The Whole Catalogue is Here!
All our episodes reside below. The good, the bad, the ugly, all of it.
Enjoy!
I hate it when evil is born: Black, ft. Josh Boerman
EP. 06
It's a three-peat folks! They're calling him the three-peater!
Josh Boerman of the Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast is BACK to help the Shelfers crack Ted Dekker's 2004 evangelical fantasy novel, "Black: The Birth of Evil."
We examine the inherent weaknesses of the evangelical fiction author, figure out why Ted hates the French so much, ask bold questions about magical super-vaccines, and discuss the horrifying banality of a story set in paradise.
Oh also, we have some serious questions about why Ted based his stand-in character's love interest on his daughter. Yikes.
Interview with Ted by Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/interviews/show/579.Ted_Dekker
More Josh Boerman/Worst of All Possible Worlds: https://www.worstpossible.world/ and @BoshJ on Twitter
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is Ted looking kinda fresh tho.
Portrait Mode: The Picture of Dorian Gray
EP. 06
"A Picture of Doran GAY" was too low-hanging of fruit, but I did consider that as an episode title.
This week the Shelfers dive into the only novel Oscar Wilde ever wrote, 1891's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Come for the Gothic horror, stay for the overt homosexuality.
We discuss Wilde's life, which is so exciting and tragic we *almost* forgive him for being a follower of Kropotkin rather than Marx. We talk about class in Victorian England, the politics of repressed desire, and those types of guys who use philosophy as an excuse to be a bad person.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is Oscar in all his glory
The Return of this Thing: Fellowship of the Ring
EP. 06
WE! ARE! BACK!
The Shelfers have RETURNED! This week we discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's 1953 quintessential fantasy novel, "Fellowship of the Ring." (If you're interested in Tolkien as a guy, you may want to catch the first part of our episode on "The Hobbit," because we go into detail there)
Is the Shire the perfect society? What's the deal with Tom Bombadil? Is Middle Earth becoming woke? Are elves boomers? All this and more will be discussed.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is the completely unedited theatrical poster for Lord of the Rings
Enter the TolkienVerse: The Hobbit
EP. 06
And so it begins...The Socialist Shelf Tolkien deep dive.
The Shelfers begin an examination of the ultimate fantasy series, "The Lord of the Rings," starting with 1937's "The Hobbit" (not technically part of the trilogy but pretty darn important if you want to understand it.)
We also talk about the life of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, a world-historic wife guy, a mustard gas survivor, history's greatest expert in "mad fairy language," and a...conservative anarchist? Maybe? Sort of? We get into it.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is the fellow himself.
ScizoZENia: The Book of Form and Emptiness
EP. 06
Alternate episode title: "Who Killed Captain Aleph?"
The Shelfers get Zen as we dive into Ruth Ozeki's 2021 work of magical realism, "The Book of Form and Emptiness."
This book has got it all: psych wards, nonbinary ferrets, anarchist goth GFs, Zizek in a wheelchair, disaster capitalism, Marie Kondo, ghostly fridge magnets...none of this is a joke by the way.
Also, Jacob yelled at the President last weekend, so that's pretty cool. Video of that here.
WORM WORM WORM: Dune, Ft. TRENT
EP. 06
It's time to talk about DUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Educator and sci-fi lover Trent returns to the show to discuss Frank Herbert's 1965 epic tale of spice, sand, and worms. The movies get talked about a good bit too (we loved them.)
Can Paul Atreides see the dialectic itself? Why is Frank Herbert so scared of women? What is "good" power and what is "bad" power, and why is Dune so afraid of it as a concept?
Oh yeah, and there's worms. Lots of worms
Can't get enough of Trent? Well he doesn't have his own show, but he did previously feature on our Vonnegut episode, and you can follow Trent @BarryLyndon116 on Twitter.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from the book's cover.
Burning Man: Interview with Vincent Bevins
EP. 06
Right at the top: y'all need to get this book. You can find it here.
Journalist and author Vincent Bevins joins the Shelfers to discuss his new book, "If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution."
Topics of discussion: the need for organization during mass movements, Hunger Games GIFS, and V for Vendetta.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from the book's cover.
Mystery Science Theater 1231: The Cross-Time Engineer
EP. 06
Special thanks to THE Count Dracula for stopping by!
