The Novel Tea

Shruti and Neha discuss The Humans by Matt Haig, a novel that is dressed up as science fiction, but is really about learning to love life. We talk about reading the right book at the right time, science fiction's relationship to colonialism, and bigger questions about the way we live today. We also wonder if there is a such thing as self-help fiction.Shelf Discovery:An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed YongThe Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith EgerSpeak by Laurie Halse AndersonThe Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen ChboskySpoilers start at 22:20Content warning: suicide, mental healthIf you would like to hear more in-depth literary analysis, curated book recommendations, and cultural commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission (which helps support our work) at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fun bonus episode, Shruti and Neha dive into everything mythology-related, including: what are myths? Why are Greek mythology retellings so popular, and is that problematic? Does mythology still exist today?We talk about all this and more, referencing The Hero's Journey, Joseph Campbell, and world mythologies.*Spoilers for American Gods between 20:50-21:10Books Mentioned:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK RowlingAmerican Gods by Neil GaimanThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Penelopiad by Margaret AtwoodCirce by Madeline MillerClytemnestra by Costanza CasatiKaikeyi by Vaishnavi PatelIf you would like to hear more in-depth literary analysis, curated book recommendations, and cultural commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission (which helps support our work) at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Note: this episode was recorded and published before the information on Gaiman's exploitation and abuse of women was made public. We do not support the author financially or otherwise - but we do believe in the importance of discussing art and literature, so are choosing to leave this episode available to all.In this episode Neha and Shruti tackle one of the living titans of speculative fiction: Neil Gaiman. We discuss American Gods through the themes of deception and survival, tracking the characters through the story as we ponder stories of immigration, faith, and disillusionment. We also talk about the importance of reading challenging novels and taking our time with certain books.Spoilers for the ending start at 21:50.Content warning: the book contains references to historical violence against Black people, which we discuss 22:30-24:00.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary analysis, curated book recommendations, and cultural commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter.Shelf DiscoveryThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoHis Dark Materials by Philip PullmanWe love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission (which helps support our work) at no additional cost to you.*When talking about carousels, Neha mistakenly mentions The Book Thief - she actually was referring to The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Shruti and Neha discuss one of Margaret Atwood's lesser known works, The Penelopiad - a retelling of The Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope, and the twelve hanged maids. Even if you haven't read the book, we think there's a lot you'll enjoy in this episode!We consider the themes of justice and persuasion as we talk about modern feminism (and the #MeToo movement), how myths evolve, and trends in mythology retellings. We also talk about Atwood's character portrayals and narrative choices, and how they impacted our reading experience. If you would like to hear more in-depth literary analysis, curated book recommendations, and cultural commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter.Books Mentioned in Shelf Discovery:The Greek Myths by Robert GravesThe Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodCirce by Madeline MillerClytemnestra by Costanza CasatiWe love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission (which helps support our work) at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neha and Shruti discuss The Secret History, a book that has gained a cult following in the last few decades - and as we discuss the book, we start to see why. We talk about the characters, the atmospheric setting, and how Tartt brilliantly creates and sustains tension. We also provide some background for the book's classical allusions, and share all our theories about the book's shocking climax. And as always, we provide recommendations in our Shelf Discovery segment for books to read next if you loved The Secret History, based on the aspect of the novel that you loved most.What is the significance of the line 'Beauty is terror'? Which character functions as a cult leader? What is dark academia? You'll find all this and more in this episode. True spoilers start at 19:20If you would like to hear more in-depth literary analysis, curated book recommendations, and cultural commentary, you can also subscribe to our free newsletter.Books Mentioned & Shelf Discovery:Wuthering Heights by Emily BrontëPassing by Nella LarsenThe Starless Sea by Erin MorgensternThe Idiot by Elif BatumanEither/Or by Elif BatumanBabel by R.F. KuangMy Cousin Rachel by Daphne du MaurierEuphoria by Lily KingThe Shining by Stephen KingNinth House by Leigh BardugoLinks:Once Upon a Time... at Bennington College*We mistakenly stated that Icarus is a god; Icarus in Greek mythology is the son of a craftsman.We love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]. This episode description contains links to Bookshop.org, a website that supports independent bookstores. If you use these links we may earn a small commission (which helps support our work) at no additional cost to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Shruti and Neha invite some special guests to talk about books: Chelsey and Sara of Novel Pairings! We talk all about reading carefully and deeply, public scholarship, and tools to help sharpen your analytic lens. Along the way, we talk about some of our childhood favorites, trends in literature, high school English classes, and more!Listen to Novel Pairings, follow them on Instagram, and visit their Patreon for extra classes.