DeepSummary
The episode features a conversation with writer Hannah Grieco about the 2021 novel 'Nightbitch' by Rachel Yoder, which depicts an overworked mother descending into a feral, dog-like state. Grieco discusses how the book resonated with her as a writer and mother, capturing the visceral difficulties and isolation of parenting. She shares her experience editing the anthology 'Already Gone' about people running away, and her journey into creative writing later in life.
The guests delve into the novel's dark humor, allegorical nature, and propulsive plot trajectory as the protagonist increasingly embraces her animalistic tendencies. They analyze the ambiguous ending and whether the author had a clear resolution in mind. Grieco reflects on how the book validated her own urges to 'howl at the moon' as a mother and writer seeking creative fulfillment.
The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing writing with parenting demands, the pressures and judgments mothers face, and the importance of finding a creative community. Grieco praises the welcoming environment of Barrelhouse Writer Camp, which encouraged her to pursue an MFA later in life. The hosts also discuss impactful reading experiences and lightning round questions.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Rachel Yoder's novel 'Nightbitch' resonated deeply with writer Hannah Grieco as a visceral depiction of the difficulties and isolation of parenting, particularly for mothers.
- The novel's dark humor, allegorical nature, and propulsive plot trajectory as the protagonist embraces her animalistic urges were compelling elements analyzed in the discussion.
- Grieco saw the book as validating her own creative yearnings and urges to 'howl at the moon' as an overwhelmed mother seeking artistic fulfillment.
- The conversation touched on the challenges of balancing writing with parenting demands and the pressures and judgments mothers often face from society.
- Literary communities like Barrelhouse Writer Camp played a nurturing role in Grieco's journey into creative writing later in life, providing a welcoming environment free of elitism.
- Impactful reading experiences, like Grieco's discovery of Kiese Laymon's works, can profoundly shape a writer's artistic voice and determination.
- Editing anthologies like 'Already Gone' allowed Grieco to curate a collection of subversive works exploring themes she was passionate about, like running away and the 'weird' side of parenting.
- The ambiguous ending of 'Nightbitch' sparked debate about whether the author had a clear resolution in mind or intended to leave the protagonist's journey open-ended.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I had to become a writer to stop caring what people thought about me.“ by Hannah Grieco
- “It was alarming at times how much it felt like I was looking into a mirror.“ by Hannah Grieco
- “It's just one of the most wonderful places in the world. It is like the opposite of bread loaf, you know, it's like the opposite of all these things that. These places that will never take me, ever, no matter how hard I try to get in. You go to Ryder camp, and it's just like you. The second you pull into the parking lot, you can breathe again.“ by Hannah Grieco
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Episode Information
Book Fight
Mike Ingram and Tom McAllister
11/27/23
We're joined by Hannah Grieco (writer, editor, recent MFA finisher) to discuss the 2021 novel Nightbitch, by Rachel Yoder, and its depiction of an overworked mother gone feral.
You can order a copy of Already Gone, the anthology Hannah edited featuring 40 stories of people running away.
And if you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us by joining our Patreon, where $5 gets you two bonus episodes each month.