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Books on the Nightstand published our final episode in July 2016. This is a place for listeners to find old episodes. 

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  2. BOTNS Book Podcast #142: The science of spoilers

BOTNS Book Podcast #142: The science of spoilers

Aug 16, 2011

 Spoilers: a good thing? More listener voicemails. Ann recommends 1493 by Charles Mann, and Michael loves Lev Grossman's The Magician King.

 

For this episode, we were inspired by news of a soon-to-be published scientific study regarding literary spoilers and their influence on our enjoyment of the work. Our favorite post about the study is at Wired Science, and I was intrigued by Jonah Lehrer's personal take on the study.

Did we mention how much we love it when you call us? Today we catch up on three voicemails, including one from Catherine in California that talks about the intriguing reversible book jacket on Across The Universe by Beth Revis. Image of the two jackets, below, courtesy of kitriandtheanimals.

reversible book jacket for Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Also, Suzanne called in with two additions to our "books about books" episode:  more love for The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak, and A Novel Bookstore by Laurene Cossé.  And lastly, David calls in with an enthusiastic message that urges Michael to read Pride and Prejudice.

Two books we can't wait for you to read

As the weather here in Massachusetts starts to cool slightly, I'm starting to think about fall and more serious reading. My pick today is 1493 by Charles Mann. This is a fascinating, smart, and highly enjoyable read that examines the effects that Christopher Columbus and those that came after had on the world, including things that impact us even today. Put this one on your reading list, even if you generally stay away from nonfiction. Michael is entranced by The Magician King by Lev Grossman.  With elements of Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, it's a magical fantasy novel for adults that continues the world created by Grossman in The Magicians.

1493 by Charles Mann   The Magician King by Lev Grossman