#BookCast 10 | Special Topics in Calamity Physics

from GradCast · host Maris Schneider, Anthony Cruz, Mark Ambrogio, Scott Walters, Ryan Baxter, Maria Khan, Garth Casbourn, Riya Sidhu, Sarah Bidinosti, Chrishma Perera, Bruno Mesquita, Kirstyn Seanor, Mohammed Zeratti

BookCast is an ongoing series where we delve into novels set in an academic context. For the 10th edition of BookCast, Garth Casbourn, Milan Mamman, and Mark Ambrogio discuss the 2006 novel Special Topics in Calamity Physics, by Marisha Pessl. Special Topics in Calamity Physics is a darkly hilarious coming-of-age tale and a richly plotted suspense story, told with dazzling intelligence and wit. This novel won the inaugural John Sargent, Sr. First Novel Prize in 2006. In their discussion, Garth, Milan and Mark share their analysis of the novel, combined with some first-hand experience of academic life. Recorded on Friday, February 27, 2026 Produced by Mark Ambrogio Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

What this episode covers

BookCast is an ongoing series where we delve into novels set in an academic context. For the 10th edition of BookCast, Garth Casbourn, Milan Mamman, and Mark Ambrogio discuss the 2006 novel Special Topics in Calamity Physics, by Marisha Pessl. Special Topics in Calamity Physics is a darkly hilarious coming-of-age tale and a richly plotted suspense story, told with dazzling intelligence and wit. This novel won the inaugural John Sargent, Sr. First Novel Prize in 2006.In their discussion, Garth, Milan and Mark share their analysis of the novel, combined with some first-hand experience of academic life.Recorded on Friday, February 27, 2026Produced by Mark AmbrogioTheme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

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#BookCast 10 | Special Topics in Calamity Physics

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This episode is 55 minutes long.

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This episode was published on May 7, 2026.

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