Three Percent Podcast

In this week's Two Month Review, Brian drops some excellent knowledge about why this chapter is called "The Devil's Garden," opening a window into Ugresic's genius, guest George Carroll talks about his time in Kolkata, and Chad says a bunch of mildly entertaining things about camping and landmines. The most stunning moment comes when all three reveal their complete ignorance of one particular major work of international literature . . . Overall, a great episode! You can watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube, and while you’re there, subscribe to the Two Month Review channel and stayed tuned for the next broadcast, in which we'll be talking about the last half of Part III of "The Devil's Garden," pages 144-183. As always, Fox (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this episode—or on the book in general—either on this post, or at the official GoodReads Group. Follow Open Letter, Cha

After a two week hiatus due to technical difficulties trying to record from Dublin, the Two Month Review is back! Chad and Brian are joined by translator Ellen Elias-Bursać to talk about her favorite section of the novel--"A Balancing Art." They discuss the various viewpoints presented in this chapter--especially that of the outspoken, unforgiving young artist compared to the more "fox-like" older widow--and all the subtleties found in Ugresic's prose. Listen to the end to get information about Ellen's new book, Translating Evidence and Interpreting Testimony at a War Crimes Tribunal: Working in a Tug-of-War. Which is far more interesting than the title might suggest. It's about her time working in the Hague and the role translation played on a daily basis. You can watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube, and while you’re there, subscribe to the Two Month Review channel and stayed tuned for the next broadcast, in which we'll be talking about the first section of Part III of Fox, "The Devil's Gar

Tom Flynn from Volumes is back, surprising Brian, who mostly prepared for the podcast by Googling Croatian Fun Facts. World Cup banter and good natured ribbing aside, Chad, Brian, and Tom dig in to the first half or "A Balancing Art," talking about immigration vs. tourism, literary conferences and celebrity, one of the best penis jokes ever, and much more. They look at some of the parallels between the first two parts and marvel at Ugresic's genius in putting this novel together. Finally, they talk a bit about "Levin," the Russian author who runs throughout this book . . . You can watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube, and while you’re there, subscribe to the Two Month Review channel and stop by next Monday, July 2nd at 9pm Eastern to discuss the second half of Part II of Fox, "A Balancing Art," pages 76-109. As always, Fox (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this episode—or o

This week's podcast is pretty fast and loose, with Fortnite disruptions, embarrassing pronunciations, lots of ribbing, and a deep dive into the various games going on in Part I of Dubravka Ugresic's Fox, "A Story about How Stories Come to Be Written." Starting from Pilnyak's story of the same name, this section revolves around the idea of how real life events are transformed into stories, why certain stories "feel" believable, and the way certain stories are lauded and others dismissed. It's a great starting point for the book, and all the silliness aside, Tom, Chad, and Brian do pull a lot of interesting ideas out of this section. You can watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube, and while you’re there, subscribe to the Two Month Review channel and stop by next Monday, June 25th at 9pm Eastern to discuss the first half of Part II of Fox, "A Balancing Art," pages 46-75. As always, Fox (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2M

This week, Chad and Tom talk about the "newly reimagined" BookExpo, the New York Rights Fair, the Albertine Prize (congrats to Emma Ramadan, Anne Garreta, and Deep Vellum!), the BTBA (congrats to Will Vanderhyden and Rodrigo Fresán!), likely shortlisted titles for next year's award, and more. Totally lacking in sports talk this week, which is weird, given the start of the US-less World Cup . . . Music this time is "If There's One Thing You Should Know" by  The Go! Team. As always, feel free to send any and all comments or questions to: threepercentpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if there are articles you’d like us to read and analyze (or just make fun of), send those along as well. And if you like the podcast, tell a friend and rate us or leave a review on iTunes! If you don’t already subscribe to the Three Percent Podcast you can find us on iTunes, Stitcher, and other places. Or you can always subscribe by adding our feed directly into your favorite podcast app: http://threepercent.libsyn.com/rss  

The new season is here! For the next two months, Chad and Brian will be talking about Dubravka Ugresic's Fox with a wide range of guests. To kick things off this week, Chad talks about Ugresic's writing career and his history of publishing her, and Brian comes up with a great challenge for our listeners and a running gag about this season's theme music. You can watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube, and while you’re there, subscribe to the Two Month Review channel and stop by next Monday, June 18th at 9pm Eastern to discuss Part I of Fox, pages 1-45. (If you want to read "A Story About How Stories Come to Be Written" by Pilnyak, just email me.) As always, Fox (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this episode—or on the book in general—either on this post, or at the official GoodReads Group. Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood, for more thoughts and information about up

Chad and Tom reunite after a few weeks of travel and hot takes to talk about the Best Translated Book Award shortlists, the Nobel Prize controversy, why we should (or shouldn't? or who cares?) save Barnes & Noble, and the awesomeness that is Jean-Patrick Manchette.  This week's music is "Every 1's a Winner" by Ty Segall, because, well, everyone's a winner.  As always, feel free to send any and all comments or questions to: threepercentpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if there are articles you’d like us to read and analyze (or just make fun of), send those along as well. And if you like the podcast, tell a friend and rate us or leave a review on iTunes!

