Books for Men

Douglas Vigliotti
  • 4.8 (22)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Do you enjoy reading but can't find the time? "Books for Men" is the perfect literary podcast for men in a hurry who want to read more and diversify their reading habits. In short episodes, every Monday, host and author Douglas Vigliotti, spotlights a different book that men will enjoy, sharing everything from novels to nonfiction, literary classics to self-help, crime fiction to memoirs, and providing key quotes and insights on authors, themes, writing styles, storytelling techniques, and life lessons from each book. Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

  1. 6D AGO

    #278 | Special Edition: “One Plus One Doesn’t Equal Two” (+ Big Updates for 2026)

    🎙 In this special year-end episode of "Books for Men," host Douglas Vigliotti shares his pop-up piece "One Plus One Doesn’t Equal Two" and reflects on embracing uncertainty and mystery in life. Vigliotti announces major updates for 2026: the podcast will focus exclusively on fiction, with a new "Advice for Men" series on alternate weeks. He discusses the unique value of fiction in an AI-driven world and encourages listeners to find meaning beyond facts. Or as Vigliotti calls it in the essay, “…life’s ultimate task and skill.” ✓ 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 #233 | Morning, Boys. How’s the Water?—The Life-Changing Importance of David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Commencement Speech ‘This Is Water’! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction to the Special Edition Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the episode, explains its special format, and reminds listeners about the monthly companion newsletter.Year-End Reflections and the Importance of Checkpoints (01:19) - Douglas reflects on the significance of the New Year as a time to reset and recalibrate, especially for adults.Big Podcast Updates for 2026: Fiction Focus (02:16) - Announcement that the podcast will focus exclusively on fiction books in 2026, with rare exceptions for creative nonfiction.Why Fiction Matters in the Age of AI (03:38) - Douglas discusses the unique value of fiction versus nonfiction, especially as AI makes information more accessible.Advice for Men Series Announcement (04:45) - Introduction of a new series, "Advice for Men," to be featured on alternate weeks in 2026.Episode Structure for 2026 (05:50) - Explanation of the new alternating format: one week fiction, the next week advice for men.Pop-Up Piece Introduction: “One Plus One Doesn't Equal Two” (05:50) - Douglas introduces and contextualizes his pop-up piece, inspired by a visit to the Met and a Jackson Pollock painting.Reading of "One Plus One Doesn't Equal Two" (07:06) - Douglas reads his reflective essay on uncertainty, art, knowledge, and the metaphorical nature of life.Reflections on the Piece and Closing Thoughts (09:45) - Douglas connects the piece to the episode’s themes, thanks listeners, and encourages subscribing and connecting.Contact Information and Final Reminders (10:50) - Douglas shares how to reach him via Instagram or his website, and reminds listeners about the newsletter.

    11 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    #277 | Arduous, Repetitive, Digressive, and Insanely Long—But Why Should You Read ‘Infinite Jest’ by David Foster Wallace?

    🎙 Douglas Vigliotti offers an in-depth review of David Foster Wallace’s novel "Infinite Jest,” discussing the book’s complex structure, disparate narratives, and major themes of addiction, isolation, entertainment, and societal critique. Vigliotti shares his personal experience tackling its challenging length, prose, and style, and highlights the novel’s enduring relevance for today, noting that perseverance in reading it might be central to its core message. He admits it was probably the most difficult book he’s ever read, but encourages men to give it a go if they feel compelled to do so. ✓ 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 #233 | Morning, Boys. How’s the Water?—The Life-Changing Importance of David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Commencement Speech ‘This Is Water’! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast, Infinite Jest, and promotes the companion newsletter.About David Foster Wallace (01:19) - Brief background on the author, his influence, and previous podcast episode featuring him.Plot Overview & Narrative Structure (02:18) - Summary of Infinite Jest’s three main narratives and how they interconnect.Themes & Societal Critique (03:36) - Discussion of the book’s themes: addiction, entertainment, isolation, and societal commentary.Genre & Authorial Intent (04:58) - Exploration of the book’s tone, genre, and Wallace’s unconventional approach to storytelling.Challenges of Reading Infinite Jest (06:12 - Description of the book’s length, density, endnotes, and the difficulty of reading it.Personal Reading Experience (07:26) - Douglas shares his struggle reading the book and why he persisted.Style & Structure Reflection (08:50) - Analysis of how the book’s style mirrors the human mind and supports its themes.Quotes & Final Thoughts (10:01) - Douglas shares key quotes from the book and reflects on their meaning.Outro & Podcast/Book Promotion (11:06) - Closing remarks, ways to connect, and promotion of Douglas’s own book and the podcast newsletter.

