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Welcome to Today in Books, our daily round-up of literary headlines at the intersection of politics, culture, media, and more.
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To Read: January’s Best New Mysteries
Maybe it’s the long, dark nights, but there’s just something about winter that makes it the best season for reading mysteries, IMHO. The New York Times rounds up four of the month’s best new mysteries, in which “evil lurks in unexpected places.” Here are some books to read if you loved Wake Up Dead Man. And if you’re looking for YA? We’ve got four new and recent YA thrillers for you.
To Watch: Mr. Rogers on Sesame Street
The Sesame Street Classics channel on YouTube may be the best place on the internet. It’s exactly what it sounds like: full classic episodes you can watch for free. There are a bunch of gems, but the one that really meets the moment is this 1981 episode in which Mr. Rogers visits Sesame Street. Guaranteed to bring your blood pressure down for at least 56 minutes and 44 seconds.
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To Listen: How an Audiobook Gets Made
Beloved audiobook narrator Julia Whelan pops into the Culture Study podcast for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about what happens behind the scenes of an audiobook production. Audiobook fans and how-it’s-made lookielooks alike will find a lot to enjoy.
To Discuss: Vigil by George Saunders
One of the most anticipated new releases of the season, George Saunders’s new novel Vigil hit shelves yesterday. It’s a spiritual companion to 2017’s Lincoln in the Bardo, but you don’t need to have read Bardo to grok it. While some critics who shall not be named seem intent on obtuse (mis)readings, Jeff and I loved it and had a great time book clubbing it on today’s new episode of the Book Riot Podcast. Spoiler-free at the intro, we’ll tell you when to bounce out if you don’t want the nitty-gritty. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcatcher of choice.