I am reading and enjoying "Turner: The Extraordinary Life and Momentous Times of J.M.W. Turner" by Franny Moyle as it is the 250th anniversary of that amazing painter's birth.
And it has NOTHING to do with modern times but does describe the times Turner lived in very well.
I've read a ton about US history and political culture dating back to uni, and thought I had a pretty good understanding of the Trump phenomenon. Haidt's Righteous Mind was a real eye-opener, my son Devin's recommendation. An excellent complementary book was recommended by an American we met in Newfoundland -- Colin Woodward's America Nations. I'm only halfway through but it's terrific. And especially relevant for Canadian readers as it covers the entire continent and how each of the 11 North American "nations" evolved. Easy read as well.
Perhaps my favourite Paul Wells pod. Awesome guests with the same passion for reading as I have. Knew some of them, added the others to my list. Reminds me a bit of a Mansbridge pod where he had people write in with a Canadian book everyone should read. We have some AMAZING writers in this country, current and past.
Based on one of your previous notes, I just finished The Chaos Machine by Max Fisher. It was an excellent, informative, and very disturbing read. Just launching into Chasing Shadows by Ronald Deibert, and looking forward to trying out some of the ones you list today.
This was astonishing! I was admittedly expecting a dog days of summer bull session (positive) and then it turned out to be one of the most legitimately moving things I’ve listened to in ages. Thank you!
Thanks so much for bringing in LMM, Shannon! Nothing girlie about it. I read the series while touring PEI with my family and loved it. Not every book was equally strong, but Anne and family provide easily accessible insight into Canada and our brave, companionable early Canadians. The anti-war novels are an important perspective.
This show nicely complements https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-canadian-authors-favourite-books/. Proudfoot reading Montgomery is the most poignant podcast moment of 2025 so far and will inspire me to finish the series. A minor quibble with her touting "What it Takes" by Richard Ben Cramer as the best book on U.S. politics; I prefer Robert Caro's "The Power Broker."
A book I'd highly recommend, especially for journalists, university professors, and political leaders is "On Democracies and Death Cults" Israel and the future of civilization by Douglas Murray. It shows the reality of the world.
Enjoyed thus books episode very much. Wondering if there would be an audience for a similar list of books in French. The guests could soeak about them in English. Some may have been translated to English as well. Perhaps Chantal Hébert, Martin Michaud (his books have been translated and are set in Mtl. Another Que authir, André Jacques has good mysteries/thrillers.
Wow. Paul, that was DELIGHTFUL! And it pleases me that two of my favourite authors were mentioned (John Irving, Robertson Davies).
You didn't mention which other Irving novel you read (my guesses: The World According to Garp? The Cider House Rules? The Hotel New Hampshire?).
Just a great idea for a podcast. And your guests offered thoughtful examples of worthy summer reading.
I'd like to make a suggestion of my own: Trevanian's novel, The Summer of Katya (Amazon has Don Winslow listed as the author, oddly - but, trust me; it's Trevanian).
The first John Irving I read was Garp. I think I saw the Robin Williams movie in elementary school, then found the book in the library when I got to high school, so I decided to dive in. I never read a third Irving novel, through no fault of his, but I liked those first two a lot.
That was a joy to listen to. Thank you.
I am reading and enjoying "Turner: The Extraordinary Life and Momentous Times of J.M.W. Turner" by Franny Moyle as it is the 250th anniversary of that amazing painter's birth.
And it has NOTHING to do with modern times but does describe the times Turner lived in very well.
Great idea Paul.
I've read a ton about US history and political culture dating back to uni, and thought I had a pretty good understanding of the Trump phenomenon. Haidt's Righteous Mind was a real eye-opener, my son Devin's recommendation. An excellent complementary book was recommended by an American we met in Newfoundland -- Colin Woodward's America Nations. I'm only halfway through but it's terrific. And especially relevant for Canadian readers as it covers the entire continent and how each of the 11 North American "nations" evolved. Easy read as well.
Perhaps my favourite Paul Wells pod. Awesome guests with the same passion for reading as I have. Knew some of them, added the others to my list. Reminds me a bit of a Mansbridge pod where he had people write in with a Canadian book everyone should read. We have some AMAZING writers in this country, current and past.
Based on one of your previous notes, I just finished The Chaos Machine by Max Fisher. It was an excellent, informative, and very disturbing read. Just launching into Chasing Shadows by Ronald Deibert, and looking forward to trying out some of the ones you list today.
This was astonishing! I was admittedly expecting a dog days of summer bull session (positive) and then it turned out to be one of the most legitimately moving things I’ve listened to in ages. Thank you!
Thanks so much for bringing in LMM, Shannon! Nothing girlie about it. I read the series while touring PEI with my family and loved it. Not every book was equally strong, but Anne and family provide easily accessible insight into Canada and our brave, companionable early Canadians. The anti-war novels are an important perspective.
This show nicely complements https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-canadian-authors-favourite-books/. Proudfoot reading Montgomery is the most poignant podcast moment of 2025 so far and will inspire me to finish the series. A minor quibble with her touting "What it Takes" by Richard Ben Cramer as the best book on U.S. politics; I prefer Robert Caro's "The Power Broker."
A book I'd highly recommend, especially for journalists, university professors, and political leaders is "On Democracies and Death Cults" Israel and the future of civilization by Douglas Murray. It shows the reality of the world.
Enjoyed thus books episode very much. Wondering if there would be an audience for a similar list of books in French. The guests could soeak about them in English. Some may have been translated to English as well. Perhaps Chantal Hébert, Martin Michaud (his books have been translated and are set in Mtl. Another Que authir, André Jacques has good mysteries/thrillers.
Wow. Paul, that was DELIGHTFUL! And it pleases me that two of my favourite authors were mentioned (John Irving, Robertson Davies).
You didn't mention which other Irving novel you read (my guesses: The World According to Garp? The Cider House Rules? The Hotel New Hampshire?).
Just a great idea for a podcast. And your guests offered thoughtful examples of worthy summer reading.
I'd like to make a suggestion of my own: Trevanian's novel, The Summer of Katya (Amazon has Don Winslow listed as the author, oddly - but, trust me; it's Trevanian).
I hope you do this again (soon!). Cheers.
The first John Irving I read was Garp. I think I saw the Robin Williams movie in elementary school, then found the book in the library when I got to high school, so I decided to dive in. I never read a third Irving novel, through no fault of his, but I liked those first two a lot.
I agree with Bill Day: this was my favourite Paul Wells podcast.