209 episodes
So Many Damn Books Christopher Hermelin
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- Arts
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4.6 • 249 Ratings
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A blessing, a curse, a podcast, since 2014.
Christopher (@cdhermelin) invites folks to the Damn Library to talk about reading, literature, publishing, and trying to make it through the never-dwindling stack of things to read. All with a themed drink in hand. Recorded at the Damn Library in Brooklyn, NY.
For show info, book lists, and drink recipes, follow @somanydamnbooks and visit somanydamnbooks.com
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199: Idra Novey (TAKE WHAT YOU NEED) & César Aira's ON CONTEMPORARY ART
Idra Novey actually drops by the Damn Library IN PERSON to discuss her stunning new book, Take What You Need, creating an artist’s practice, torching things, and short novels. Also, she brought along César Aira’s On Contemporary Art to accompany the art on display in the text of her book.
contribute! https://patreon.com/smdb
for drink recipes, book lists, and more, visit: somanydamnbooks.com
music: Disaster Magic
(https://soundcloud.com/disaster-magic)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
198: Spring Horizon Ramble 2023, or, The Re-Return of Drew
Former co-host, writer, and podcast journeyman Drew Broussard sits down to talk about, what else? Books. The Tournament of Books, inventing rather than referencing art within fiction, the problem with thriller titles these days… it’s all out on the table.
contribute! https://patreon.com/smdb
for drink recipes, book lists, and more, visit: somanydamnbooks.com
music: Disaster Magic
(https://soundcloud.com/disaster-magic)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
197: Nita Prose (THE MAID) & Nina de Gramont's THE CHRISTIE AFFAIR
Nita Prose drops into the Damn Library to illuminate her runaway hit novel, winner of a Goodreads Choice Award, The Maid, and all the ways she used her past as an editor and her knowledge of the tropes of mystery writing reused to create it. Plus, she brings along Nina de Gramont’s The Christie Affair, because who can ever get enough Agatha Christie?
contribute! https://patreon.com/smdb
for drink recipes, book lists, and more, visit: somanydamnbooks.com
music: Disaster Magic
(https://soundcloud.com/disaster-magic)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
196: Tom Ayling (Antiquarian Book Seller & TikToker) & David Pearson's SPEAKING VOLUMES
Antiquarian Bookseller and TikTok star Tom Ayling zooms on in to the Damn Library discuss the world of antiquarian books, and the world of book-centered TikTok, two worlds that are far more complementary than you’d imagine.
contribute! https://patreon.com/smdb
for drink recipes, book lists, and more, visit: somanydamnbooks.com
music: Disaster Magic
(https://soundcloud.com/disaster-magic)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
195: Top 2022 Reads with Sarah
Sarah joins me in the Damn Library she co-owns to chat about favorite reads of 2022, both books published this year and books experienced this year. Plus, the HarperCollins union is on strike! If you’d like to help out, check out this page here to donate to the strike fund, and check out more information at this link roundup.
contribute! https://patreon.com/smdb
for drink recipes, book lists, and more, visit: somanydamnbooks.com
music: Disaster Magic
(https://soundcloud.com/disaster-magic)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
194: Alison Watts (transl. Seishu Hase's THE BOY AND THE DOG) & Peter Heller's THE DOG STARS
Alison Watts zooms through the Damn Library hypserspace from Japan to talk the new novel she translated, The Boy and the Dog by Seishu Hase, as well as the life of a translator. Plus, we talk the prevalence of Japanese cat fiction, the ascendancy of dog fiction, canine noir, and so much more. Plus, she brings along (and does some light spoiling of) Peter Heller’s The Dog Stars, a shaggy dog of a post-apocalyptic novel. Quite a hang!
contribute! https://patreon.com/smdb
for drink recipes, book lists, and more, visit: somanydamnbooks.com
music: Disaster Magic
(https://soundcloud.com/disaster-magic)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Customer Reviews
My Favorite Reading Pod!
I’ve loved this pod for some time, and was super bummed to hear that Drew was leaving. But guess what! It’s still great! Christopher knows how to do the deal.
And I love that it’s not all about new releases - there’s also a great deal of conversation about backlisted books, which makes the whole thing feel more authentic (and keeps me from wondering whether there was a nudge from publishers to highlight newly printed books).
It’s a good one - very down to earth and authentic, not at all showy or performative. Highly recommend!
the best book podcast
I’ve discovered so many of my favorite authors listening to this podcast! The best!
Better than Goodreads
Seriously, if you listen to this podcast, you’ll never need another book recommendation. The backlog is truly great for uncovering colder books worth checking out and Christopher has solid guests, time after time. Highly recommended.