In this book club edition of Inside the Design Studio, David Peck sits down with Matt Layfield to dissect Barbara Kingsolver's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Demon Copperhead. Set in the heart of Appalachia, the book is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, but with a contemporary twist that tackles everything from the opioid crisis to systemic poverty. Kingsolver's deep connection to the region brings authenticity and empathy to her storytelling, making this a deeply impactful read. Together, David and Matt explore parallels with Hillbilly Elegy, the devastating role Purdue Pharma played in exploiting the region's pain, and how the novel serves as both a poignant social commentary and a story of personal resilience.
Expect deep insights, some gallows humor, and a whole lot of literary love. Grab a drink—you'll need it for this one!
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
The focus of this episode and a must-read for anyone interested in modern social commentary with a Dickensian twist.
Link to Demon Copperhead
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
An earlier work by Kingsolver that explores themes of religion, colonialism, and family, set in the Congo.
Link to The Poisonwood Bible
Pharma: Greed, Lies, and the Poisoning of America by Gerald Posner
An in-depth look at the pharmaceutical industry, from benzodiazepines to OxyContin, including the Sackler family's role.
Link to Pharma
Racism Without Racists by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva
An essential read that breaks down systemic racism and how it operates subtly in society.
Link to Racism Without Racists