This week, Chad and Brian are joined by Stiliana Milkova from Oberlin College to talk about the final sections of The Physics of Sorrow: "An Elementary Physics of Sorrow," "Endings," and "Epilogue." They talk about the structure of the novel as a whole, about Chad's favorite page in the book, about aging and nostalgia, and, in a true throwback moment, Twin Peaks.  You can watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube, and while you're there, subscribe to Chad's channel and stop by next Monday, April 16th at 9pm eastern for a very special episode that will feature Santiago Morrice AND Georgi Gospodinov himself! If you watch that episode live you'll have the opportunity to ask Georgi all the questions you want! As always, The Physics of Sorrow (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. While you're there, pick up a copy of Fox by Dubravka Ugresic. This will be the next Two Month Review book, and we'll release the sche

Chad and Tom reconvene to talk about self-published titles that stay local, the Best Translated Book Award longlists, the elitism of the industry, and how you should vote for Emma Ramadan's translation of Not One Day for this year's Albertine Prize. This week's music is a snippet from the 13+ minute long Beach Life-in-Death by Car Seat Headrest. Great song, great album. As always, feel free to send any and all comments or questions to: threepercentpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if there are articles you'd like us to read and analyze (or just make fun of), send those along as well. And if you like the podcast, tell a friend and rate us or leave a review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts!  

This week, Rachel Cordasco from Speculative Fiction in Translation and the Wisconsin Historical Society Press joined Chad and Brian for a fun conversation about part VII of Georgi Gospodinov's The Physics of Sorrow. They talked about how this book invokes a variety of memories, hotel rooms, Eastern European self-deprecating humor, the saddest place on earth, and much more. It's a wide-ranging conversation that truly captures the spirit of the Two Month Review. Whether you've read the book or not, you'll come away from this informed and entertained. (And probably wishing you had read the book.) You can watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube, and while you're there, subscribe to Chad's channel and stop by next Monday, April 9th at 9pm eastern to talk with Chad, Brian, and special guest Stiliana Milkova. They'll be discussing "An Elementary Physics of Sorrow" and the "Conclusion," and probably touching on Milkova's literary interests, which include Russian Symbolist erotic poetry and Elena Ferrante

This week, translator Angela Rodel joins Chad and Brian to talk about The Physics of Sorrow by Georgi Gospodinov, the recent surge in Bulgarian literature in translation, point of view issues in writing, Bulgarian folk music, what makes a translation work, and much more. Then Chad and Brian banter about "The Story Buyer," the giving away of ideas for novels, and the next title to be featured on the Two Month Review! There is an unedited version of the second half of this podcast available on YouTube. that contains a longer discussion of the future of the project and what other titles could be included. And be sure to come by next TUESDAY, April 3rd at 9pm to talk with Chad, Brian, and special guest Rachel Cordasco. They'll be discussing "Global Autumn," the saddest places in the world, Eastern European humor, and more. As always, The Physics of Sorrow (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this

In addition to ripping on Chad and the poor showing by the Michigan State Spartans in the NCAA Tournament, Brian Wood and Tom Flynn (from Volumes Bookcafe) discuss the morality of animals, how this section of The Physics of Sorrow focuses more on the "animal" side of the minotaur, the mixture of lightness and sorrow in Gospodinov's writing, terrible sounding alcoholic drinks, and more. It's a great blend of pure entertainment and literary insight, reinforcing just how carefully crafted and incredible this novel is. There is an unedited version of this podcast--with maybe eight extra minutes of jokes--that you can watch on YouTube. And be sure to come by next Monday, March 26th at 9pm to hangout with Chad and Brian. They'll be talking about Part VI (pages 179-200) and answering any and all of your questions. As always, The Physics of Sorrow (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this episode--or

This week, Patrick Smith joined Chad and Brian to talk about time capsules and their potential danger, nostalgia and the urge to collect, aliens, Chernobyl, and more. It was a very fun part of the book to discuss, and the three of them made the most of it, really digging into how The Physics of Sorrow is constructed, while also entertaining listeners who might not have read the book. (Bonus: March Madness tips from Brian and former TMR guest Tom Roberge.) If you want to see this conversation (instead of listening to the podcast), you can view it all here on YouTube. And be sure to come by next Monday, March 19th at 9pm to hangout with Brian, Chad, and special guest Tom Flynn from Volumes Bookcafe. In addition to talking about Part V (pgs 151-178), they'll be happy to answer any and all questions in the chat. As always, The Physics of Sorrow (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this episode--or

To up the Bay Area sports content, we invited Nick Buzanski of Book Culture to come on and talk about one of his favorite sections of Georgi Gospodinov's The Physics of Sorrow. They talk about community and storytelling, seeing movies in person, Gospodinov's humor and beautiful writing, Gaustine's wild ideas, sexy books subterraneously shared, and crappy 90s music. If you want to see this conversation (instead of listening to the podcast), you can view it all here on YouTube. And be sure to come by next Monday, March 12th at 9pm to hangout with Brian, Chad, and special guest Patrick Smith. In addition to talking about Part IV (pgs 119-150), they'll be happy to answer any and all questions in the chat. As always, The Physics of Sorrow (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this episode--or on the book in general--either on this post, or at the official GoodReads Group. Follow Open Letter, Chad Po

