The Bookshelf with Larry Donnelly
Summary
Law lecturer Larry Donnelly joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss his favorite book, J. Anthony Lukas' nonfiction work "Common Ground," which chronicles the disastrous 1970s school busing crisis in Boston through three family perspectives. Donnelly explains how the policy failed by pitting poor white and black families against each other, a formative experience that shaped his political views. He also shares his current read, Gary Murphy's "Anatomy of a T-Shock," and his honorable mention, "A Season on the Brink," a classic sports narrative about coach Bob Knight.
Topics discussed
Introduction of guest Larry Donnelly
Guest admits to reading fewer books than expected
Revealing favorite book: Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas
Overview of the 1970s Boston school busing crisis
Discussion on the book's non-fiction nature and research
Value of multiple perspectives in the narrative
Analysis of why the busing plan failed socially
Guest's political views shaped by the busing era
Current reading: Gary Murphy's book on Brian Cowen
Honorable mention: Season on the Brink sports book
Discussion on fiction vs non-fiction preferences
Defense of crime thrillers and genre fiction
Praise for Dennis Lehane and closing remarks
Show sign-off
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