Winter Book List 23
Lexi Freiman, Cornel West, Matt Binder, Jane Jacobs, et al
Since you all have been asking for more book recs, here’s a list to keep you going through the frigid winter months. If you decide to purchase some copies for friends as a gift for the holidays, please do so through a local bookstore and NOT through a global monopoly that abuses its workers and suffocates small business owners (and robs you of the joy of living in the flesh)!!
Pure Cosmos Club-Matthew P. Binder
Friend of the pod Matthew P. Binder’s novel is a masterpiece of subtle and absurdist humor. Highlights include NYC art world drama, an anthropomorphized dog named after one of the Golden Girls, and an ISIS-adjacent attack at a Paris fashion show. Sure to make you giggle while thinking about the absurdity of the universe. Check out Matthew’s appearance on the pod, and an excerpt from the book.
The Life and Death of Great American Cities-Jane Jacobs
This classic work of sociology and urban design sheds a refreshing and deeply pragmatic, common-sensical light on so many of the social issues that sow divides that exacerbate the culture wars. Most of our problems, Jacobs reveals to us, are not rooted in morality, ideology, or politics, but rather in the design of the physical spaces we live in and the effect they have on our sense of self, broader worldview, and lifestyle choices. It’s a wonder to me that college undergrads are not required to read this.
Wanting-Luke Burgis
Burgis breaks down Rene Girard’s more complex ideas into bite sized pieces that anyone can understand, applying them to aspects of our contemporary culture like marketing and social media trends. Read more about Burgis and his Novitate Conference here. And check out his Substack at
Brother West! A Memoir-Cornel West
I recently published a non-endorsement of West in Newsweek, highlighting that he is the prime “horseshoe” candidate of the next presidential election. Whether you agree with his politics or not, West is a fascinating human being—equally intelligent as he is sincere and vivacious. His memoir demonstrates his inimical brand of humility, charity, and passion for beauty and justice, transparently admitting to his shortcomings and paying homage to those who have inspired him.
Unmeltable Ethnics-Michael Novak
This is an absolute Cracks in PoMo must read, as it is quoted in nearly every other article we publish. Novak outlines his vision for a “new ethnic” paradigm whose implications are not only political but also aesthetic and existential. He transcends current polemics between identity “politicians” and those who argue for a “colorblind” ideal, instead insisting that ethnic identity is an intrinsic part of our being, linking us to a legacy that transcends ourselves while filling our lives with richness and substance.
Finding Gold in the Dark-John Aroutiounian
John is a friend who died of cancer in 2019 at the age 27. He had a brilliant mind, deeply devout soul, and brilliantly witty personality. His mother compiled his writings since his high school days into this book, which cover a variety of topics ranging from Armenian history, American politics, Eastern Christian spirituality, and observations about everyday life…making for a profoundly heart-warming and encouraging read.
Harlots of the Desert-Sr. Benedicta Ward
Anglican sister Benedicta Ward translated and commented on a collection of texts recounting the stories of numerous female saints of the early Church who left behind lives of unchastity for God…but, as Sister Ward emphasizes, did not leave behind their passionate desire for love, which instead was expanded and deepened by their encounter with the Divine. Perfect for anyone who likes weird saint stories (and esp. for you BPD Art Heauxs).
The Book of Ayn-Lexi Freiman
Perhaps the funniest book I’ve read in a long time, friend of the pod Lexi Freiman’s new novel features a protagonist who is obsessed with Ayn Rand, and who also has a thing for young (of-age) guys. The book is a witty exploration of cancel culture, the culture of narcissism, Sufism, and offers an accidental phenomenology of poop. Check out Lexi’s appearance on the pod.
The Portrait of a Mirror-A. Natasha Joukovsky
If you’re into Rene Girard, Oscar Wilde, the Met, or the myth of Narcissus (which is to say, if you’re a fan of Cracks in PoMo), this is the perfect book for you. Friend of the pod Natasha artfully combines the worlds of high art, social media, and Ivy League snobbery in her exploration of mimetic desire, guilt, and morality. It’s truly in a class of its own, and will thrill you with its spicy plot and profound philosophical implications. Check out Natasha’s appearance on the pod coming out soon. And check out her Substack at
They Can’t Kill Us Until You Kill Us-Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif is perhaps one of my favorite music writers…yet he is much more than that, as he demonstrates in this collection of essays. Better put, he is a writer of the human experience. Despite being drenched in unremarkably conventional politically correct tropes, his discoveries are remarkably unconventional, raw, and sincere. I especially urge anyone who cringes at “woke” cliches to read this, as it will open their eyes to the humanity behind the ideology they love to react against.
And if your attention span is too short to read, rock out to our recently released Cracks in PoMo Party playlist—the perfect mix of Gaga, Rosalia, Lauryn Hill, Dembow, Funk Carioca, Bajo Mundo, 90s R&B, Golden Age Hip Hop, and Dancehall.
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