PodParley PodParley
PodParley
Critical Friends Episode 20: On Book Clubs episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 26, 2026 · 44 MIN

Critical Friends Episode 20: On Book Clubs

from Strange Horizons · host The Strange Horizons Editorial Collective

In this episode, as part of our 2026 criticism special issue Tristan Beiter introduces us to the Ursula K. Le Guin book club he's been taking part in. The group discusses the book club as a forum for, and a practice of, criticism. How does it differ from the academy, from more formal venues, from fan spaces—and what kinds of critical activity and insight do those differences, equip it uniquely to deliver? 

What this episode covers

In this episode, as part of our 2026 criticism special issue Tristan Beiter introduces us to the Ursula K. Le Guin book club he's been taking part in. The group discusses the book club as a forum for, and a practice of, criticism. How does it differ from the academy, from more formal venues, from fan spaces—and what kinds of critical activity and insight do those differences, equip it uniquely to deliver?

NOW PLAYING

Critical Friends Episode 20: On Book Clubs

0:00 44:30

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Death Bound by Inner Sanctum Mysteries

Jun 21, 2026

Bela Boczniak’s Bad Dreams by the clock

Jun 14, 2026

Date In The Dark by The Haunting Hour

Jun 7, 2026

The Man The Insects Hated by The Mysterious Traveler

May 31, 2026

Conqueror’s Isle by Escape

May 25, 2026

The Strange History Of David Swan by The CBC Mystery Theatre

May 17, 2026

Similar Podcasts

The Terrible Business of Salmon and Dusk Myke Bartlett The Terrible Business of Salmon & Dusk is a podcasted novel (of sorts).When Theodora Jones’s boyfriend disappears, she is the only person in the world who remembers him. Trying to find him leads her to the door of Salmon & Dusk (detectives, thieves and time-travellers). Theo’s adventure will lead her off the maps into some very strange times and places – and put all of human history at risk.Her life, your life and everyone else’s life will never be quite the same again.For fans of Neil Gaiman and Douglas Adams.Written and read by Myke Bartlett.A Burnt Toast Production. Arcane Horizons Arcane Horizons  🎙️ Welcome to Arcane Horizons—your portal to the mysterious and extraordinary. Each week, we unravel secrets of the occult, explore chilling unsolved mysteries, and dive into the fascinating realms of mythology, astrology, and the paranormal. If you’re ready to question the unknown and uncover hidden truths, join us on this journey into the arcane. 🌟  A Spooky Action At A Distance David Masters Welcome to 'Spooky Action at a Distance,' a weekly podcast where we chart the mysterious spaces between the mundane and mystical. From ghostly tales to UFO narratives, music phenomena to divine conundrums, our exploration rooted in para-psychology challenges conventional wisdom, ignites thought-provoking dialogues, and illuminates the enigmatic threads of existence. Guided by seasoned hosts, we venture into the labyrinth of the extraordinary, investigating each peculiarity from varied perspectives. Tune in, open your mind, and join us on this captivating quest, traversing the spectral landscapes of the strange and supernatural.A Ground Zero Radio podcast Detective and crime xushiling Detective and crimeOn the Witness Stand: Essays on Psychology and CrimeWeird CrimesYou Can't WinA Case of Identity (in Short Mystery Story Collection 006)A Christmas Fantasy, with a Moral (in Short Mystery Story Collection 006)A Desperate Adventure (in Short Mystery Story Collection 005)A Difficult Problem (in Short Mystery Story Collection 004)A Foreign Office Romance (in Short Mystery Story Collection 007)A Jury of Her Peers (in Short Mystery Story Collection 001)A Memorable Swim (in Stories in Black and White)A Quicksilver Cassandra (in Short Mystery and Suspense Collection 010)A Quicksilver Cassandra (in Short Mystery Story Collection 007)A Scandal in Bohemia (in Short Mystery Story Collection 001)A Scandal in Bohemia (in Short Mystery Story Collection 005)A Strange Tale of Cannibalism (in Short Mystery Story Collection 002)A Terrible Night (in Tales of Terror)A Thing That Glistene

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Strange Horizons?

This episode is 44 minutes long.

When was this Strange Horizons episode published?

This episode was published on January 26, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In this episode, as part of our 2026 criticism special issue Tristan Beiter introduces us to the Ursula K. Le Guin book club he's been taking part in. The group discusses the book club as a forum for, and a practice of, criticism. How does it differ...

Can I download this Strange Horizons episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!