The Three Percent Podcast is a weekly(ish) conversation about new books, the publishing scene, international literature in translation, and many other random rants and raves. Chad W. Post of Open Letter Books and Tom Roberge of New Directions and Albertine Bookstore keep things irreverent, informed,…
Listeners of Three Percent Podcast that love the show mention: translation, publishing industry, literary, blunt, opinionated, international, authors, literature, books, one of my favorite podcasts, opinions, funny, like, great, listening, love, three percent podcast, chad and tom.
The Three Percent Podcast is a remarkable show that caters to those with an interest in literature in translation and also enjoys delving into the juicy gossip surrounding literary figures. With its cool music and wide-ranging discussions, this podcast successfully combines these two elements, making it a unique and satisfying listen for literature enthusiasts.
One of the best aspects of The Three Percent Podcast is its dedication to showcasing international authors and their translators. The hosts make a point of discussing not only the next great international authors but also the talented translators who bring their works to the English-speaking world. This focus on translation helps to broaden listeners' horizons and introduces them to a plethora of new voices from around the globe. Furthermore, the podcast stands out by actively featuring more women authors than many other sources, which is commendable and essential for promoting gender diversity in literature.
The passion exhibited by the hosts throughout each episode is contagious. Their enthusiasm for literature in translation, evident from their choice of podcast name (referring to the average percentage of books in translation published annually in English), shines through their intelligent and informed commentary. They offer valuable insights into world literatures, providing an essential atlas for literature lovers seeking new reading material. The hosts' deep knowledge and love for international literature make for engaging discussions that are both enlightening and enjoyable.
On the flip side, one potential downside of this podcast could be its occasionally opinionated nature. While opinions are important in any discussion-based show, there may be instances where listeners feel that certain viewpoints are presented without sufficient consideration or objectivity. However, this can be seen as part of the podcast's charm, as it encourages lively debate among listeners.
In conclusion, The Three Percent Podcast is a brilliant and witty show that offers unique perspectives on international literature while entertaining listeners with engaging conversations about writers and books worth knowing about. The hosts bring an honest yet humorous approach to their discussions, ensuring that each episode is both enjoyable and enlightening. For those who appreciate literature in translation and are looking for recommendations of new and exciting books, this podcast is an essential listen. Despite the occasional strong opinions expressed, The Three Percent Podcast remains one of the best literary podcasts available, providing a valuable platform for exploring the vast world of great reading made available through translation.
Carmen Boullosa joined Chad and Brian this week to talk about The Book of Anna, memories of watching baseball, why she (today) supports Karenin and thinks Anna K made a mistake with Vronsky, the origin and structure of the novel, her system of having a book in the queue before the previous one is published, and much more. And, at the very end, the book for Season 13—coming Wednesday, September 9th—is revealed! More information about the actual schedule will be available next week. This week's music lacks an Anna reference, but is maybe an allusion to Anna and Vronksy . . . It's "Be as Good as You Want to Be" by Boat. If you'd prefer to watch the conversation, you can find it on YouTube along with all our past episodes. Next week we'll discuss part four, “Finale” (pgs 162-End) with Carmen Boullosa herself. You can watch it live next Wednesday, August 19th. Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood for random thoughts and information about upcoming guests. Be sure to order Brian's book, Joytime Killbox, which is now officially available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions. You can also support this podcast and all of Open Letter's activities by making a tax-deductible donation through the University of Rochester.
Translator and Words Without Borders co-founder Samantha Schnee joined Chad and Brian this week to talk about Anna's "opium-fueled" fairy tale that was referenced in passing in Anna Karenina, and a centerpiece of Boullosa's "sequel." A lively conversation about language, various Tolstoy translations, the book's origin, ways to interpret the fairy tale, and much more. This week's musical Anna reference comes from Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea." And again, if you want to help pick from the four finalists for season 13 (Zone, Vernon Subutex, Ada, or Ardor, Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming), fill out this survey. Thanks in advance! If you'd prefer to watch the conversation, you can find it on YouTube along with all our past episodes. Next week we'll discuss part four, “Finale” (pgs 162-End) with Carmen Boullosa herself. You can watch it live next Wednesday, August 19th. Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood for random thoughts and information about upcoming guests. Be sure to order Brian's book, Joytime Killbox, which is now officially available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions. You can also support this podcast and all of Open Letter's activities by making a tax-deductible donation through the University of Rochester.