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, you can also subscribe to our free newsletter.Selected Books and Other Works Mentioned:Witch Please PodcastDolls of Our Lives PodcastCulture Study by Anne Helen Peterson: Newsletter and PodcastCraft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew SalessesA Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George SaundersWilder PodcastThe Bee Sting by Paul MurrayThe Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBridePassing by Nella LarsenThe Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniSo Late in the Day by Claire KeeganThe Guide by R.K. NarayanSelected Poems by Rabindranath TagoreWe love hearing from our listeners! You can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back, and we're so excited to delve into the worlds of speculative fiction with you all! In this episode, we share the theme we'll be reading through for the next few months: Other Worlds.We talk about the books we'll be reading for the next few months, including important background about these works and their authors, and why we picked them. If you love fantasy, science fiction, supernatural, and dystopian fiction, then this season is for you! And if these aren't your preferred genres, but you're looking to expand your reading horizons this year, then we think you'll like this season too.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free email newsletter.Books mentioned:The Secret History by Donna TarttPenelopiad by Margaret AtwoodAmerican Gods by Neil GaimanThe Humans by Matt HaigThe Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le GuinFledgling by Octavia ButlerShadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafonSea of Tranquility by Emily St. John MandelPiranesi by Susanna ClarkeWe love to hear from listeners about the books we discuss - you can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Shruti and Neha share the most popular books they've in 2023, including Bookstagram favorites, award-winners, and Tik Tok darlings from the past few years. We summarize the books and give our honest opinions on whether or not these books were worth the hype - and for the books we didn't like, we give some recommendations for books that we thought were better.Listen in to find out if these books are worth reading - and if you loved a book that we hated (or vice versa), tell us why we're wrong! You can connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter.Books and Articles Mentioned:Normal People by Sally RooneyConversations with Friends by Sally RooneyThe Idiot by Elif BatumanShadow and Bone by Leigh BardugoNinth House by Leigh BardugoA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J MaasGirls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa BashardoustThe Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. SchwabBook Lovers by Emily HenryI've Got Your Number by Sophie KinsellaWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensVictory City by Salman RushdieDaisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidBabel: An Arcane History by R.F. KuangYellowface by R.F. KuangMilk and Honey by Rupi KaurDead Stars by Ada LimónTrust by Hernan DiazNYT Review of Trust by Hernan Diaz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this (mostly) spoiler-free* episode, Neha and Shruti reflect on the experience of reading books from around the world. We zoom out and talk on a broad level about narrative voice, villainy, disability representation and its portrayal in literature, and post-colonial writing. We also do a deep dive into trauma narratives - why are they so popular nowadays? What stories are being promoted, and how does this limit the stories being told by authors of color?We had so much to say on these topics, that we just couldn't get to all of it in the episode! We decided to continue the discussion in our upcoming email newsletter - subscribe for free to join the conversation. You can also connect with us on Instagram, or email us at [email protected].