Comedy
In this episode we once again cover a wide variety of topics with our books, ranging from what to do (and not do) when pregnant, a look at Hollywood through the eyes of a contemporary novelist, and finally the end of WWI and the creation of the modern middle east. First up is comedian and recent mother Laura Mannino, who brings us the fascinating and controversial pregnancy guide ‘Expecting Better’, by Emily Oster, which attempts to make sense of the mountains of conflicting and often confusing advice heaped on soon-to-be mothers. Next up, comedian and podcaster Scott Boxenbaum brings us a terrific new addition to one of my favorite sub-genres, the “Hollywood Novel”, with his recommendation of ‘American Dream Machine’ by Matthew Specktor. To top it off, Steve Benaquist brings us the incredibly informative and fascinating ‘A Peace To End All Peace’ by David Fromkin, which sheds new light on a centuries old problem that still haunts us today. At once a history book and a story of contemporary politics, this book is simply a must-read for anyone interested in how the modern political world works and how it got that way. It’s heady stuff, but as usual, we make it fun! Give it a listen! Steve Benaquist "A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of the Modern Middle East” by David Fromkin. - Holt Publishing - ISBN - 10: 0-8050-8809-1 Scott Boxenbaum American Dream Machine - Novel - Matthew Specktor - Tin House Books - ISBN - 978-1-935639-44-2 Laura Mannino "Expecting Better” - By Emily Oster - Penguin 2013 - ISBN - 978-1-59420-475-3