The Foxed Page

Latest Episodes:

CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata >> I returned to this one in the name of satire but came away with so much more. Apr 27, 2026

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I can't remember the last time a novel evoked such strong--and opposing!--reactions. This 2018 novella appealed back then but my re-reading was even more satisfying.

Listen in to hear the many ways Murata is a master of satire. Maybe more interestingly, take a fascinating look at sexuality in the novel via two other Murata essays. Indulge yourself in talk about this smart, unique novel now!

TRANSCRIPTION by Ben Lerner >> Almost never do I finish a book and wonder what on earth I'll say about it. Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Lerner's new novel(la) is a revelation. One that deserves a LOT of our attention. It's a text that tests the limits and potentials of what fiction can do. Whether you loved it or came away wondering what the hell you just read, these ninety minutes should deepen your appreciation for this latest from one of my very favorite writers of all time.

PNIN by Vladimir Nabokov >> This is exactly why Nabokov might be my favorite writer of all time. Apr 17, 2026

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The Russian master's slim novel from 1958--just a year after Lolita--is such a dream. Truly one of my favorite books. We dive deep into narrative stance, satire, structure, figurative language, the campus novel and SQUIRRELS.

KIN by Tayari Jones >> How on earth did I not read An American Marriage?? Apr 06, 2026

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The reading public had ridiculously high expectations for whatever followed Jones’s break-out bestseller—and wow have those expectations have been met. KIN might seem like a straightforward, delightful page turner but the book is so good because of all the nuanced, complex ways that Jones develops structure, dialogue, plot, figurative language, minor characters, historical setting etc. Listen in to FULLY APPRECIATE this rich work.

NEAR TO THE WILD HEART by Clarice Lispector >> It is ABOUT TIME we took a close look at this Brazilian genius. Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Wow was this rewarding. Lispector's cult following knows what it's talking about! her body of work is globally, universally acclaimed for an approach that truly feels singular.

Listen in to hear how her harrowing childhood informs her writing. Together we'll dig deep into how stream of consciousness, figurative language and writing from the body all add to the genius. These slim novels are the kind of work that REALLY reward deeper analysis.

VIGIL by George Saunders >> Whether you loved this--or wish you loved it a little more--this talk is for you. Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Saunders fans came to this with very high expectations. Rightly! The MacArthur-winning genius won the Booker for the insanely great Lincoln in the Bardo!

When VIGIL fell a tiny bit short for me, I went to the source--interviews with George--to really understand what he was going for. I wanted the best experience of this book! The results were fascinating. Listen in to gain the deepest appreciation for why Saunders is always worth our while.

NOW I SURRENDER by Álvaro Enrigue >> Even if "alt-western" doesn't pull you right in, this one is seriously worth your while.. Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

Even *I*--longtime Enrigue superfan--was a little suspicious of this one. Turns out a "multifaceted war story," a "Western that Goes Where McCarthy Wouldn't," the story of the surrender of Geronimo, was RIVETING.

DUBLINERS by James Joyce >> How else should anyone celebrate March 17? Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Let us thank GOD for the Irishification of the American arts!

This lecture explores the haunting “An Encounter” before delving into the masterpiece, “The Dead.” Find out how Joyce changed the face of literature, and how his portrayal of the Irish people is actually a portrayal of EVERYONE.

Maybe Joyce seems a little heavy?? Choose from my talks on Sally Rooney's INTERMEZZO, Claire Keegan's radical SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE or FOSTER, Anna Burns's insanely great MILKMAN or a handful of other Irish masterpieces.

"DANCE IN AMERICA" by Lorrie Moore >> How on EARTH did it take this long for us to do a Moore episode?? Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

There are dozens of reasons why Moore is one of my favorite writers of all time. Indulge yourself in the 20 minutes it takes to read (or listen to!) this story then dig DEEP with me. The work is ridiculously smart and dark and poignant and unique and HILARIOUS. I'll say it before we even start: YOU'RE WELCOME.

STONE YARD DEVOTIONAL by Charlotte Wood >> Wow does this novel reward some close reading. Wood is a genius! Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

This Booker Prize shortlister SEEMS quiet, spacious and spare but wow is it rich. The closer you look (allow me to guide you), the better it gets. Don't let the subtleties of this gorgeous novel be lost on you! Listen in now.

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