    12 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    #276 | Should the Life of an Artist Impact What You Think of Their Art?—Woody Allen’s Memoir Shines Light on This

    🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses Woody Allen’s memoir, “Apropos of Nothing,” exploring Allen’s prolific filmmaking career, signature style, and comedic influences, while also addressing the controversies and allegations that have shaped public perception of Allen. Vigliotti emphasizes the importance of separating art from the artist and highlights the memoir’s humor, creative insights, and behind-the-scenes stories. He shares memorable quotes from the book and encourages listeners to connect with him on Instagram for further literary inspiration. ✓ 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 #156: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood | Quentin Tarantino! 🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #215 | We’re All Actors, No?—17 David Mamet Quotes That Will Make You Question Your ‘Role’ in Life! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Overview of the podcast, focus on memoirs, and introduction to "Apropos of Nothing" by Woody Allen.Woody Allen’s Career and Notable Works (01:07) - Discussion of Woody Allen’s filmography, writing career, and signature style in filmmaking.Collaborators and Personal Relationships (02:09) - Mentions frequent collaborators, ex-wife Mia Farrow, and the complexity of Allen’s personal life.Woody Allen’s Style and Appeal (03:08) - Analysis of Allen’s minimalistic, dialogue-driven style and why the host is a fan.Controversies and Public Perception (04:22) - Addresses sexual abuse allegations, investigations, and the impact of public opinion on Allen’s legacy.Separating Art from the Artist (05:35) - Host’s perspective on judging art independently from the artist’s personal life and controversies.Book Content and Themes (05:35) - Summary of memoir’s content: Allen’s early life, influences, fame, creative process, and behind-the-scenes stories.Favorite Quotes and Woody Allen’s Humor (06:43) - Shares humorous and insightful quotes from the memoir, illustrating Allen’s wit and advice to creatives.Creative Vision and Individual Style (08:56) - Discussion on the importance of individual vision in creative work, using Allen and other directors as examples.Final Quote and Episode Wrap-Up (10:07) - Ends with a quote about "Annie Hall," episode summary, and reminders about subscribing and connecting with the host.

    11 min

  4. 12/08/2025

    #275 | What Does the Classic Literary Novel ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ Have in Common with Rock and Roll Legend Bruce Springsteen?

    🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores Jonathan Swift’s classic "Gulliver’s Travels." He discusses Swift’s background, his mastery of satire, and the novel’s four-part structure, highlighting its sharp social and political commentary. Vigliotti explains how the book’s original, serious themes are often misunderstood as mere children’s fantasy today. He encourages listeners to tackle the challenging prose for its rewarding insights and connects the novel’s enduring relevance to modern society. ✓ 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 #273 | Is ‘Get Shorty’ Better as a Novel or Movie?—Elmore Leonard’s Crime Satire on Hollywood, Filmmaking, and (Con) Artistry! 🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #254 | Dorian Gray: The Original Influencer Who Sold His Soul for Likes—Is Oscar Wilde’s Classic Novel a Cautionary Tale for the Social Media Age?! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast, its mission, and the featured book, "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift.About Jonathan Swift (01:17) - Background on Swift, his era, his satirical style, and other notable works.Overview of "Gulliver's Travels" (02:13) - Summary of the novel’s structure, main character, and its satirical nature.Part One: Lilliput (03:23) - Discussion of Gulliver’s visit to Lilliput, the land of little people, and its metaphorical meaning.Part Two: Brobdingnag (04:45) - Gulliver’s journey to the land of giants, exploring the theme of perspective and individual insignificance.Part Three: Laputa (05:40) - Gulliver’s visit to Laputa, a floating city of intellectuals, satirizing impractical knowledge and scientific reasoning.Part Four: The Houyhnhnms (06:09) - Gulliver’s final journey to the land of rational horses and the critique of pure rationality.Modern Relevance and Personal Reflection (07:40) - Douglas reflects on the book’s relevance today and his own thoughts on reason versus passion.Misinterpretation as a Children’s Story (08:59) - Explains how "Gulliver’s Travels" is often mistaken for a children’s story and compares it to "Born in the USA."Clarifying the Book’s True Nature (10:07) - Emphasizes the book’s deeper meaning and the importance of understanding its true message.Final Thoughts and Quote (10:50) - Encourages readers to tackle the book, shares a quote, and wraps up the discussion.Outro and Contact Information (11:13) - Reminders to subscribe, connect on Instagram or the website, and information about Douglas’s new book.

