The Weekly Reader
Wednesdays at 2:33 p.m.
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.
Latest Episodes
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Cats From Japan: "The Blanket Cats" by Kiyoshi Shigematsu and "Mornings Without Mii" by Mayumi InabaIn 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! -
Never trust the teller, trust the tale? Not when the "teller" is as compelling as the "tale!" -
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. -
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. -
Joan Didion died in 2021, but interest in her life and work has only increased since then. -
Inheritance: "The Magnificent Ruins" by Nayantara Roy and "Like Mother, Like Mother" by Susan RiegerWe can inherit so many things from our ancestors – physical traits, like hair and eye color, a quick temper, musical talent, a bunch of money, maybe even a big old house! -
Joni Mitchell gets the biographical treatment in a pair of books as unconventional as the artist herself. -
We love short stories, and we're going to make you love them, too. -
Who hasn’t dreamed of running away, leaving it all behind, totally reinventing yourself? -
Great art is often created in the wake of terrible tragedy – think Guernica, The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll, The Vietnam Memorial.
The Weekly Reader
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On today's episode, we review two new novels that put the "wild" in the Alaska wilderness.The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah, St. MartinsHeroes of the… -
With today's episode we start our second year of the Weekly Reader... which means there are now 52 shows archived on our website. Today, we add to those… -
On this episode, Marion reviews three new books that feature rather unstable female protagonists. The Woman in the Window, AJ Finn, William MorrowThe Wife… -
This week, a trio of books that feaure big stories in small packages. Goodbye Vitamin, Rachel Khong, Henry… -
This week, we take a break from reviewing the latest fiction releases and delve into the world of nonfiction. -
Today on The Weekly Reader, we unlock the mystery of what make a great audio book!4321, Paul Auster, Henry HoltFools, Joan Silber, NortonHunger Makes Me A… -
When you think about India, the word “boring” rarely comes to mind. Here are three new books that take you there. The Windfall, DikshaBasu, CrownThe… -
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, some essential cookbooks for everyone, including kitchen novices as well as experts. How to Cook Everything, Marc… -
On this edition of The Weekly Reader, a selection of great gift books for everyone on your holiday list.You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, Sherman Alexie,… -
You may be familiar with the old saying, “There’s a lid for every pot.” On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we celebrate Odd Couples.Mrs. Caliban,…