The final part of season 12 kicks off with Chad and Brian discussing the first part of Carmen Boullosa's The Book of Anna, translated from the Spanish by Samantha Schnee and published by Coffee House. Chad gives a brief recap of Leo Tolstoy's novella, Anna Karenina, then they discuss how and what type of sequel this is, get into the two different storylines—revolution and Anna's children—and end with a discussion of the metafictional elements and the way in which this book plays off of Nabokov's Bend Sinister. This week's Anna song is "Anna" by Will Butler. (The video for which stars Emma Stone.) If you'd prefer to watch the conversation, you can find it on YouTube along with all our past episodes. Next week we'll discuss part two, “Bloody Sunday” (pgs 74-98). You can watch it live next Wednesday, July 29nd. Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood for random thoughts and information about upcoming guests. Be sure to order Brian's book, Joytime Killbox, which is now officially available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions. You can also support this podcast and all of Open Letter's activities by making a tax-deductible donation through the University of Rochester.
Katie Whittemore joins on this episode to refute a list of crazy fan theories about Four by Four, and to talk about the difficulties of translating a book in which there's really no where to hide. Chad also shares some new, bad, jacket copy, and makes a pitch for one of Katie's next books to come out: World's Best Mother by Nuria Labari. Very fun, loose, enjoyable episode putting to bed a book that is, ultimately, quite unnerving. This week's musical four-by-four reference is from Malibu Ken in his appropriately creepy "Acid King." If you'd prefer to watch the conversation, you can find it on YouTube along with all our past episodes. Next week we'll move on to The Book of Anna by Carmen Boullosa and Samantha Schnee. Get your copy today! We'll discuss part one, “Anna’s Sergei and Anya’s City” (pgs 1-73), next Wednesday, July 22nd, and you can watch live here. Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood for random thoughts and information about upcoming guests. Be sure to order Brian's book, Joytime Killbox, which is now officially available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions. And you can get 20% off Four by Four by using the code 2MONTH at checkout. (Offer only good in the U.S., since we can't ship overseas, but to be honest, we can't ship right now! Order it from Bookshop.org.) You can also support this podcast and all of Open Letter's activities by making a tax-deductible donation through the University of Rochester.
ALTA executive director and Arabic translator (Minor Detail), Lissie Jaquette joined Chad and Brian to talk about Bedragare's breakdown and all the events in the second half of his journal. They also wonder what the "mystery" of the novel is, and talk about various (possibly nutty) theories about who killed Lux and Ledesma. All of this sets up next week's episode in which—according to Chad—the real will be explained . . . It's amazing how much questionable music there is that includes a reference to a "4x4." This week's is a little ditty by Hardy that includes this lyric, "Them good old boys been feeling macho / In that quatro wheel drive." Hell yeah! If you'd prefer to watch the conversation, you can find it on YouTube along with all our past episodes. The next broadcast will be on July 15th. We'll be talking about the final section of Four by Four, which is available in bookstores everywhere. (And as an audiobook via Tantor Media!) After next week's episode, we'll move on to The Book of Anna by Carmen Boullosa and Samantha Schnee. Get your copy today! Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood for random thoughts and information about upcoming guests. Be sure to order Brian's book, Joytime Killbox, which is now officially available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions. And you can get 20% off Four by Four by using the code 2MONTH at checkout. (Offer only good in the U.S., since we can't ship overseas, but to be honest, we can't ship right now! Order it from Bookshop.org.) You can also support this podcast and all of Open Letter's activities by making a tax-deductible donation through the University of Rochester.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