    12 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    #274 | Juilliard Dropout to Jazz Legend: What Miles Davis Teaches Men (and Women) About Tenacity, Creativity, and Life

    🎙 Douglas Vigliotti reviews “Miles”, the autobiography of jazz legend Miles Davis. Vigliotti explores Davis’s life, musical legacy, and influence on jazz, highlighting key albums like “Birth of the Cool” and “Kind of Blue”, and sharing seven insightful quotes from Davis. He also briefly discusses the biopic “Miles Ahead”, what makes it different, and why he recommends it as a companion watch. As always, the episode aims to inspire men to read and foster conversations about great books. ✓ 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 #108: Life | Keith Richards! 🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #249 | How All Men Can Relate to the Journey of Identity and Growth in ‘We the Animals’! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction & Newsletter Promo (00:09) - Host introduces the podcast, the book "Miles," and promotes the companion newsletter.Miles Davis: Background and Influence (01:13) - Overview of Miles Davis’s career, personality, collaborations, and impact on jazz.Famous Albums and Artistic Longevity (02:23) - Discussion of "Birth of the Cool," "Kind of Blue," and "Bitches Brew," highlighting Davis’s evolving artistry.Spontaneity and Artistic Process (03:33) - Reflection on spontaneity, over-editing, and emotional resonance in art, with a Picasso quote.Biopic "Miles Ahead" Mention (04:47) - Brief review of the "Miles Ahead" biopic starring Don Cheadle and its creative approach.Book Overview and Hardships (05:59) - Description of the autobiography’s style, co-author, and coverage of Davis’s struggles and opinions.7 Miles Davis Quotes and Creative Lessons (06:58) - Host shares and explains seven favorite Miles Davis quotes, relating them to creativity and life.Closing Remarks and Promotions (10:31) - Host wraps up, promotes his book, social media, and encourages newsletter sign-up.

    12 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    #273 | Is ‘Get Shorty’ Better as a Novel or Movie?—Elmore Leonard’s Crime Satire on Hollywood, Filmmaking, and (Con) Artistry

    🎙 Douglas Vigliotti compares Elmore Leonard’s novel “Get Shorty” with its film adaptation directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and written by Scott Frank for another edition of “Novel vs Movie”. Vigliotti shares background information on the author, director, and screenwriter and explores differences in tone, themes, and characterization, highlighting Leonard’s gritty crime writing versus the movie’s comedic gloss. He discusses the satirical take on Hollywood, what it means for our lives, the art of dialogue, and why he prefers one version over the other. ✓ 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 #119: LaBrava | Elmore Leonard! 🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #269 | Is ‘The 25th Hour’ Better as a Novel or Movie? A Truly Great New York City Story and One-Two Combo of Book and Film—David Benioff & Spike Lee! 🗣️ Another episode mentioned in this episode #162: I Remember Nothing | Nora Ephron! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction & Episode Overview (00:09) – Host introduces the "Movie Verse Novel" edition, focusing on "Get Shorty" and its film adaptation.About the Author: Elmore Leonard (01:26) - Background on Elmore Leonard, his writing style, notable works, and influence on crime fiction.About the Screenwriter & Director (02:28) - Discussion of Scott Frank (screenwriter) and Barry Sonnenfeld (director), including their other works and connection to "Get Shorty."Story Summary & Themes (03:29) - Summary of "Get Shorty" plot, main character, and exploration of Hollywood, storytelling, and fabrication.Satire, Fabrication, and Hollywood (04:34) - Analysis of the book and film’s satirical take on Hollywood, celebrity, and the theme of fabrication.Differences Between Novel and Film (05:46) - Comparison of tone, style, and thematic focus between the novel and the movie adaptation.Dialogue & Writing Style (08:20) - Examination of Elmore Leonard’s dialogue style, differences in dialogue between book and film, and thoughts on quotable lines.Conclusion & Final Thoughts (09:26) - Host shares a favorite line, invites listener engagement, and provides information about his book and newsletter.

    11 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    #272 | Is It Possible to Have a Meaningful Conversation About a Book You Haven’t Read?

