Out on the Wire by Jessica Abel

Out on the Wire
GN Ab34o
Jessica Abel

A graphic narrative that takes readers behind-the-scenes of five of today's most popular narrative radio shows, including "This American Life" and "RadioLab."

Every week, millions of devoted fans download or tune in to "This American Life," "The Moth," "Radiolab," "Planet Money," "Snap Judgment," and other narrative radio shows. The pieces captivating listeners are by turns funny, heartbreaking, and profound. Using personal stories to breathe life into abstractions, these programs help us--all in the space of an hour or less--to understand ourselves and our world a little bit better. Each of these beloved shows has a distinct style, but every one delivers stories that are brilliantly told and produced. "Out on the Wire" offers an unexpected window into this new kind of storytelling--one that literally illustrates the making of a purely auditory medium.

With the help of "This American Life"'s Ira Glass, Jessica Abel, a cartoonist and devotee of narrative radio, uncovers just how radio producers construct a narrative, spilling some juicy insider details. Jad Abumrad of "RadioLab" talks about chasing moments of awe with scientists, while "Planet Money"'s Robert Smith speaks candidly about his slightly goofy strategy for putting interviewees at ease. And Abel reveals how mad--really mad--Ira Glass becomes when he receives edits from his colleagues. Informative and engaging, "Out on the Wire" demonstrates that, even in the midst of all the other media that consumes us, radio is still very much alive.

(from publisher)

Created in Darkness by Troubled Americans

Created in Darkness by Troubled Americans  

edited by Dave Eggers

808.87 C8602

Now more than ever, Americans are troubled by questions. As sweaty modernity thrusts itself upon us, the veil of ignorance that cloaked our nation hangs in tatters, tattered tatters. Our "funny bones" are neither fun nor bony. Glum is the new giddy, and the old giddy wasn't too giddy to begin with.

What can be done to stop this relentless march of drabbery? Nothing. But perhaps this book can be used to dull the pain. Included herein:

 The Ten Worst Films of All Time, as Reviewed by Ezra Pound over Italian Radio

 Unused Audio Commentary by Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky, Recorded Summer 2002, for The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring DVD (Platinum Series Extended Edition), Part One.

 How Important Moments in My Life Would Have Been Different If I Was Shot in the Stomach

 My Beard, Reviewed

 Circumstances under Which I Would Have Sex with Some of My Fellow Jurors

 Words That Would Make Nice Names for Babies, If It Weren't for Their Unsuitable Meanings

 As a Porn Movie Titler, I May Lack Promise

 Ineffective Ways to Subdue a Jaguar

Eleven Lunch Meats I Have Invented

 Four Things I Would Have Said to Sylvia Plath if I Had Been Her Boyfriend

 And much, much more, including 20 brilliant new lists . . .

(from publisher)