*We mention some minor plot points for The Murmur of Bees, Fruit of the Drunken Tree, and Pachinko (10:26-12:05), but we don't think these spoil the story in a significant way. Still, if you prefer to read books without any prior knowledge, make sure to check out these books before you listen to this episode!Links:The Case Against the Trauma Plot by Parul Sehgal in the New YorkerBooks mentioned:Illness as Metaphor by Susan SontagTess of D'Urbervilles by Thomas HardyThe Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne BronteI'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdyRegarding the Pain of Others by Susan SontagLetters to a Writer of Color edited by Deepa Anappara and Taymour SoomroLike Water for Chocolate by Laura EsquivelSea Monsters by Chloe AridjisThe Bone People by Keri HulmeCry, the Beloved Country by Alan PatonBeasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Neha and Shruti talk about the Booker prize winning novel The Luminaries, by Eleanor Catton. We discuss the characters, the structure of the book, what we want out of long books, and why we should maybe be wary of literary prizes. Whether you loved this book or hated it, there's something for everyone in this discussion!If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] Discovery:The Luminaries by Eleanor CattonShruti - The Woman in White by Wilkie CollinsNeha - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCollough Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: NSFW because this book was very, very weird. Shruti and Neha talk about fate and destiny, Freud, and the spiritual realm, and also throw some shade on the book’s flat and uninspired female characters.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]:Mieko Kawakami interviews Murakami about his female charactersShelf Discovery:Kafka on the Shore by Haruki MurakamiNeha - Norwegian Wood by Haruki MurakamiShruti - The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster; The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy*Content warning: this episode contains references to incest and rape as they appear in the book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had so much to say about Pachinko that we had to record a part 2! Joining us on this episode are special guests Marvin and Reera from Books & Boba. We talk to them about their podcast and mission, and get to hear more about Asian diaspora stories and their impact.  In continuing our discussion on Pachinko, we talk about themes of wealth and opportunity, generational trauma, and relate these to some of our own family’s struggles. We talk more about Min Jin Lee’s process in writing this book, and we also share our unfiltered opinions on the Apple TV adaptation. Books mentioned:Straw Dogs of the Universe by Ye ChunBanyan Moon by Thao ThaiSorcerer of the Crown by Zen ChoThe Magical Language of Others by E.J. KohIf you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for part 1 of our discussion on Min Jin Lee's best-selling novel Pachinko, a sweeping family saga that chronicles several generations of a Korean family living in Japan. In this episode, Neha and Shruti explore themes of pride and virtue, and dissect the complex web of characters that surround Sunja, the book's protagonist. What do these characters have to sacrifice to survive in their world? How do their aspirations shape their identities and influence their relationships?We talk about the book's cultural significance, narrative depth, and emotional impact, and at the end, as in all our episodes, we rate the book, and ask whether this book will be considered a classic in the years to come.Shelf Discovery:Pachinko by Min Jin LeeNeha - The Namesake by Jhumpa LahiriShruti - Daughter of Fortune by Isabel AllendeIf you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected].*Note: Neha had a small issue with her audio recording, so if it sounds a bit fuzzy, that's why - we are working on fixing the issue so all future episodes have crisp and clear sound! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this comprehensive, full-exposure, no-holds-barred* bonus episode, Neha and Shruti dive deep into the Mahabharat, starting out with its history, versions and adaptations, and of course, an in-depth discussion of the story and some key plot points with reference to The Palace of Illusions and The Great Indian Novels (our two selections for India). We discuss the concept of free will, feminism throughout history, Dalit stories and contributions, and expressions of gender identity in mythologic stories.*We say this in jest, because Neha and Shruti are not in any way experts on Hindu scripture, South Asian history, or literature. However, we did do a lot of research, and we are passionate to share our love for this story with you all!If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] and Adaptations Mentioned:Mahabharata by C. RajagopalachariMahabharata: a Modern Retelling by Carole SatyamurtiThe Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic by RK NarayanMahabharat (1980-1988) a television series originally on DoordarshanMahabharat (2013) a television series originally on Star Plus, now streaming on HuluThe Bhagavad GitaArjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince by Anuja ChandramouliKarna's Wife: The Outcast's Queen by Kavita KaneThe Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniSita: A Tale of Ancient Love by Bhanumathi Narasimhan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this expansive debut novel by Shashi Tharoor, the characters and stories of the Mahabharat are transposed onto the Indian independence movement. Shruti and Neha start off with a detailed breakdown of who's who, the setting, and historical references. We then dive into the story, its allusions, the satire, and Tharoor's writing style. And of course, this episode wouldn't be complete unless we spilled the tea - and the tea is piping hot! We talk all about the controversy surrounding Shashi Tharoor, including the IPL scandal, and the death of his wife.