Welcome to the fourth Backlisted Special. While Andy and Nicky are both ‘gathering’ for the new season which will resume at the end of the month, John and Tess are joined by the writers and critics Erica Wagner and Sarah Churchwell who boast a total of 12 previous appearances between them, covering books from Alan Garner and Nella Larsen to Thomas Pynchon and Anita Loos.

The format of these specials differs from the main show in that they feature guests choosing a number of books in an area they know and care about. For this hour-long special, Erica and Sarah have selected six pieces of modern American literature that they either love, or find interesting, or both. As you will discover, despite the eclectic nature of their choices, some surprising connections begin to emerge…

Rough Timings:

06’32: Free to be You and Me– Marlo Thomas and Friends

15’30:‘The Diamond as Big as the Ritz’ –F.Scott Fitzgerald

24’12: The Magician’s Assistant– Ann Patchett

33’20: Charlotte Temple– Susanna Rowson

41’22: A Wrinkle in Time– Madeleine L’Engle

49’03: Little Women– Louisa May Alcott

* To purchase any of the books mentioned in this episode please visit our bookshop atuk.bookshop.org/shop/backlistedwhere all profits help to sustain this podcast and UK independent bookshops.

* For information about everything mentioned in this episode visitbacklisted.fm

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