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little mood with Daniel M. Lavery happens twice a week. Slate Plus members get an additional mini episode

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Sign up now to listen at slate.com slash mood. Hello, and welcome back to the show.

I am your host, Daniel M. Lavery, and with me in the studio this week is Joe Livingston, the cultural staff writer for the New Republic and the most recent recipient of the Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing from the National Book Critics Circle.

Joe, welcome.

Thank you for bringing yourself and your excellence.

I could only guarantee myself, unfortunately.

But thank you so much for having me. This is a great thrill and an honor. I am thrilled,

as you know. I have now gotten to see you in your wonderful face twice this week, the first time

being when you brought your perfect new dog over and we just sat on the floor and watched our dogs

become best, best friends.

...