Seinfeld Book Report

Donald zooms in on “The Red Dot,” the twelfth episode of season three. With extra special guest Nicole Brown, they talk about office romances, character inconsistencies, and learn about John D. MacDonald's novel, The Executioners, which inspired the Cape Fear movies.  Here are the books and/or authors discussed in this episode: Sylvia Plath Ted Hughes Entrances and Exits by Michael Richards

Donald checks out “The Library”, the fifth episode of season three. He chats about the pervy talent of Henry Miller, an important lesson from Kwame Dawes, and the only American institution that makes him feel a sense of patriotism.  Here are texts and authors discussed: Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller Tropic of Capricorn by Henry Miller The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen  Kwame Dawes Anaïs Nin

Donald boards “The Dog,” the fourth episode of season three. He takes a stab at discussing Stephen King's first foray into scary animals, and begins the search for Edward H. Murray and Yukon Joe. Donald also prattles a bit about life as an academic.  Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: Cujo by Stephen King On Writing by Stephen King Wanderer of the Wilderness, Yukon Joe by Edward H. Murray “Class is Canceled Until Further Notice While I Do My Job” by Laura McCullough

Donald searches “The Truth,” the second episode of season three. He reflects on the legacy of a really good book review by Thomas Carlyle and Kramer's appreciation for literary film adaptations. Donald also shares a few of his biggest fears.  Mister Miracle by Tom King  The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck Anton Chekhov Thomas Carlyle  The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

Donald heads into “The Baby Shower,” the tenth episode of season two. He asks what's the deal with Gwyneth Paltrow, discusses the paths taken by Robert Frost, and tries to make sense of Doctor Zhivago.  Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: HumanKind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman Marina Abramovic "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

Donald goes over “The Deal,”  the ninth episode of season two. He plumbs the depths of Aquaman's beginnings, highlights a really good day at an art gallery with William Butler Yeats, and unpacks the comics of Bazooka Joe bubble gum. Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: More Fun Comics #73 “The Municipal Gallery Revisited” by William Butler Yeats Bazooka Joe Comics

Donald goes through “The Heart Attack,”  the eighth episode of season two, exploring the origins of the incredible Hulk, speculating on the debut of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and gushing over the indelible Stephen Tobolowsky.  Check out the interview about the podcast at xraylitmag.com Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: Caylin Capra-Thomas Little Children by Tom Perrotta (2004) John Updike The Incredible Hulk #1 Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Joseph Campbell Stephen Tobolowsky (!!!)

Donald slides into the third episode of Seinfeld's second season, “The Jacket.”He talks about his love for art within the “Age of Anxiety.” He also rants about toxic masculinity, taking care of suede, and why he'll never give up hope on Kate Winslet & Leonardo DiCaprio coupling. Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (1862) Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates (1961) Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1962) The Age of Anxiety by W.H.Auden (1947) Symphony No. 2 : The Age of Anxiety by Leonard Bernstein “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper (1942) Stephen King Celeste Ng Kali White VanBaale

Donald Quist jumps into the first episode of Seinfeld's second season, “The Ex-Girlfriend.” He expounds on earlier comments about cognitive dissonance, talks about whaling and the excitement of imperfect novels, and gabs about the enduring popularity of self-help books in America.  Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling The Lottery by Shirley Jackson Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved by You? By Jordan & Margaret Paul, Ph.D Staying Well with the Gentle Art of Verbal Defense by Susan Haden Elgin, Ph.D I'm Okay, You're Okay by Thomas A. Harris, Ph.D Moby Dick by Herman Melville “How to Want Less” by Arthur C. Brooks (The Atlantic) Dhonielle Clayton

Donald Quist delves into the fifth episode of Seinfeld, “The Stock Tip.” He chats about the origins of Superman, reviews circulation stats for the New York Times, and shares thoughts on the romanticism of Vermont. Donald also reads poetry by Audre Lorde, and admits his aversion to B&Bs.  Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: The New York Times  The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon Action Comics #1 “Every Traveler Has One Vermont Poem” by Audre Lorde

Donald Quist looks at "The Robbery," the third episode of season one. He introduces a new segment for the podcast, expounds on his undying love for Elaine Benes, and discusses the introduction of prominent Batman villain, The Penguin. Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: Kwame Dawes Who Makes the Franchises? : Essays on Fandom and Wilderness Texts in Popular Media (edited by Rhonda Knight & Donald Quist Detective Comics #58 The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon Auto Trader (https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/may/07/auto-trader-print-edition-digital)

Donald Quist invites you to join him as he rewatches one of the best sitcoms of all time to make a list of its literary references, beginning with the series' second episode. While chatting about romance novels and auto magazines, Donald also explains why a podcast that's about a show that's about nothing might matter.  Here are the books and authors discussed in this episode: Who Makes the Franchises? : Essays on Fandom and Wilderness Texts in Popular Media (edited by Rhonda Knight & Donald Quist) Harlequin Romance Novels (from Harlequin Enterprises, a subsidiary of HarperCollins) Jessica Steele (British Romance Author) Nothing Lasts Forever by Sidney Sheldon Automotive News & Auto Trader