It could just be in my head but it’s the Elis James and John Robins podcast on BBC5 live. Producer Jess (think that’s her name, the female producer who’s been mainly on the isolation tapes) is in love with John.
off-topic but do you remember which episode this was? I’m in the market for some older recommendations and can’t be bothered to sift through all their old episodes!
No idea sorry! Off the top of my head (and a quick look at my goodreads!) these were on there:
I've no doubt that both of them are big readers, but agree that the quality of recommendations has decreased recently. I also remember a while ago (and sadly I can't recall which book or episode) they discussed a newly released book that I'd also read recently. I'd also seen a review of this book in a newspaper (written by a different journalist). I remember noting that the only extracts they referred to from the book were the same ones referred to in the review. It made me question if they actually fully read everything they discuss...
Not that my opinion is worth much but I’ll still give it. Americanah is worth the hype and everyone should check it out who hasn’t. Takes a small amount of commitment to get into but once you are, you’re hooked. That golden formula of a page turner with literary merit. The perspective on race in America still feels unique, even if there Is much more of a discussion on the wider topic then there was when this was written. It might even teach you something. Not said condescendingly, it taught me a hell of a lot.
I ordered it and its currently in my drawer! Give me a few days!
A friend of mine started to read it and couldn’t finish the first chapter. Said it’s not brilliantly written/rambling!
I noticed that she never mentioned their names herself on the podcast or on her Instagram and I haven’t seen her son’s name anywhere. Then when I saw the dedication in her book it seemed conspicuous that she’d just used their initials.
I see it now! I feel like an idiot
I read her essay The Authentic Lie and it was basically a lot of words that didn’t really say much. She seems to rely on other writers/researchers to back up points rather than making a solid thought or statement. I want to know HER opinions, not some wishy-washy summary of what everyone else has said.
Hmm sounds like the product of a 2:1 in a humanities degree from a red brick university. The inability to create a strong coherent argument despite clearly putting in work and offering plenty of sources and quotes from others is a mark of the mediocre undergraduate essay. Sounds like she still writes like she is one. I could be wrong. Curious to read one of her essays now.
I always find it strange when people re start smoking after having a child, you have (presumably) given up for 9 months why not continue?
This. And write a book! I think I vaguely remember her saying she'd had a bit of help but am I imagining that? She must have a nanny. Which I don't want to be judgey about as I think she has been relatively open about it. The thing that is a bit off though is she keeps banging on about the 'burden' that women have, things like buying kids' birthday cards, knowing where her daughter's hair bobbles are, booking dentist appointments, etc. To me that seems like a bit of a non-issue. I imagine if a shelf needs putting up on the wall her husband takes care of that? Seems like a pointless thing to complain about.
I just wonder if the nanny continued to be employed during lockdown as she seemed to be spinning a lot of plates without explanation.