Caitlin Baker of the University Book Store in Seattle joined Chad and Brian to talk about this very short section of Georgi Gospodinov's The Physics of Sorrow. Mostly they talk about the constant conflicts between kids and their parent in myths. And eating children. But it's not as gruesome as all that! Mostly they have a good time hanging out and talking about the Minotaur and how he's been portrayed both in myths and pop culture. If you want to see this conversation (instead of listening to the podcast), you can view it all here on YouTube. And be sure to come by next Monday, March 5th at 9pm to hangout with Brian, Chad, and special guest Nick Buzanski. In addition to talking about Part III (pgs 73-118), they'll be happy to answer any and all questions in the chat. As always, The Physics of Sorrow (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this episode--or on the book in general--either on this po

Chad and Brian are joined by Tom Roberge of Riffraff (and the Three Percent Podcast to discuss the first section of Georgi Gospodinov's The Physics of Sorrow. They talk about the book's general conceit, the minotaur myth, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Eastern European history, fascism and communism, and much more. It's a really fun episode--and one that you can actually watch on YouTube. Caitlin Baker of University Bookstore in Seattle will guest star on the next episode, which covers Part II (59-72). This episode will be broadcast live on YouTube on Sunday, February 25th. We'll be discussion Part II (pgs 59-72), and you can watch us, ask questions, make general comments, talk about the lighting in Brian's closet, etc. Or you can wait for the normal podcast release next Thursday, March 1st. As always, The Physics of Sorrow (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off through our website. Just use the code 2MONTH at checkout. Feel free to comment on this episode--or on th

The new season of the Two Month Review kicks off now with a general overview Georgi Gospodinov's The Physics of Sorrow, one of the most beloved books Open Letter has ever published. Brian's on the lam, or in witness protection, or something, so Open Letter senior editor Kaija Straumanis stepped in to talk about one of the first books she ever worked on for the press. You can participate in the next episode--covering the Epigraphy, Prologue, and Part I (1-58)--which will be recorded on YouTube LIVE on Monday, February 19th at 9pm EST. All you you have to do is click here and you can comment or ask Chad, Brian, and Tom Roberge about anything you want. The podcast recording of that episode will be released in normal fashion on Thursday, February 22nd. So you don't have to watch it live, but if you want to come hang out with us and participate in the making of these episodes, we'd love to see you there! As always, The Physics of Sorrow (and all the previous Two Month Review titles) is available for 20% off thro

Alex Shepard from The New Republic joins Chad and Tom to discuss the state of book journalism, the new National Book Award for Translation, Chad's annoying whining about BookMarks, Winter Institute, and more. It's a fun episode that goes deep into some contemporary book publishing issues--and the disparity between the haves and have nots--while remaining entertaining and a bit unhinged. This week's music is "The Best Trick in Modern Science" by Unlikely Friends. Yes, this is the second week in a row that we're featuring this album. It's great! As always, feel free to send any and all comments or questions to: threepercentpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if there are articles you'd like us to read and analyze (or just make fun of), send those along as well. And if you like the podcast, tell a friend and rate us or leave a review on iTunes!

After a few weeks away from podcast, Chad and Tom reunite to talk about sales of Fire and Fury and its lasting impact, Milo's edits, the TA First Translation Prize Shortlist, Rochester's failure to land the new Amazon HQ, Wormwood, and more.   For those keeping track as you listen, here's the baffling video presentation Rochester & Buffalo sent to Amazon and here's a link to A.N. Devers's article on Brigid Hughes and The Paris Review.   Sorry, while we're goofing on Rochester's delusional ambitions, I have to share this. Please try and make sense of those statements.   This week's music is "Crooked Numbers" by Unlikely Friends. Now that football is over with Minnesota's crushing defeat to the Eagles, it's almost time to pay attention to America's game!   As always, feel free to send any and all comments or questions to: threepercentpodcast@gmail.com. Also, if there are articles you'd like us to read and analyze (or just make fun of), send those along as well.   And if you like the podcast, tell a friend a

Here it is, the infamous live recording at McNally Jackson! There was a great turnout to hear Brian, María Christina, and I work our way through our thoughts about Death in Spring, Rodoreda's overall stature, the banning of the color yellow, and much more. We had a great time doing this, and thanks again to McNally Jackson for making it all possible.   We might have a special bonus episode in the new year, but stay tuned for details on Two Month Review season four, when we go deep on The Physics of Sorrow by Georgi Gospodinov. Buy a copy now! (Use the code 2MONTH at checkout for 20% off!)   And, in case you still don't have them, both Death in Spring and Selected Stories are also available through the Open Letter website. And like with Physics above, if you use 2MONTH at checkout, you'll get 20% off.   Feel free to comment on this episode--or on the book in general--either on this post, or at the official GoodReads Group.   Follow Open Letter, Chad Post, and Brian Wood for more thoughts and information about