Nerd: Adventures in Fandom from This Universe to the Multiverse

“Every nerd has a fan moment that sparks off the circuits in your brain like a train of firecrackers,” writes Phillips. Whether one is mentally in Metropolis or Mordor, a Twihard or a Trekkie, arts and entertainment critic Phillips (Erou) wants to talk about what makes people tick. In this engaging collection of essays, she analyzes fandoms—why they are so beloved, when they hit the mark, and where they fall short. From race to religion to gender identity, Phillips shows how modern society is represented and remade through various fandoms of film and fiction. When done right, pop culture can confront and correct real-world issues; when done wrong, they can compound and even create them. Read by the author, the narratives take on a nostalgic note that is approachable and absorbing. Phillips gives a pensive and playful performance, enticing listeners with her incisive observations.