(2-12-2017) 10 Thousand Dollar Episode Spectacular - Cumtown Premium (23)

This book is a monumental biography of Robert Moses, who was the single most powerful man in New York City and State during his time. It explores how Moses accumulated and wielded power, shaping the city through his public works projects, including highways, bridges, and parks. The book delves into Moses's early life, his idealistic beginnings, and his transformation into a powerful figure who dominated New York's politics without ever being elected. It also highlights the social and environmental impacts of his projects and his eventual fall from power. The biography is renowned for its detailed and nuanced portrayal of power dynamics in urban politics.

In this novel, Mark Twain tells the story of Hank Morgan, a mechanic from Connecticut who, after a severe blow to the head, finds himself transported to the court of King Arthur in the sixth century. Using his modern knowledge and practical skills, Hank navigates the complexities of medieval life, challenges the customs of the time, and attempts to introduce democratic principles and technological innovations. The novel is a humorous yet critical exploration of the contrasts between modern and medieval societal norms, highlighting themes such as time travel, satire, and the clash of cultures.

In this Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir, Frank McCourt recounts his childhood in Brooklyn and Limerick, Ireland. Born to recent Irish immigrants, Frank's family faces severe poverty and hardship due to his father's chronic alcoholism. Despite the dire conditions, Frank's father nurtures his love for storytelling, which becomes a crucial element in his survival. The memoir vividly describes the family's struggles, including near-starvation, the death of siblings, and the casual cruelty of relatives and neighbors, all told with humor, eloquence, and remarkable forgiveness.

'Apt Pupil' tells the story of Todd Bowden, a bright and seemingly all-American teenager, who discovers that his neighbor, Arthur Denker, is a former Nazi war criminal. Instead of turning him in, Todd becomes obsessed with Denker's past and demands that he recount his experiences in detail. As their relationship deepens, both Todd and Denker descend into darkness, engaging in acts of manipulation, violence, and moral depravity. The novella explores themes of evil, corruption, and the seductive power of violence. Through its disturbing and suspenseful narrative, King creates a chilling portrayal of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of ordinary lives.