This week we get into Leo Frankowski's 1986 sci-fi—let's not say "epic," exactly—"The Cross-Time Engineer," the story of the coolest, buffest, smartest, sexiest engineer that's ever lived (and TOTALLY isn't a self-insert power fantasy character of the author!!)
What's the deal with creepy libertarian men, just like in general? How are we supposed to feel about a masterful concept with wretched execution? How do you, in extreme detail, forge a steel sword?
Heads-up, Frankowski was a real creep and his writing reflects that in his attitude towards women, especially underaged girls. While we don't harp on the details much, we do discuss his disgusting, pedophilic fantasies that play out in this book, so be forewarned.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from the book's cover.
Cursed Episode: Edgar Allan Poe
EP. 06
This episode was delayed multiple times due to what is no doubt the curse of the ghost of Poe himself!
This week we're discussing the life of famed American spook-smith, Edgar Allan Poe, with a particular focus on his short stories, "The Masque of The Red Death" and "Hop-Frog"
Was Poe a tortured genius, or just some guy trying to get by? How do class politics bleed into the art of apolitical writers? Will Lenore ever be safe from bird attacks? All this and more!
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from "Stephen King Vs. Edgar Allan Poe" Epic Rap Battle (I thought it was amusing.)
Fight Times: Interview with Jonathan Melrod
EP. 06
We're back with a Socialist Shelf author interview! This week we're talking to labor lawyer, long-time activist, and author of the book, "Fighting Times," Jonathan Melrod!
Want to learn how to change the world through working-class organization? Jon is the man you need to hear from! He's an absolute fountain of wisdom. Don't miss this interview...or his book!
Visit https://www.jonathanmelrod.com/ to learn more about Jon, purchase "Fighting Times," and get access to all sorts of resources on working-class history.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from the cover of "Fighting Times."
The Twisted Mind of C.S. Lewis: Narnia, Ft. Aysha U. Farah
EP. 06
This is a fun one.
Fantasy expert and professional hater Aysha U. Farah is back on the show to discuss C.S. Lewis' 1950 children's novel, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," though we really get into all of Narnia and spend a lot of time on its deeply fascinating author.
Who was this odd, sometimes-brilliant, sometimes-foolish, always-insane author? What made Narnia so wildly successful? Do we feel bad for Edmund? Was the Pevensie Monarchy a historically progressive force?
You can find Aysha's work at her website, here: https://www.ayshaufarah.com/, or follow her on Twitter or Bluesky at @ayshaufarah.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from Pauline Baynes' artwork for the novels.
Good Kush(ner):The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures, Ft. A.J. Ditty
EP. 06
We're covering Tony Kushner's 2009 (and 2010, and 2011, and many-times-since-edited) play, "The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures," which incidentally could also be the name of this podcast.
Joining us is beloved theater-enjoyer, A.J. Ditty from The Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast!
Together we dive into the mind of one of the great American playwrights, figure out how to kill yourself Marxistly, and catch up on Italian-American lore.
You can find A.J.'s work at https://www.worstpossible.world/ and follow him on Twitter @TheFuzzyMask.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) Episode art is a picture of the good Kush(ner)
2024, The Year of Lenore: Red Plenty
EP. 06
It's 2024...new year, new books, a new name...the same, classic socialist spirit.
We're talking about Francis Spufford's 2010 historical fiction...novel? Short story collection? Something like that... "Red Plenty."
Come for the history of the first worker state, stay for the discourse on whether or not smoking is sexy.
We both continue to remain dedicated to our organizing with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Any funds you can contribute would be helpful! The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) Episode art is the book cover.
Does the Dog Die: The People of Sand and Slag, Ft. Karlo Yeager Rodríguez
EP. 06
Yeah. The dog dies.
This week we're discussing Paolo Bacigalupi's sci-fi short story, "The People of Sand and Slag."
There's a lot of sand, there's a lot of slag. There's not a lot of joy, but we and our fantastic guest from Podside Picnic, Karlo Yeager Rodríguez, manage to find it where we can. They haven't managed to write a story yet that can destroy the power of a good bit.
We talk about climate change as blasphemy, the responsibility of humanity to the earth, the job of speculative fiction, and manage to talk about "1984" AGAIN despite having not done a "1984" episode.
