May is upon us Intersections listeners, and we at BookSwell are ready to dive into a brand new month of literary excitement. First up this week is a special one-on-one chat between BookSwell Managing Editor Cody Sisco and Intersections Co-Host Rachelle Yousuf. Rachelle gives the rundown on upcoming festival YALL West, and sneaks in some great YA recommendations. Cody then sits down with author and artistic innovator Judith Teitelman to chat about her soon-to-be released debut novel, Guesthouse for Ganesha. The central character kicks off her journey of discovery with a samosa… it’s magical realism and spiritual transformation in one delightful novel. Rounding out the episode, Contributor Shannon Eagen will tease some fantastic events in the first two weeks of May.

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Books Mentioned

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

The BookSwell team has been swamped with all the amazing literary happenings about town this month. For Episode 4, Cody, Sarah, Irene, and Rachelle gathered to chat about struggling to finish books, the nature of time and space, and escaping the LA bubble. Cody then sat down with local author and journalist Lynell George, author of After/Image: Los Angeles Outside the Frame, to discuss the importance of place and community in the arts, and how those spaces have evolved since her teenage years of frequenting the Venice institution Beyond Baroque. Lynell is a pillar of the LA literary community, and her insights into the shape and structure of this town are not to be missed. And finally, Shannon is back to guide you through events coming up in the final two weeks of the month. If you’re interested in applying to the LARB/USC Publishing Workshop you can get more information on their website.

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Books Mentioned

Recursion by Blake Crouch

Mem by Bethany Morrow

Warlight by Michael Ondaatje

The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell

Interment by Samira Ahmed

The Octopus Museum by Brenda Shaughnessy

The Collected Schizophrenias by Esme Weijun Wang

After/Image by Lynell George

Cake Time by Siel Ju

Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs

Heavy by Kiese Laymon

Looking for Lorraine by Imani Perry