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] Discovery:The Great Indian Novel by Shashi TharoorNeha - The Humans by Matt HaigShruti - none Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Combining myth, history, fantasy, and philosophy, The Palace of Illusions tells the story of Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas, in a retelling of the Indian epic the Mahabharat. Neha and Shruti discuss the themes of appearances, feminism, and assertiveness in the various characters, while digging in to the plot.We also get to chat with our first podcast guest! Mishika is a co-founder of Brown Girl Bookshelf, a platform that celebrates South Asian writers and literature. She tells us about Divakaruni's latest novel, Independence, and we just had so much fun talking with her about books, reading, and life!Shelf Discovery and Other Books MentionedThe Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniThe Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniThe Twentieth Wife by Indu SundaresanKaikeyi by Vaishnavi PatelIndependence by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniThe Nightingale by Kristin HannahThe Parted Earth by Anjali EnjetiThe Daughters of Madurai by Rajasree VariyarIf you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Half of a Yellow Sun, award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie chronicles the years leading up to the Nigerian Biafran war in the 1960s through the eyes of three main characters. Neha and Shruti explore the interactions between households and families in a time of immense political upheaval. We discuss the impact of the book, and more broadly, how these stories are told and how we interact with these texts.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] Discovery:Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieShruti - Cutting for Stone by Abraham VergheseNeha - Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo, and Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi*Content warning: physical violence, sexual assault Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stolen, by Ann-Helén Laestadius, is a mystery, thriller, coming-of-age story that completely captured our hearts. Shruti and Neha discuss some of the contextual elements of the book, discuss the theme of silence, and of course, break down the shocking ending! They also talk about themes of belonging, alienation, youth, the patriarchy, and mental health.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]:Interview with Ann-Helén Laestadius on BookanistaShelf discovery:Stolen by Ann-Helén LaestadiusNeha - East by Edith PattouShruti - Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko*Content warning: animal cruelty, suicide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neha and Shruti head to Colombia, delving into the world of Pablo Escobar and drug cartels as they discuss the second book of the season, Fruit of the Drunken Tree. We talk about the historical context in which this story is set while unpacking how the characters are affected by their sacrifices and the spaces they occupy. They also get into a discussion about the origins of the term ‘magical realism,’ and the questionable colonialist mindset that fuels the term’s use in today’s age.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]:Essay: What We Talk About When We Talk About Magical RealismShelf Discovery:Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas ContrerasShruti - Bel Canto by Ann Patchett; and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran FoerNeha - Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo*Content warning: sexual assault. Skip through 33:15-36:00 to skip this section Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Murmur of Bees is a lyrical novel set during the Mexican revolution about a special young boy and the family who adopts him. Neha and Shruti discuss themes of faith and wonder, good versus evil, and magic realism. They share what they loved about the book, while also touching on the importance of authorial intent, asking the question: is history still being written by the winners?If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] Discovery:The Murmur of Bees by Sofia SegoviaNeha - The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles; and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony DoerrShruti - Piranesi by Susanna Clarke; and Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally, Shruti and Neha are answering all your burning questions! Listen in to find out more about us including the books we loved, books we hated, how we started this podcast, and (perhaps most importantly), the ultimate Harry Potter book ranking.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] Mentioned:Ready Player One by Ernest ClineThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkeinBreakfast at Tiffany's by Truman CapoteThe Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsThe Princess Bride by William GoldmanThe Harry Potter series by J.K. RowlingHoles by Louis SacharEragon by Christopher PaoliniAnxious People by Fredrik BackmanNormal People by Sally RooneyA Man Called Ove by Fredrik BackmanWar and Peace by Leo TolstoyThe Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo TolstoyWhen Breath Becomes Air by Paul KalinithiLonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryThe Devil in the White City by Erik Larson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shruti and Neha are traveling around the world! Through books, that is. In this episode we share our reading list, some important background for each of the books we’ve picked, and what we’re excited about for Season 2.