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On episode 8 of Mixed Media: First up, Harper Lee's 1960 novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is one of the most beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning books in history. Fans were ecstatic and nervous at the recent news that Go Set a Watchman, an earlier manuscript that formed the basis for Mockingbird, had been discovered in Lee's archives. That book was published Tuesday amid a level of hysteria rarely seen anymore in publishing. Dallas Morning News books editor Mike Merschel and Morning News Arts & Life intern and writer Emma Court help the hosts break it all down: the book, the Atticus Finch backlash and the lingering questions over whether Harper Lee was manipulated into publishing this manuscript.
Next: "Today, computer programs can churn out simple, fact-based stories. But it still takes an actual human being to tell a tale that intrigues, delights, surprises, haunts and touches us at the deepest core of our being." So writes George Getschow, writer-in-residence of the acclaimed Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference held annually in Grapevine. This is the 11th year for what has become the preeminent narrative nonfiction conference in the country. What's on tap for this weekend and why are writers so obsessed with this conference?
Finally, comedian Richard Pryor died 10 years ago this December. But the howls of pain and laughter still linger in the midst of the latest Pryor renaissance, including a new book by Scott Saul, Becoming Richard Pryor. Chris Vognar wrote about Saul's book and Pryor's legacy in last Sunday's Dallas Morning News, the hosts discuss the legendary comedian's legacy.
On the touts segment: Christopher Wynn recommends listening to four unreleased songs recorded in Jim Beck's Highland Park studio. Chris Vognar is obsessed with Tame Impala's new song, "Let it Play."
