New books on Magic Johnson, Marvel, and Lincoln feature in KJZZ Word episode

KJZZ’s literary program, Word, released a new episode on October 29, 2023, that coincides with the Halloween season. The broadcast focuses on three distinct subjects: the basketball legend Earvin Johnson, the dominance of Marvel Studios in Hollywood, and the political strategies of President Abraham Lincoln. The episode features discussions with authors Roland Lazenby, Gavin Edwards, and NPR’s Steve Inskeep regarding their new publications.

The first segment of the program examines a new biography titled Magic, written by Roland Lazenby. Lazenby is a prolific writer in the basketball genre, best known for his definitive work on Michael Jordan. The new book centers on Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., an all-star player for the Los Angeles Lakers. According to a review cited in the episode, Lazenby conducted hundreds of interviews with Johnson’s coaches, representatives, teammates, opponents, friends, and family members. The author also engaged in key conversations with Johnson over several years to produce a comprehensive study of the revolutionary player, capturing both the dark and light aspects of his life.

Another major topic in the episode is the rise of Marvel Studios. Gavin Edwards, who has written fourteen books, is one of three authors behind a new chronicle titled MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. The other authors are culture writers Joanna Robinson and Dave Gonzales. The book is described as an unauthorized, behind-the-scenes account of how Marvel went from a waning toymaker to the dominant player in global pop culture. The authors draw on more than a hundred interviews with actors, producers, directors, and writers to present this definitive history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The final segment of the episode features Steve Inskeep, a co-host of NPR’s Morning Edition. Inskeep offers insights into his new biography of President Abraham Lincoln, titled Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded In A Divided America. The book explores Lincoln’s attempts to maintain the union during a deeply divided period in American history. Inskeep notes that the work addresses slavery, which he identifies as the most horrific aspect of American history.

Listeners can also tune in to Morning Edition with Inskeep and KJZZ’s Phil Latzman on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. The next episode of Word is scheduled for November 14, 2023. The program encourages fans to follow KJZZ on social media and invites them to participate in a literary-themed Halloween costume contest. The contest offers prizes in both kids and adults categories, with a submission deadline of November 4.

Episodes of Word are available on multiple platforms, including the NPR podcast feed and YouTube. The program continues to explore the intersection of literature and popular culture, providing listeners with detailed discussions on the latest releases in nonfiction and biography.

The inclusion of these three diverse topics in a single episode highlights the range of contemporary literary interests. From the sports world to the film industry and historical politics, the authors provide in-depth analyses that go beyond surface-level narratives. The episode serves as a resource for readers interested in these subjects, offering context and background through the perspectives of the writers themselves.

Roland Lazenby’s work on Magic Johnson aims to provide a definitive look at the player’s career and personal life. By interviewing a wide array of individuals connected to Johnson, Lazenby constructs a detailed portrait of the basketball icon. The book is positioned as a significant addition to the literature on professional basketball, building on Lazenby’s previous successes in the genre.

The book on Marvel Studios addresses the cultural phenomenon that has reshaped the film industry. The authors investigate how an upstart studio managed to conquer the world, a transformation that occurred in less than two decades. The narrative covers the uncertain current state of the Marvel brand while detailing its stunning rise. This chronicle is based on extensive research and interviews with key figures in the industry.

Steve Inskeep’s biography of Lincoln focuses on the challenges he faced in a divided nation. The title of the book, Differ We Must, reflects the central theme of the work. Inskeep explores how Lincoln succeeded in maintaining the union despite the profound divisions of the time. The book serves as a historical analysis that connects past events to broader themes of American identity and governance.