Check out Karlo's work at https://alineofink.com/ and follow him on Twitter @kjy1066. Also, be sure to listen to Podside Picnic! https://www.patreon.com/PodsidePicnic
We are giving shout-outs to anyone who donates to PSL Atlanta and sends proof of donation to our Twitter account (@SocialistShelf) or email (TheSocialistShelf@gmail.com). The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,)
The Bad McCarthy: The Crucible
EP. 06
Not all is well in the town of Salem...or Washington for that matter.
Join the Shelfers as we dive into Arthur Miller's 1953 not-so-subtle-allegorical play, "The Crucible"
Topics of discussion: McCarthyism, religious hypocrisy, Marilyn Monroe, and Jacob playing Judge Danforth in high school.
We are doing shout-outs to anyone who donates to PSL Atlanta and sends proof of donation to our Twitter account (@SocialistShelf) or email (TheSocialistShelf@gmail.com). The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is high school Jacob looking snazzy as Judge Danforth.
The One About Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
EP. 06
It's a lesser-known series...you probably haven't heard of it.
Today the shelfers take on Matthew Stover's 2005 novelization of "Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith," the novel that asks the dangerous question of what would happen if you made ROTS... good?
Enjoy us diving into the concept of Star Wars legends, criticize Yoda for undialectical thinking, encouraging Bail Organa to start a Marxist militia on Alderaan, and draw parallels between Taylor Swift and Anakin Skywalker.
As discussed in the cold open, we'll be doing shout-outs to anyone who donates to PSL Atlanta and sends proof of donation to our Twitter account (@SocialistShelf) or email (TheSocialistShelf@gmail.com). The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is definitely an actual picture we took of ourselves to promote this episode.
Rock Uber: The Myth of Sisyphus
EP. 06
Lenore reads the entire thing at the opening so you have no excuse not to absorb this text (unless you just don't want to in which case...fair)
This week we discuss French philosopher Albert Camus' 1942, essential absurdist work, "The Myth of Sisyphus." You might have heard this one before, it's where the guy is happy despite his whole rock situation.
We get into the life of Camus (we've got opinions!), look into if absurdism and socialism are compatible ideas (we have MORE opinions) and talk about high school Jacob's brief fling with absurdist thought (no need for opinions on this one.)
Come back next week for a discussion of Matthew Stover's 2005 novelization of "Revenge of the Sith."
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart), episode art from SuperGiant's masterpiece, "Hades."
Marxism-Springsteenism: Battle Royale
EP. 06
History may have gone entirely differently, but the music of Bruce Springsteen is eternal...
Today we explore the alt-history dystopia of Koushun Takami's, 1999 novel, "Battle Royale." This one's a little more intense than Fortnite.
What does "successful fascism" look like? Why is the genre of kids murdering each other so lucrative? Will Koushun Takami ever write a second novel?
Music by SoloMonk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter and https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart.) Episode art from novel's cover.
Proletariat Number 1 Great: The Crab Cannery Ship
EP. 06
Folks welcome to the episode where we debut our BRAND NEW THEME SONG!!!!! Massive shout-out to Solo Monk for putting it together. Please go give him a follow on Twitter @SoloMonk256, on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart, and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/tsalcollectiv
But we do have an episode today outside the music. We're discussing the great 1929 work of Japanese proletarian literature, "The Crab Cannery Ship" by Takiji Kobayashi.
How does the historical process of capitalist development in Japan mirror that in Europe, and how is it different? How can the nameless, faceless nature of the working class be turned into a strength? Plus, what to do if your revolution fails (hint, hint: it's try again.)
Episode art is a crab emoji.
Zig Zag Zig: The Ballad of Black Tom
EP. 06
It's existential horror time!!
This week we get into Victor LaValle's 2016 novella, "The Ballad of Black Tom," a retelling of H.P. Lovecraft's shockingly racist (and honestly boring) short story, "The Horror at Red Hook." And yes, we read the original short story too so you don't have to.
The Shelfers discuss Lovecraft adaptions that deal with his legacy (and all that entails,) the inevitability of resistance against oppression, and why Cthulhu is way less scary than the NYPD.
Tune in next week for, "The Crab Cannery Ship" by Kobayashi Takiji!
Episode art from the novel's cover, music by Kevin MacLeod.