Part of the Lifelong Fellowship portfolio, the Scholars’ Library is a monthly book talk series, open to Scholars and the general public. In each event, Scholars present, discover and debate their literary works with those in the community and beyond.
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On 18 September, Monica Youn (Texas & University 1993) will discuss and read from her poetry collections, in conversation with Topé Folarin (Texas & Harris Manchester 2004).
Monica is the author of four poetry collections, most recently FROM FROM, which was awarded the Anisfield-Wolf Award and was a New York Times Notable Book and Best Poetry Book of 2023. A former constitutional lawyer, she is a member of the curatorial collective the Racial Imaginary Institute and is a professor of English at UC Irvine.
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The Honourable Malcolm Turnbull AC (New South Wales & Brasenose 1978) discusses his time as Australia’s 29th Prime Minister (2015-2018) and recollections from his time at Oxford, and shares insights in the state of global politics today.
John (British Columbia & Hertford 1967) reads his poetry and talks about the inspiration for his writing and painting. We discuss his love of Greek poet, Sappho, Roman cookery, and a gift left by the herd of elk who visit his quince farm on Vancouver Island.
Maureen (Illinois & New College 1999) discusses her journey writing the book, the challenges of authentic neuroinclusion and the role it stands to play in the age of artificial intelligence, and ways in which to build a universal empathy network where the broadest possible range of cognitive diversity is celebrated as an asset.
Robert Calderisi (Québec & St Peter's 1968) discusses his new biography of Cecil Rhodes, what he learned from 3 years of research into Rhodes, advice for Scholars grappling with the legacy, and examples of other controversial statues.
Joseph Nye (New Jersey & Exeter 1958) discusses his new memoir A Life in the American Century. In conversation with fellow Scholar Ziyi Wang (China & Queen's 2021), Joseph talks about power and political leadership, his personal journey between Harvard and Washington, life in Oxford in the late 50's, and how US academia and government have changed over the years.
Jonathan Shapiro (California & Oriel 1985) discusses his newest book How to be Abe Lincoln: Seven Steps Toward Leading a Legendary Life with Lucas Tse (Hong Kong & Hertford 2018). Does Lincoln still matter? Why is laughter the first step to being Lincoln? and how would Lincoln handle our current political climate?
Geza (Ontario & St Catherine's 1972) discusses his three memoirs, For the Children, The Expo Affair and The Fencers. All three books in this trilogy of narrative memoirs are true stories of escape attempts Geza was involved in during the Cold War. They are gripping tales of bravery and the will to survive and achieve a better life in a free country and are particularly relevant today with the brutal Russian aggression in Ukraine, and the similar plight of many Ukrainian refugee families.
Jennifer (Australia-at-Large & Balliol 2006) discusses her book Silenced Women: Why The Law Fails Women and How to Fight Back (previously published as How Many More Women?) with Scholar in Residence Maisy Bentley (New Zealand & Balliol 2023). Jennifer talks about censorship against women, the #MeToo movement, and how we might begin to understand the problems of gender-based violence in our society.
Max (South Africa-at-Large & Magdalen 1980) discusses his book Statues and Storms. In conversation with Nomfundo Ramalekana (South Africa-at-Large & Lady Margaret Hall 2015), Max talks about protests, protest movements and how this has changed over recent years, the removal of the Rhodes statue at UCT as well as the relationship between leadership and making tough decisions.
Charalee (Prairies & Wadham 1982) discusses her books on law, climate change and art and how the Paris Agreement and COP conferences have influenced her work.
Jeremy (New Hampshire & St John's 2003) discusses his book Every Life is on Fire. In conversation with Samantha O'Sullivan (Maryland/DC & Magdalen 2022) Jeremy talks about thermodynamics and the origins of life, and if science can help us find purpose in the universe, and intersections between ideas from Torah and from science.
Andrea (Jamaica & Templeton 1989) & Jonathan talk about their tips on how to be intentional in relationships, and what that means, how we can improve 'relational intelligence' and also ways to develop habits of success in all types of relationships.
Marilynn (Kansas & Jesus 1988) talks about her journey into Northern Irish literature (during her time at Oxford!), how each of her projects grew out of previous ones, and the background to this book specifically.
Subhashish (India & Magdalen 2014) talks about How Britain designed public institutions in its colonies, why India retained these institutions at independence, and what constitutes 'good' public institutions.
Mark (Saskatchewan & St John's 1975) speaks about his physical journey, his journey of writing the book, as well as the impact of the Hippie Trail and the learnings we can take from it today
Nina (Texas & New College 2013) speaks about anti-Black prejudice among White Americans, the significance of local geography for US racial politics, and her experience as a Black woman talking to White people about race in the US South.
Henriette discusses (Vermont & St Hugh's 1982) the journey of writing the book, ethics, leadership and authenticity, both in life and art. She touches upon the great age of Antarctic exploration, women's suffrage in the UK and photography in the early 20th century.
Andrew (Québec & Exeter 2008) discusses the journey of writing the book, idealism, racism & reconciliation.
Sarah (Kentucky & Magdalen 2001) discusses researching of Mars for signs of life, the comparisons between Mars and Earth and also her own writing and research journey.
Carl (Pennsylvania & St Catherine's 1991) discussed how modern mobile media, information and communications technologies that we euphemistically call “smartphones” are rewiring our brains making us less smart and more distracted, divided, and depressed. The good news? There is an emerging digital literacy and scientifically proven ways to protect our brains and improve our mental health.
Jennifer (Alabama & Christ Church 1989) discussed the creative process, the role of poetry in today's world, the use of form vs free verse and what it is like to be both a Scholar and a maker of poetry.
Gladys (Kenya & Oriel 2015) discusses her PhD and writing journey, as well as some tips and tricks for prospective PhD students.
Chisanga (Zambia & Exeter 1976) discussed the current state of Zambia, pathways to improvement and the role colonialism plays.
Martin (Germany & Corpus Christi 1994) discusses Brecht's complex relationship with Greek Tragedy and the tragic tradition, Brecht's role as a theatre artist and his continued relevance today, as well as Martin's writing journey.
Ken (Kenya & St Catherine's 1988) discussed Africa-China relations, displacement, diaspora and finding a place in a globalised world, as well as his journey to becoming a writer, and what inspired Black Ghosts.
