Could our literary culture be shaping our genetic inheritance? A startling idea; but in this week’s show, special guest Dr. Susan O’Doherty discusses surprising new evidence suggesting that that the accelerating pace of cultural change may be redefining our genetic identity. Does this mean that people who grow up reading romantic novels are more likely to select certain types of spouses? Listen and find out!
With social media whiz Jamie Mollart on the panel, as well as our regulars Donna Ballman and Dave Bartram, its a class act all round. And Geoff North provides regular updates from the all-impoirtant chatroom – so you won”t miss even the tiniest morsel of witty goodness!
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Topics on tonight’s show include:
- Can Paddington Bear save British marmalade?
- We put something back into society by naming the largest number to date
- Roman, Greek, Nubian, hawk, snub, turn-up or bulbous great hooter – what sort of nose do you have?
- Irresponsible writing – Twilight, Harry Potter, A Clockwork Orange & Catcher in the Rye have a lot to answer for
- The dark side of enforcing copyrights
- Product placement in books – the next earner for authors?
This week’s titles for the Commissioning Meeting are:
DONNA
“Slippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly Man”
Marie Conway Oemler, 1879-1932JAMIE
“The Stutterer”
R. R. MerlissDR SUE
“Slovenly Betsy: including Phoebe Ann, the Proud Girl — The Dreadful Story of Pauline and the Matches — What Happened to Lazy Charlotte — The Cry-Baby — The Story of Romping Polly — The Story of a Dirty Child — Envious Minnie — The Little Glutton — Sophie Spoilall”
Heinrich Hoffmann, 1809-1894DAVE
“See?”
Edward G. Robles
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We’re pleased to give a copy of George Pelicano’s The Way Home for the winning title suggestion this week, courtesy of Orion. “The Way Home, like The Turnaround before it, is a masterly study of fathers and sons. Pelecanos, who worked on the TV show The Wire, has a gift for characterisation and location – in this case Washington DC. The result is that rare thing: a gripping thriller that is also intensely moving.” — Mark Sanderson EVENING STANDARD
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