Interlibrary Loan Katie Sabo, Lauren Weaver, and Sky Swartout

This week Katie, Sky and Lauren begin reading a new novel, The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham. Published in 1944, it tells the story of a young man who returns from World War I and turns away from society life on a spiritual quest. Discussion topics include: what it means to be a "snob," a Brit's delighted amusement about ice cream sodas, and the Summer of Shandy. 

We discuss episodes 1-3 of The Handmaid's Tale miniseries, now airing on Hulu in the USA. Discussion topics: Sucky Janine not sucky enough, Joseph Fiennes looks like a Rolex model, Scrabble rules not followed... but it's still very good!

Katie, Sky and Lauren discuss the 3rd-act twist of Candide - it really IS the best of all worlds! Ok, not really. 
Next Week: Episodes 1-3 of The Handmaid's Tale miniseries
Next Book: The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham

Candide Chapters 11-20. Katie, Sky and Lauren discuss a variety of boats,  question Voltaire's self-censorship, and make way, way, way too many references to a certain 2000 Dreamworks animated feature.
NOTE: This episode contains some foul language and adult situations. You know, if you're into that sort of thing.

Hot takes from 1759! Katie, Sky and Lauren jump into chapters 1-10 of Voltaire's satire Candide. Discussion topics: What if Candide's true identity is... Optimism? Footnotes vs. Endnotes. Who(m) does the old woman serve?

Katie, Sky and Lauren wrap up discussion of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, Section XIV "Salvaging," Section XV, "Night," and "Historical Notes." Discussion Topics: Why don't we learn Offred's real name? Who will Lars the Swede cast as Sucky Janine? And how long will cassette tapes keep in a footlocker sealed with packing tape?