    🎙 Douglas Vigliotti dives into Pierre Bayard’s book "How to Talk About Books You Haven’t Read." Vigliotti explores Bayard’s key ideas, such as the importance of understanding a book’s cultural context over having read it, and discusses concepts like one’s “inner library” and how it mingles with the collective discussion of a book or someone else’s inner library. He shares personal reflections, critiques the book’s approach, and encourages honest, open literary conversations, even if they haven’t read every book discussed on the podcast. ✓ 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 #246 | What Is the Core Tension in Leo Tolstoy’s Classic Russian Novel ‘Anna Karenina’?—and Why It Matters Today for Modern Men! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction & Book Announcement (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast, the featured book, and mentions the companion newsletter.About Pierre Bayard & Literary Criticism (01:14) - Background on the author, his other works, and an overview of literary criticism.Purpose of the Podcast & Book Relevance (02:23) - Douglas explains the podcast’s intent and why this book is especially relevant for listeners.The Problem: Too Many Books, Not Enough Time (03:40) - Discussion of the central issue: more books exist than anyone can read, and how to converse about unread books.Book’s Structure & Key Frameworks (04:48) - Overview of Bayard’s approach, including the four categories of book familiarity.Forgetting Books & The Three Libraries (05:57) - Exploration of memory, forgetting books, and Bayard’s concept of the three libraries.The Three Books: Inner, Screen, and Phantom (07:14) - Explanation of the three types of books in conversation and their implications.Practicality & Cultural Pressure (08:52) - Reflection on the practical use of Bayard’s ideas and the value of admitting you haven’t read a book.Yes-And Attitude & Critique of Not Reading (10:12) - Encouragement to engage in conversation, critique of the book’s stance on not reading, and thoughts on audiobooks.Favorite Quote & Book’s Impact (11:19) - Douglas shares his favorite quote from the book and discusses its significance.Closing Remarks & Promotions (12:30) - Final thoughts, how to connect with Douglas, and promotion of his own book and the podcast newsletter.

    13 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    #271 | What Can Raymond Carver Teach Us About Love—and Writing?

    🎙 Douglas Vigliotti discusses Raymond Carver’s acclaimed short story collection, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love”. Vigliotti explores Carver’s literary legacy, the collection’s minimalist style, and its nuanced portrayal of love’s complexities. He reflects on the editing process behind the book, shares personal insights on writing and relationships, and draws parallels to other works. Vigliotti invites listeners, men and women alike, to connect with him for further literary inspiration. ✓ 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 #224 | ‘Reasons to Live’—Why What Isn’t There Is Just as Important as What Is! 🗣️ If you liked this episode, listen to episode #230 | Is ’No Country for Old Men’ a Better Novel or Movie? Cormac McCarthy’s Masterpiece vs. The Coen Brothers Oscar-Winning Adaptation! 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE: Introduction & Newsletter Reminder (00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast, the featured book, and promotes the companion newsletter.About Raymond Carver & Dirty Realism (00:01:24) - Background on Carver, his literary style, influence, and significance in American literature.Carver’s Impact on Writing Style (00:02:46) - Douglas discusses how Carver influenced his own writing and the importance of minimalism.Overview of the Collection & Themes of Love (00:03:58) - Summary of the short story collection and its exploration of the complexities and contradictions of love.Personal Reflections & Related Works (00:05:22) - Douglas shares personal thoughts on love, references his own essay, and connects Carver’s work to other media.Craft, Editing, and “Beginners” (00:06:33) - Discussion of the editing process, the “Beginners” manuscript, and the importance of writer-editor collaboration.The Value of Editing & Literary Craft (00:07:50) - Emphasis on the significance of editing, the creative process, and inspiration for writers.Quotes from the Collection (00:09:10) - Douglas reads and reflects on key quotes from Carver’s work about the nature of love.Closing Remarks & Contact Information (00:10:16) - Douglas wraps up, promotes his book, shares contact info, and reminds listeners about the newsletter.

    11 min
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4.8
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Do you enjoy reading but can't find the time? "Books for Men" is the perfect literary podcast for men in a hurry who want to read more and diversify their reading habits. In short episodes, every Monday, host and author Douglas Vigliotti, spotlights a different book that men will enjoy, sharing everything from novels to nonfiction, literary classics to self-help, crime fiction to memoirs, and providing key quotes and insights on authors, themes, writing styles, storytelling techniques, and life lessons from each book. Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Douglas Vigliotti
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    278
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Books for Men