Why you shouldn’t go gentle into that good night
About this episode
If you just let go of everything that’s out of your control … can you truly be happy? Maria Semple tests that philosophy in her new novel, Go Gentle. The story follows Adora Hazzard, a Stoic philosopher in her 50s who lives a calm, mostly happy life with her teen daughter and a coven of women friends. If you think a book about Stoicism might bore you, don’t speak too soon. This one also has art heists, divorce, a toxic Hollywood comedy scene … and the philosophy stuff might be more relatable than you think. This week, Maria tells Mattea Roach about her interest in Stoicism, her long career in TV writing and how her daughter inspired a character in the story.
Liked this conversation? Keep listening:
Check us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Get every episode summarized
Each time Bookends with Mattea Roach publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Bookends with Mattea Roach
Why age-gap friendships are a risk worth taking
Bookends with Mattea Roach
Why writing a novel is like riding a horse
Bookends with Mattea Roach
A city just for adulterers
Bookends with Mattea Roach
It’s tough being the new kid in town. The zombies don’t help
Bookends with Mattea Roach