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The Weekly Reader
Wednesdays at 2:33 p.m.
Hosted by Lisa Morgan
,
Marion Winik

For lovers of literary fiction and memoir, The Weekly Reader is a four-minute round-up of the best new books on the national scene. University of Baltimore professor, author, and longtime All Things Considered commentator Marion Winik joins WYPR’s producer Lisa Morgan, former co-host of The Signal, in studio to share two picks each week.

They curate the best of the buzzy books you're hearing about elsewhere, and keeping an eye out for those of special interest to Baltimoreans. When Winik, who reviews for People, Kirkus Review, and the Washington Post, brings her trademark humor, thoughtful insights, and refreshing honesty to book criticism, it’s like having a new best friend with very good taste to guide you on your literary adventures.

  • New York Stories: New novels from Maxine Rosaler, Austin Kelley, and Rumaan Alaml
    Three new books that will leave you in a New York state of mind.
  • Funny People: "What Is Wrong With You?" by Paul Rudnick, and "Making the Best of What's Left" by Judith Viorst.
    It’s easy to get caught up in life’s little messes and difficulties, especially as we age. Laughter may just help!
  • Family Life in the UK: "Going Home" by Tom Lamont and "The Names" by Florence Knapp
    The concept of “family” can mean a variety of things to different people. What does it mean to you?
  • Fiction Fights Back: The Dream Hotel, by Laila Lalami, and The Antidote, by Karen Russell
    Whether you believe that technology and AI will save us or eventually ruin our lives, have we got some books for you!
  • Good Stories: "Atavists" by Lydia Millet and "Good Women" by Halle Hill
    The world is complicated, for all of us. Good stories can help!
  • Modern Predicaments: "Jane and Dan at the End of the World" by Colleen Oakley and "Rental House" by Weike Wang
    Have you ever found yourself in a sticky situation, wishing you could you snap your fingers or click your heels and disappear?
  • Cats From Japan: The Blanket Cats, by Kiyoshi Shigematsu and Mornings Without Mii, by Mayumi Inaba
    In Japan they call it iyashakei – a term that can be applied to anything that is comforting and uplifting: a person, a meal, a walk in the park. These books fit the bill!
  • Listen to This: New Audio Memoirs
    Never trust the teller, trust the tale? Not when the "teller" is as compelling as the "tale!"
  • Weekly Reader Live at CityLit Festival 2025
    The Weekly Reader's Marion Winik will be in conversation with four local writers who have been receiving raves for their new work in fiction and poetry.
  • Europe in Wartime: "33 Place Brugmann" by Alice Austen and "Maya and Natasha" by Elyse Durham
    World War II and its aftermath left an indelible mark on the world and inspired countless artists to try to make sense of such a calamity.