol-hotel-ludmilla-petrushevskaya.html https://www.bookforum.com/print/2305/a-fiction-writer-sprinkles-her-deprived-soviet-childhood-with-fairy-dust-17198 There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill her Neighbor's Baby: Scary Fairy TalesBy Ludmilla Petrushevskaya

In this episode we discuss the film The Woman in the Window and dive into the life of the ...eccentric author of the novel that the film is based on. Sources: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/02/11/a-suspense-novelists-trail-of-deceptions The Woman in the Window 2021 film directed by Joe Wright

In this episode we cover the novel The Miniaturist written by Jessie Burton. What we thought was going to be a bit of fantasy turned out to be a huge dose of reality. It was still a good read. For our dive this week we talk about the real life Petronella Brandt and how the VOC spent decades gaslighting the people of Indonesia.Sources:The Miniaturist by Jessie Burtonhttps://theconversation.com/hidden-women-of-history-petronella-oortman-and-her-giant-dolls-house-108248https://www.indonesia-investments.com/culture/politics/colonial-history/item178 

In this mini episode we talk about the 1995 film Se7en. We love a good theme and this rolls over nicely from I'll Be Gone in the Dark. Our dive this week is a bit more about the genetics of psychopathy and how they've come to recognize the traits in children. It's a tough topic but an interesting one.Sources:https://allthatsinteresting.com/sharon-huddle https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-06-28/closing-the-golden-state-killer-case-with-a-pending-confession-circus-atmosphere-and-a-bar-of-gold https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/serial-killers-1970s-2000s-murders-1121705/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/01/life-as-a-nonviolent-psychopath/282271/ 

This episode will be a little different. Instead of a basic summary of the book I'll Be Gone in the Dark, we will talk about the Golden State killer who is the serial rapist and murderer the book was written about. We also talk about the author, Michelle McNamara, who sadly passed away before the killer was caught. Then we dive into more details about the genetics of psychopathy and answer the age old question, why were there so many serial killers in the 70's and 80's?ALSO, we forgot to rate our book hangover so we'll let you know now….Brandi gave it a 3, I loved the book so much I spent days telling ppl about it.Sources:I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraMorbid: A True Crime Podcast, episode 1https://allthatsinteresting.com/sharon-huddle https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-06-28/closing-the-golden-state-killer-case-with-a-pending-confession-circus-atmosphere-and-a-bar-of-gold https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/serial-killers-1970s-2000s-murders-1121705/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/01/life-as-a-nonviolent-psychopath/282271/ 

Today we're switching it up and delivering a mini episode again. We weren't 100% satisfied with our material for the full episode on I'll Be Gone in the Dark so we came up with something different. Since our IG manager, aka Gabriela's sister Vanessa, just passed her citizenship test (YAY! Congratulations) we had her ask her study questions and we gave our best answers. You can be the judge of whether or not we would have passed and see how you do yourself. Good luck.

In this episode we discuss the customs surrounding death for different cultures, and we talk about Death with Dignity laws.Sources:https://matadornetwork.com/read/death-rituals-around-world/ https://www.britannica.com/list/7-unique-burial-rituals-across-the-world Death with Dignity Acts - States That Allow Assisted Deathhttps://deathwithdignity.org/learn/death-with-dignity-acts/Death With Dignity in Rhode Island | Nolohttps://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/rhode-island-s-lila-manfield-sapinsley-compassionate-care-act.html

 In this episode we talk about the book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande and talk about our opinions and experiences related to the topics in the book. Sources:Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

In this episode we recap our viewing of Interview with the Vampire and dive into the Children of God cult. We almost didn't make it back up for air. This one was deep.Sources:http://vamped.org/2014/11/11/20-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-interview-with-the-vampire-movie-pt-1/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a29374581/children-of-god-cult-joaquin-phoenix-rose-mcgowan/https://timeline.com/children-of-god-5245a45f6a2ahttps://pubs.xfamily.org/text.php?t=3059 Netflix Documentary: Children of Godhttps://reelrundown.com/movies/Interview-With-The-Vampire-is-Actually-About-Domestic-Life

In this episode we discuss Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk and dive into Beauty Ideals in society.Sources: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/quest/towards-a-better-society/beauty.aspx http://www.jpe.ox.ac.uk/papers/the-neglected-harms-of-beauty-beyond-engaging-individuals/ 

In this mini episode we recap our viewing of the 2015 film Suffragettes and dive into the lives of the women the movie is based on.Sources:Suffragette 2015 filmhttps://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/electionsvoting/womenvote/overview/startsuffragette-/ https://www.biography.com/news/suffragette-movie-history https://spartacus-educational.com/Wfreedom.htm 

In this episode we discuss the book Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Then we dive into survivalist culture and cults. Do you prep?Sources: Station 11 by Emily St. John Mendelhttps://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/it-cult-or-new-religious-movementZablocki, Benjamin David; Robbins, Thomas (2001). Misunderstanding Cults: Searching for Objectivity in a Controversial Field.  Richardson, James T. 1993. "Definitions of Cult: From Sociological-Technical to Popular-Negative." Review of Religious Research https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survivalism 

In this mini episode we discuss the 2013 film Night Train to Lisbon and dive into the history of the Carnation Revolution.Sources:Night Train to Lisbon, 2013 filmWHY APRIL 25TH IS A HOLIDAY - THE CARNATION REVOLUTION AND THE EVENTS OF 1974, 24 April 2019Antonio Salazar: A Quiet Autocrat Who Held Power in Portugal for 40 YearsBy Alden Whitman, July 28, 1970https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estado_Novo_(Portugal)

In this episode we discuss select tales from the book This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay. We share some of our own similar stories from working in healthcare. Then we dive into the NHS and what motivated Kay to write the book. Sources:This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay“NHS junior doctors to stage five consecutive days of strikes in September”Written by Haroon Siddique published on 31 Aug 2016https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/31/bma-announces-further-strikes-junior-doctors

In this mini episode we talk about the 2020 Hulu film Shirley and we dive a little into the life of Shirley Jackson.Sources:https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/17/the-haunted-mind-of-shirley-jackson Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life (2016) By Ruth Franklin Shirley, 2020 film

In this episode we discuss The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Then we dive into haunted locations and some haunted whipping. Sources: https://www.insider.com/most-haunted-places-america-2017-10  https://www.thespruce.com/oleander-2681587The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley JacksonShirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life (2016) By Ruth Franklin 

This mini episode covers the film The Joy Luck Club based on the novel of the same name by Amy Tan. Afterwards we dive into an interesting and influential legal case involving arranged marriage. Source:Publisher: Cambridge University PressDOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781316563021.003

In this episode we discuss the novel Snow Flower and The Secret Fan by Lisa See.  Then we dive into wedding rituals and the Tinder of 1984. Sources:https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=8966942&sc=emafhttps://listverse.com/2017/10/25/10-bizarre-facts-about-lotus-feet/ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/sdu-singles-singapore-dating-total-fertility-rate-marriage-10839312 Book Recommendations by Ayaan Hirsi Ali : -Heretic: Why Islam Needs a Reformation Now -Prey: Immigration, Islam, and the Erosion of Women's Rights