🎙 Douglas Vigliotti kicks off 2026 by spotlighting Jonathan Lethem’s crime novel "Motherless Brooklyn." Vigliotti explores Lethem’s genre-blending career and the book’s unique and inventive protagonist, Lionel Essrog, a private investigator with Tourette’s syndrome. He discusses the novel’s plot, themes of found family, mentorship, loyalty, reinvention, and embracing differences, sharing favorite quotes and personal reflections. The episode also highlights the importance of not underestimating people and judging them by appearances. ✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org. 📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW! ⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com. 🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well. ⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read. 🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #97: Lush Life | Richard Price! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Host introduces the podcast, episode, featured book, and companion newsletter.About Jonathan Lethem (01:08) - Overview of Lethem’s career, genres, notable works, and writing style.Lethem’s Career & Writing Risks (02:08) - Discussion on authors taking stylistic risks, financial realities, and Lethem’s teaching role.Detective Story & Film Adaptation (03:15) - Introduction to "Motherless Brooklyn" as a detective story and its 2019 film adaptation.Plot Overview & Main Character (04:09) - Summary of the book’s plot, protagonist Lionel Shrag, and unique elements like Tourette’s.Themes & Character Analysis (05:12) - Exploration of themes: found family, mentorship, loyalty, difference, and reinvention.Favorite Quotes & Their Meaning (08:37)- Host shares and analyzes favorite quotes, focusing on character relationships and underestimated qualities.Closing Remarks & Contact Info (10:49) - Host wraps up, promotes his book, and shares ways to connect and subscribe.
