BSG #70: The True American Dream: Colonialism / Olga Dies Dreaming

Book Squad Goals

Okay, but seriously, what IS the American dream? This week, we’re joined by special guest Janet Dale as we attempt to find the answer in the pages of Olga Dies Dreaming, the debut novel by Xochitl Gonzalez. Also on the agenda: dysfunctional families, Puerto Rico’s historic and continued struggle as a U.S. territory, the personal cost of becoming a revolutionary, and men with coca cola-colored eyes who make love with their socks on. We also shout out Emily, who is absent due to her recent move to Seattle, and Susan, who welcomed her new baby girl, Amira Justine Reach, to the world! Join us for our othersode on August 22nd when we’ll talk about the new film Bullet Train with author Samantha Allen—and don’t worry, we WILL be discussing her lesbian bigfoot novel Patricia Wants to Cuddle. Then, on September 5th, you can enjoy our next bookpisode on You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi. Don’t forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple podcasts, follow us @booksquadgoals on social, and email your feedback on this or any episode to [e-mail]!
TOC
:30–Welcome, Janet! Icebreaker and announcements
9:30–content warnings and book intro
11:39–Triangle of family dysfunction
25:00–Educating the reader. Does it work?
34:00–stucture
50:00– ethical king Matteo
1:00:00–What is the American Dream?
1:06:35–This is getting a TV show! Thoughts on casting?
1:11:10– Ratings!
1:17:17– What’s on the blog? What’s up next?
Links:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/10/books/review/olga-dies-dreaming-xochitl-gonzalez.html
https://mobile.twitter.com/THEsisterjanet