TMR 16.2: "Can Anyone Solve the Riddle?" [2666]

This week's episode opens with 'Professor Post" poking a bit of fun at academics, then dives headfirst into the first 75 pages of 2666. Brian, Katie, and Chad talk about the representation of Liz Norton, of the voids that exist in 2666, the religious experience of becoming obsessed with an author, violence, made up books, the covers of the U.S., UK, and Spanish editions, "ennui" vs. "boredom," Rodrigo Fresán's appearance, and much much more.

Also, stay tuned for a bonus section in which Nick Buzanski of Books Are Magic talks about the hype surrounded 2666 from a bookseller's perspective. And click here if you want to see the videos he and Chad talk about.

This week's music is "Hug from a Dinosaur" by Torres.

If you'd prefer to watch the conversation—and see Chad looking mighty uncomfortable in a tie—you can find it on YouTube along with all our past episodes. And tune in next Thursday at 9am ET for the next episode, "El Cerdo."

Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood for random thoughts and information about upcoming guests.

Be sure to order Brian's book, Joytime Killbox, which is available at better bookstores everywhere thanks to BOA Editions. And all of Katie's translations, especially Four by Four and Last Words on Earth. 

You can also support this podcast and all of Open Letter's activities by making a tax-deductible donation through the University of Rochester.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit threepercentproblem.substack.com