Episode 16: New York City
Summary: Take a bite out of the Big Apple with Holly and Devin today! They peel back the layers of New York City with books that focus on Harlem and Park Slope, Brooklyn. Holly and Devin both lived in the city (Devin for 2 years, Holly for 20) so it holds a special place in their hearts. That being said, stories set in the city can be over-romanticized and a lazy choice and the books they appreciate most have a true, granular sense of place and don’t just center around Times Square.
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (2:26): Devin discussed Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson, a book that starts right after the death of Mama Joy, the adoptive mother of 4 grown men and the lynchpin of their Harlem community. She ran a knitting store for decades, and after her untimely passing the family and community are left to pick up the pieces and figure out who they are without her. Devin’s key takeaways were:
Kerry Fuller and Jesse Strong, the central couple of the book, are deeply connected to Mama Joy and the shop specifically, but their dynamic for most of the book feels more brother-sister than the tension you’d hope for from a friends to lovers romance.
Jesse has 3 brothers (Noah, Lucas, and Damien) who act as foils for Jesse’s immaturity and propensity to ignore responsibility for the sake of sleeping with more women; they also want to close the shop which acts as the central driver for Jesse and the book’s plot.
Overall, this book felt more like a family and community story than it did a romance. There was a deep sense of place and connection to Harlem throughout, but the book got a steaminess rating of 2.
The Dagger (15:38): Holly discussed A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight, a thrilling romp that unpacks the torrid affairs and pulse-quickening drama of the wealthy Park Slope elites. NYC criminal defense attorney Lizzie receives a call from Rikers Prison - her friend from college, Zach Grayson, is in prison after his wife is found dead at the bottom of the stairs of their Brooklyn brownstone. Her key takeaways were:
The book oscillates between Lizzie’s first-hand account of figuring out what really happened, the wife Amanda’s diary in the days leading up to her death, and Grand Jury testimony transcripts; this serves to heighten intrigue and give the reader lots of puzzle pieces to fit together.
While the book doesn’t criticize gentrification directly, there is definite shade thrown at the bougie Park Slope mom’s and the elite culture (including a partner-swapping sex party!)
While the book had a few red herrings that felt like a stretch, Holly still rated this book very highly and recommends the book especially on audio.
Holly also wanted to recommend When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole as a good accompaniment to A Good Marriage.
Hot On the Shelf (34:17):
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (39:25):
Holly: Watching Showgirls at Cinespia, Cemetery Films
Devin: American Rescue Dog Show on ABC/Hulu
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