Thursday, November 23, 2017
Food - and southern cuisine in particular - is a big part of our culture. On the biggest food holiday of the year, we talk about what food says about us. Plus, author George Saunders on his award-winning novel.
Part One: What Does Southern Food Say About Us?
In her book Consuming Identity: The Role of Food in Redefining the South, UNC Charlotte communications professor Ashli Stokes analyzes the role food plays in allegiances, bonds, cultural exchanges and building identity.
The South is one of the few regions of the country that has a specific cuisine. Rich with history and traditions, what we choose to eat and how we prepare it says a lot about who we are.
Since food crosses lines of race, class and gender, it can also open dialogue for people to find a common language. On Thanksgiving, we Mike Collins and guests discuss the power of food.
This show originally aired Sept. 13, 2017. Listen to the full conversation here.
Guests
Dr. Ashli Quesinberry Stokes, Author, Associate Professor of Communication Studies and the Director of the Center for the Study of the New South at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Andrea King Collier, journalist and author, creative director for Symposium for Professional Food Writers
Part Two: George Saunders, Author Of Lincoln In The Bardo
The man who Time Magazine calls "the best short story writer in English - not 'one of' not 'arguably' but the best" and the man who Stephen Colbert says is "quite possibly" his favorite living author, recently released his first novel.
George Saunders is a National Book Award finalist who has written four popular collections of short stories, including his most recent, Tenth of December. Lincoln in The Bardo, his first full-length novel, recently won the Man Booker prize, considered one of the most prestigious awards in literature.
We talk with him about short stories, the switch to longer form writing, being a many-times guest on Stephen Colbert’s show and more, when Charlotte Talks.
This show originally aired April 5, 2017.
Guest
George Saunders, short story writer and novelist who wrote Lincoln in the Bardo.
Related links:
George Saunders on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
George Saunders interviewed by Dannye Romine Powell in The Charlotte Observer.
