Editor’s note: We haven’t done an episode quite like this before. I absolutely loved this conversation with the novelist Jordan Castro, one of the most exciting young American authors writing today. Because it was such a rich conversation, we’re leaving out the paywall so that everyone can have a listen.
—Shadi Hamid, co-founder, Wisdom of Crowds
What’s it actually like to be a novelist? And how does literary success—and some amount of fame and notoriety—change how people think of you?
Special guest Jordan Castro joins Shadi and Santiago to talk about his novel, The Novelist, internet culture, converting to Christianity, his heroin addiction, love and, of course, literature.
At nearly two hours it’s a rich and, dare we say it, epic chat on the stuff of life. If you’ve ever wanted to get in the brain of a writer, you won’t want to miss this. Really.
Required Reading:
The Novelist by Jordan Castro
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on René Girard
New anthology of Girard’s essential writings
Varieties of Religious Experience by William James
The Present Age: On the Death of Rebellion by Søren Kierkegaard
Plato’s Myth of the Cave in the Republic
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
The Perpetual Orgy: Flaubert and Madame Bovary by Mario Vargas Llosa
Substance Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
This was such a privilege to listen to. I'll definitely pick up a copy of Jordan's book after listening to this! I also wondered, on the question of beauty, and does it need outside recognition to flourish, can we apply this more broadly? So, for instance, if i get repeatedly told I am ugly do I have to accept that or can I still see some beauty that others are missing? Is that not the same with a piece of work to some extent?
Thanks. Fascinating interview.