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our last episode before our summer hiatus, Neha and Shruti zoom out to look at the big picture. We discuss some broader themes that crop up in all of the books, including the city vs. the country, movement, safety, and hope. We also talk about the theme of season one, The American Dream - where it came from, how it has evolved, and how it may represent something new for the 21st century.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] mentioned:The Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldDeath of a Salesman by Arthur MillerA Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty SmithHomegoing by Yaa GyasiLittle Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgLonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryAmericanah by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieThe Lincoln Highway by Amor TowlesThe House of Mirth by Edith WhartonValley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jazz, a lyrical and complex story about passion and fear in urban life, is one of Toni Morrison's most unique books. Neha and Shruti talk about violence and ambition as central themes, explore how Morrison draws on traditions of Black art and expression, and come away with more questions than answers.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]:Eight Works to Take in After or Alongside Toni Morrison's 'Jazz': New York Times articleCharacteristics of Negro Expression: 1934 essay by Zora Neale Hurston, African-American novelist and anthropologistShelf Discovery:Jazz by Toni MorrisonShruti - Disgrace by J. M. CoetzeeNeha - none Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shruti and Neha read and cry about Crying in H Mart, a memoir by Michelle Zauner, best known as singer and songwriter for Japanese Breakfast. We talk about the mother-daughter relationship, family dynamics in an Asian household, and the importance of food as an expression of love.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]:Crying in H Mart: essay by Michelle Zauner first published in the New YorkerChoosing Forgiveness: essay by Michelle Zauner published in Harpers BazaarShelf discovery:Crying in H Mart by Michelle ZaunerShruti - The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy; and Paula by Isabel AllendeNeha - Know My Name by Chanel Miller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After reading The Last White Man, Neha and Shruti had mixed feelings. In this episode, we discuss the captivating idea behind the book, its questionable execution, and different ways that authors can play with a novel's form.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] Discovery:The Last White Man by Mohsin HamidShruti - The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin HamidNeha - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We loved Passing so much that we had to do another episode. Shruti and Neha take a deep dive into the complicated relationship between Irene and Clare, discuss its parallels to Mean Girls, and ruminate some more on the book’s mysterious ending. We also discuss the 2021 Netflix movie adaptation.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neha and Shruti introduce their first book pair! Passing by Nella Larsen, and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, published nearly 100 years apart, perfectly complement one another as they both revolve around themes of race, discrimination, identity, and belonging. We discuss similarities and differences between the characters and their choices, compare our reading experiences, and gush over the beautiful writing.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] DiscoveryPassing by Nella LarsenThe Vanishing Half by Brit BennettNeha - Quicksand by Nella Larsen; and A Woman is No Man by Etaf RumShruti - A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In The Night Watchman, Louise Erdrich introduces us to a rich cast of characters in weaving a story based on her grandfather's fight against Native American dispossession. We work our way through some confusing moments of magical realism, and discuss the importance of passing on these kinds of stories to new generations of readers.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected] Discovery:The Night Watchman by Louise ErdrichNeha - One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia MarquezShruti - The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our first book, Neha and Shruti discuss The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri - one of the first books we ever read that resonated with us as first generation immigrants, and third culture kids. We explore how our feelings have changed re-reading the book all these years later, and reflect on how relevant immigrant stories are to every generation.If you would like to hear more in-depth literary and cultural analysis, curated book recommendations, and critical commentary, subscribe to our free newsletter. You can also connect with us on Instagram or by emailing us at [email protected]:The Death of the Author by Roland BarthesShelf Discovery:The Namesake by Jhumpa LahiriShruti - Passing by Nella Larsen; and Such a Long Journey by Rohinton MistryNeha - A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Novel Tea! We are so excited to launch this podcast. In this short trailer, we introduce ourselves and give a brief overview of how our episodes will be structured. You'll also hear some teasers for the episodes to come. Stay tuned for book discussions coming soon, and follow us on Instagram @thenoveltea.pod to find out what our first book will be! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.